More than 1,500 women, many of them first-time triathletes, will take part in the second annual Hand & Stone Women’s Philadelphia Triathlon on Sunday, July 7 at the Kelly Outdoor Pool in Philadelphia. The beginner-friendly event aligns with Time to Tri, the industry-wide initiative launched by USA Triathlon and IRONMAN last year to increase triathlon participation.
The inaugural Women’s Philadelphia Triathlon in 2018 was widely viewed by the industry as a huge success. It was named the Best Time to Tri First-Timer Event by Triathlon Business International and was a finalist for TBI’s Best Scenic Course award.
At the 2018 event, about 600 women in a field of 1,300 participated in their first-ever triathlon. The 2019 course once again features a 300m pool swim, 9-mile bike on closed roads, and a scenic 5km run through West Fairmount Park.
In addition to the race itself, the event weekend also includes panels led by Women for Tri and instructional sessions geared toward novice triathletes, covering topics such as ‘What New Triathletes Need to Know’ and ‘Super Newbie Transition Set-Up’.
“When USA Triathlon and IRONMAN unveiled Time to Tri last year, we challenged the entire industry, including race directors, to do their part to welcome newcomers to the sport,” said Rocky Harris, USA Triathlon.
“The Hand & Stone Women’s Philadelphia Triathlon is an example of the impact that beginner-friendly resources and race formats can have on aspiring triathletes – which is what Time to Tri is all about. This innovative event provides camaraderie, an inclusive atmosphere and an approachable race course, all of which help to introduce our sport to new people. USA Triathlon is proud to support DelMoSports and Hand & Stone as they gear up for another successful race weekend.”
Stephen DelMonte, Race Director of the Women’s Philadelphia Triathlon said “The energy surrounding the Women’s Philadelphia Triathlon is absolutely electric. We’re lucky to work with amazing partners in Hand & Stone and USA Triathlon. Our goal from day one has always been to create world-class events, and we firmly believe as a result of our collaboration this all-women’s triathlon ranks among the very best in the US.”
Todd Leff, Hand & Stone President and CEO noted, “Our partnerships with USA Triathlon and the Hand & Stone Women’s Philadelphia Triathlon reflect our ongoing outreach to providing athletes, endurance and otherwise, massage services which are widely recognized to be a critical part of training and recovery programs.
“The Philadelphia event is particularly important for us as it aligns with our empowerment message for women and is fast becoming the premier event in our home city of Philadelphia.”
Hand & Stone will offer sports massages for race participants onsite, as well as having its own team participate in the race.
www.delmosports.com/events/womens-philadelphia-triathlon
www.handandstone.com
www.usatriathlon.org
