Record turnout for Cayman Islands Triathlon
Trevor Murphy of the Cayman Islands Triathlon Association
(CNS): The 2015 Cayman Islands Triathlon, held the beginning of the month, attracted just fewer than 200 triathletes, the largest number of participants for such an event to date.
Marius Acker took first overall in the men’s Olympic course of a 1,500m swim, 40K bike and 10K run in an impressive two hours, 14 minutes, 44 seconds. First-time Olympic distance competitor Stuart Bray took second place, ahead of 2015 double Ironman Dale Avery.
Visiting athlete and past winner, Arwen Lawson, once again gave the on-island female athletes a run for their money. Lawson’s quick transitions saw her secure the women’s Olympic title in two hours, 45 minutes and 43 seconds. Michelle Bailey and Alyssa Dodson were hot on Lawson’s heels in the closest finish of the day, to take second and third place, respectively.
Brandon Williams took the men’s sprint distance title in a time of 1:13:15 with Graham Blyth and Daniel Cummings coming in second and third, respectively, after a tight battle.
In the women’s sprint distance, Gill Comins and Elena Testori competed for the top spot. Comins took first in 1:21:13, less than a minute ahead of Testori. Fleur Vagniez came in third.
A record 16 teams participated in the relay with top finishes earned by Tag You’re It! (mixed), Bailey’s Cream (mixed) and No Balloons (female).
Cayman Islands Triathlon Association (CITA) board members Paul Schreiner, Trevor Murphy and Johann Prinsloo thanked all the volunteers, event sponsors and timing experts Race Caribbean, in helping to make the event a success.
“The record turnout at the tri-training series and triathlon this year is testament to the success of CITA,” Schreiner said. “We knew the day would be successful from the outset as the weather was definitely on our side, with clear conditions and calm waters,” he said, pointing out that the race was run without a hitch.
Schreiner added, “We had over 100 volunteers and many people out cheering the triathletes with everyone playing an important part to ensure the success of the day.”
Katherine Atkinson, business development and marketing manager at race sponsor Elian, said the company was “honoured to be supporting such an important event that not only fuels Cayman’s competitiveness, but also gives back to the community by contributing to the 2015 charity of choice, the Cayman Islands Cancer Society.”
For full race results, visit the Race Caribbean website
