The seventh annual PPD Beach2Battleship Triathlon, produced by Set Up Events and benefiting the Wilmington Family YMCA, took place this past Saturday 25 October. Nearly 2,200 triathletes from 43 US states and several countries raced the half and full iron distance events. Additionally, more than 200 runners also participated in the inaugural New Hanover Regional Medical Center (NHRMC) 5K.
The seventh outing for the annual PPD Beach2Battleship Triathlon also coincided with title sponsor and clinical trials specialist PPD renewing its sponsorship in a multi-year deal.
“We are pleased to renew our commitment to the PPD Beach2Battleship event and the community we call home for our worldwide headquarters,” said David Simmons, Chairman and CEO of PPD. “PPD began sponsoring the triathlon to support its employees’ commitment to healthy lifestyles and to help educate the public about the vital role clinical research plays in improving health and saving lives. Along the way, the triathlon weekend has grown into a premier celebration of the Cape Fear region. We look forward to remaining part of the PPD Beach2Battleship Triathlon and continuing to invest in this community.”
Among the participants at this year’s event were professional triathletes, age-groupers through to 72 years of age, military personnel, physically challenged paratriathletes, and relay teams.
The PPD Heroes were among the competitors. Each overcame serious illness and participated in the race to raise public awareness about the importance of clinical trials for the development of critical medical treatments. The 2014 PPD Heroes included: Wendy Chioji, Tim Fortuna, Laura Hull, Mary Kreis, Meg Roberts, Chris Samia and Emily Schaller.
Triathlon legend Michellie Jones served as the weekend’s honorary host. She participated in the pro panel breakfast as well as the NHRMC 5K, then greeted athletes at the race expo. The former ITU world champion, Kona Ironman world champion, and Olympic medallist congratulated finishers then presented awards at the athlete celebration brunch.
Dick Jones, CEO of the Wilmington Family YMCA, said, “The PPD Beach2Battleship triathlon is unique in the way it has been forged by the community. That pride is reflected in the excitement and growth of the PPD Beach2Battleship weekend. We are very grateful to the citizens of Wilmington, Wrightsville Beach, and surrounding areas as well as to our tremendous sponsors who make this a top destination race.”
The PPD Beach2Battleship Triathlon and NHRMC 5K benefit the Wilmington Family YMCA. The race, and its beneficiary the Wilmington Family YMCA, receive tremendous support from the business community.
An extensive number of sponsorships were made in 2014 from the following organisations: PPD, New Hanover Regional Medical Center, CLIF Shot, CLIF Bar, PhRMA, FINIS, Inc., Michelob Ultra and Natty Greene’s, Penske Truck Rental, AAA Carolinas, Cumulus Broadcasting, Medidata Solutions, TriBike Transport, Hilton Wilmington Riverside, LM Restaurants, Port City Java, BB&T, Inside Out Sports, Bryant Real Estate, WetSuitRental.com, Rent-A-John, Port City Marina, Without Limits Coaching, ORR Cycling, Rudy Project, Hammer Nutrition, WordwrightWeb, Mojotivation, Amateur Radio Emergency Services, Aquaman, Enterprise Rent-A-Car, Party Suppliers and Rental, Subway, Miller-Motte College, Green Coast Recycling, Blockade Runner, The Home Depot, TOPS Athletics and Synergy ONE Wellness & Performance Lab, Wilmington NC Airport (ILM), Papa John’s Pizza, EZ Box Storage, Wilmington Yoga Center, Toad Hollow Athletics, Sunbelt Rentals, Salming, Gold’s Gym, Summit Plastic Surgery & Dermatology, CompresSport, L & L Tent and Party Rentals, Filmwerks, Patient Centered Care, Downtown Wilmington, Jungle Rapids Family Fun Park, BASE Performance and ORIG3N.
Registration for the 2015 PPD Beach2Battleship opens on 1 November 2014 at www.Beach2Battleship.com.
www.beach2battleship.com
www.ppdi.com
www.wilmingtonfamilyymca.org
www.SetUpEvents.com
