Training intensifies for triathlon
Jonathan Webster (left) and Gordon Philip (right) of Cayman First flank race director Paul Schreiner
(CNS Local Life): Athletes are already gearing up for the Cayman Islands Triathlon, one of the most gruelling athletic events on the island’s sporting calendar, which is scheduled for Sunday, 4 November. The annual event of the Cayman Islands Triathlon Association is the highlight of the triathlon season and starts at Public Beach.
Participants have the choice of two courses: the sprint distance, which requires athletes to race a 750m swim, a 12.4 mile bike ride and a 3.1 mile run, and the Olympic distance, an extremely testing 1,500m swim, 24.8 mile bike ride and 6.2 mile run, stated a press release. Athletes have the choice of competing in the Olympic distance as individuals or in a two- or three-person relay.
Race director Paul Schreiner said the triathlon was an important community event. “Every year the Cayman Islands Triathlon has over 170 athletes participate in the race, which demonstrates the increasing popularity of triathlons here in Cayman and around the world,” he said. “We are over 20 years putting on this event and we are focusing on continuing to grow the sport of triathlon in the Cayman Islands, thanks to the support of volunteers, participants and sponsors.”
Cayman First Insurance is supporting the event for the third year as title sponsor. The company’s managing director Gordon Phillip said it was “committed to investing in our local community”.
He added, “This event continues to grow in popularity each year and has become extremely well supported by athletes, volunteers and the corporate community. We believe the Cayman Islands Triathlon is an excellent example of how sport can bring the community together to enrich lives and to promote wellness and healthy lifestyles.”
Have A Heart Cayman Islands will be the recipient of a charitable donation from the proceeds of the event.
Schreiner said the Triathlon Association is keen to assist local athletes to perform their best on race day, so a series of training events have been scheduled, with remaining “build-up” dates set for 23 September and 14 October “so participants will have had training sessions to help them prepare for what is, after all, one of the most demanding tests for any athlete, physically and mentally”.
Association President Trevor Murphy added, “The support of our financial and in-kind sponsors and volunteers is key to this successful event. We wish to thank our sponsors for their support and ask anyone who wishes to volunteer to assist at our race to contact the association.”
Online registration for the event is available at Cayman Active. For more information, and for sponsorship and volunteer opportunities, go to the Triathlon Association website or email the organisers
