The beautiful island of Saint Lucia will once again stage an international triathlon, and will again be supported by double Olympic gold medal winner and British athletics legend, Daley Thompson. Daley will act as Ambassador for the St Lucia Triathlon, promoting the event in the UK and joining competitors out at the event on 22 November 2014.
The Saint Lucia Triathlon is being organised by Human Race founder and the London 2012 Olympic triathlon competition manager, John Lunt and his dedicated crew. Last year, 22 crew made the trip. Their aim is to support and grow triathlon events in the Caribbean, especially in Saint Lucia.
Following the event, as at the inaugural event in 2013, the team will be donating all their equipment to the islanders so they can organise their own events and encourage more Saint Lucian’s to start swimming, cycling and running. Since last year’s event there is now a triathlon club on the island and some small try-a-tri events are being planned.
The Saint Lucia Triathlon will be the culmination of a week-long festival of fun activities hosted by Tri St Lucia and these include: a 2Km ocean swim, an aquathlon (swim and run) and a beach run. Designed with all ages and fitness levels in mind, these activities will provide holidaymakers with a taste of the overall triathlon experience, offering families, couples and single people the opportunity to take part.
With four separate competitive distances available, the course includes a swim in the beautiful clear waters of Rodney Bay, then a tough hilly and a challenging bike ride and finally the run loop to Pigeon Island and back.
Event distances include:
- 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
- The Musket: 2250m swim, 39.6K bike, 15K run
As well as the event, there will also be a number of island receptions including a pre-race party, a post event BBQ and party with prize giving and a spectacular ocean boat trip to the Pitons for all competitors and partners. Airport transfers and free bike carriage on flights are also available.
Jean Marc Flambert, Marketing Director, UK and Europe at the Saint Lucia Tourist Board said, “We are delighted to support the Saint Lucia Triathlon, after last year’s success; we strongly believe that Saint Lucia can offer a great back drop to many sporting events. We are keen to start showcasing the island to sports people. With support of athletic greats such as Daley Thompson, it’s sure to be a great success.”
Daley Thompson said “I’m extremely excited to be part of the Saint Lucia Triathlon. Last year was fantastic, the stunning scenery and humid conditions make it one of the most idyllic but challenging triathlons I’ve seen. With the relay teams, there is something for everyone. I can’t wait to meet everyone at the finishing line!”
Event Director John Lunt added, “This event is a fantastic end of season treat for those triathletes, and their partners, that have raced hard all season. The weather is always great in Saint Lucia and you will be a guaranteed a very warm and friendly welcome; take this opportunity to visit the Caribbean.”
As a pre-Christmas travel period, November is off peak. Weekly, all inclusive food packages including flights from the UK and accommodation start at around £1,000. With two flights a day into Saint Lucia, and with so many options of travel and accommodation, the event is positioned as being easy for UK and international triathletes to book a package online.
