The first St Lucia Triathlon took place in the Caribbean last weekend as around 150 international and local triathletes raced at the beautiful Landings resort on the island. The triathlon attracted competitors from the UK, USA, Martinique, Trinidad and Tobago and elsewhere in the Caribbean – with athletes racing over various distances.
The event also included a kid’s triathlon and aquathlon, which attracted a host of local kids, many of whom are coached by St Lucian Olympic swimmer and Race Director Jamie Peterkin.
The St Lucia Triathlon course included a swim in the beautiful clear waters of Rodney Bay, a tough hilly bike ride and finally a flat run to Pigeon Island and back. Event distances included:
- The Dagger: 200m swim, 6.6K bike, 2.5K run
- The Pistol: 750m swim, 13.2K bike, 5K run
- The Cutlass: 1500m swim, 26.4K bike, 10K run
- For the Children’s events there was a 100m swim, an 800m bike and an 800m run as their challenge.
There were also a number of adult relay teams that competed across all distances and there were also 35 kids who took part in a children’s triathlon and aquathlon. The kids’ events in particular created a fantastic atmosphere as parents and lots of locals gathered to cheer on the youngest triathletes.
The main event triathlon, which took place on Saturday 23 November 2013 in the tranquil surroundings of Rodney Bay and the picturesque Pigeon Island, was ‘fully powered’ by the telecommunications company Digicel, a key sponsor of the event.
As well as event ambassador and Double Gold Olympic champion Daley Thompson, the St Lucia Triathlon attracted a number of dignitaries including Her Excellency Dame Pearl Louisy; Minister for Tourism Lorne Theophilus; and also Louis Lewis (Director of Tourism for the island) who took part in the triathlon.
Human Race was also thrilled to welcome IOC member and St Lucian, Richard Peterkin; and prize winners were delighted to receive their prizes from the event’s special guests.
Event ambassador Daley Thompson said “I am delighted to be involved with the first annual St Lucia Triathlon which has been a phenomenal success. All the athletes had a fantastic time and enjoyed competing in such a stunning location and I look forward to being involved in the triathlon for many years to come.”
The St Lucia Triathlon, which was the brain child of John Lunt of Human Race, alongside Adam Gobat and Daley Thompson, was the culmination of a week-long schedule of events. These included a 5K run, sea swim and aquathlon, as well as a boat trip and pre and post race parties.
The St Lucia Triathlon is an annual event and will take place again on the beautiful Caribbean island in November 2014.
