The third annual Digicel Tri Saint Lucia Triathlon offers a week-long festival of fun activities hosted at Rodney Bay.
The Saint Lucia Tourist Board (SLTB) is again lending logistical and technical support to the staging of the third annual Digicel Tri Saint Lucia Triathlon to be held on Saturday, Nov. 21.
Tri Saint Lucia 2015 will be the culmination of a week-long festival of fun activities hosted at Rodney Bay. Events include a Wednesday evening five kilometre beach fun run, a Thursday morning- Aquathlon (swim 500m and run 3km) and a Friday morning two kilometre ocean swim.
Designed with all ages and fitness levels in mind, these activities will provide holidaymakers, and locals with a taste of the overall triathlon event, offering families, couples and singles the opportunity to participate.
With three separate competitive distances available, including relays, the Digicel Saint Lucia Triathlon features something for everyone. The course includes a swim in the beautiful clear waters of Rodney Bay, a tough hilly volcanic bike ride to Cotton Bay and finally, a flat run to Pigeon Island and back.
Event distances include:
The Dagger: 200m swim, 6.6km bike, 2.5km run
The Pistol: 750m swim, 13.2km bike, 5km run
The Cutlass: 1500m swim, 26.4km bike, 10km run
There will also be relay teams covering the same distances. (Relay teams can be 2 or 3 people participating in any of the disciplines). For the children’s events (aged 5 - 9), there will be a 100 metre swim, an 800 metre bike and an 800 metre run. Older children (aged 8 -15) can take part in the Aquathlon (200 metre swim and 800 metre run).
Event organizers are also making arrangements to have children from Saint Lucia’s Special Needs School participate in a specially designed event.
Organizers have expressed pleasure with last year’s numbers which saw approximately 180 participants. This year they are hoping to attract over 200 participants with entry numbers pacing well ahead of last year’s.
Special guests this year include Daley Thompson and running legend, Steve Cram - both Olympic medal winners and world champions. The two will be on island for the entire week supporting all the athletes. They will also conduct free master-classes for all competitors and anyone else wishing to learn from these sporting greats.
“We are hoping they will be invited to go into some local schools and do some work to help promote sports and fitness on the island,” said John Lunt, Event Director, who also expressed gratitude for being able to host the event for yet another year.
“I’m delighted that we have been invited back to your beautiful island to stage a truly iconic triathlon. Each year we build on the successes of the previous year. We are looking forward to turning this Triathlon into a major event on the island’s sporting calendar.”
Daley Thompson Event Ambassador said: “I am sure we will see some great performances. The children’s race and their competitivness is always a highlight for me.”
Country manager for Digicel Saint Lucia, Siobhan James-Alexander said Digicel is proud to be associated with the Saint Lucia Triathlon.
"The Triathlon affords us another opportunity to demonstrate Digicel’s unwavering commitment to the development of sports in Saint Lucia particularly when integrated with an international contingent," she said. "We also recognize the socio-economic benefits that accompany such an event and commend John Lunt and his team in once again bringing the event to our shores.”
Up to date race details and entry processes are available online at www.tristlucia.com
As a build-up to the event, the third Tri Saint Lucia Triathlon will be launched on Sep. 15 at 11 a.m., at The Landings Resort, Rodney Bay.