April 12, 2007
-- Press Release: A record number of more than 4,000 amateur and professional athletes from 46 states and 15 countries will swim, bike and run during the 24th annual St. Anthony’s Triathlon. St. Anthony’s Triathlon, sponsored and produced by St. Anthony’s Health Care, will take place on Sunday, April 29, 2007.
As one of the nation’s premier multi-sport events, St. Anthony’s Triathlon is known for attracting high-caliber, world-class athletes to its scenic course along the waterfront of downtown St. Petersburg. St. Anthony’s Triathlon introduced several changes to this year’s event, including a new male and female elite amateur division that will allow amateur triathletes who meet certain qualifications to compete against each other in the same wave. Top finishers receive $10,000 in product and prizes.
The weekend of events will kick off Friday, April 27 with athlete check-in and a sports and fitness expo from noon to 7 p.m. Continuing through Saturday, the expo will be open from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. and athlete check-in will be from noon to 7 p.m.
The weekend competition begins Saturday, April 28 at 8 a.m. with the Meek & Mighty Triathlon, presented by Outspokin Bicycles and Pro Shop. The Meek & Mighty Triathlon, which takes place at North Shore Pool, is a unique short distance run-bike-pool swim race for youths ages 7-14 and novice adults.
On Sunday, April 29, more than 4000 professional elite and amateur men and women athletes, ages 15-87, along with 100 relay teams will compete in St. Anthony’s Triathlon. The top 10 pro men and women will split $56,000 in prize money and overall winners will receive $10,000 each. The triathlon begins at 7 a.m. with alternate wave starts at Spa Beach for the 1.5K swim. Following the 40K bike throughout downtown and southeast St. Petersburg, competitors hit the pavement to complete a 10K run that finishes at Vinoy Park. The race ends with a festive awards party featuring live music and great food.
The men’s professional field is headlined by world-class athletes, including: the world’s 2005 top-ranked male Hunter Kemper, Olympian and men’s champion runner-up in the 2006 St. Anthony’s Triathlon; 2006 USA Triathlon athlete of the Year, Andy Potts, recent Ford Ironman 70.3 California winner and Olympian; and Australians Chris McCormack, former ITU World Champion and multiple Ironman winner, and Craig Alexander, who won the inaugural 2006 Ford Ironman World Championship 70.3 held in Clearwater, Fla.
Also appearing at this year’s triathlon is 2005 and 2006 St. Anthony’s Triathlon pro female winner, Becky Lavelle. Top challengers competing against Lavelle are 2006 Chicago Triathlon Champion and 2006 Ford Ironman World Championship 70.3 winner Samantha McGlone, a Canadian, and Sarah Haskins who finished second at 2006 St. Anthony’s Triathlon.
There is also a way to participate without competing in the race by volunteering to assist with registration, distribute water to athletes, assist at the finish line, or serve in a number of other important roles. Volunteers are needed April 27–29 and will receive a commemorative race T-shirt, access to the volunteer hospitality tent and an opportunity to interact with world-class athletes. To volunteer, call (727) 825-1271 or register online at www.satriathlon.com.