The Professional Triathletes Organisation (PTO) is continuing its support of triathlon events; and will provide a US$20,000 professional athlete prize purse for the Olympic Distance Huntington Triathlon. The event takes place on October 3rd, 2020 at Fort Wayne in Indiana.
The Olympic distance event is the latest event to benefit from a PTO prize fund injection. PTO has supported the Spanish Triathlon Championships this month. Two events in the UK – Outlaw X and the Helvellyn Triathlon – also recently received support from PTO. Other prize fund initiatives have benefited events in Germany, the USA, Canada and Switzerland.
The Huntington Triathlon professional race is a non-drafting Olympic distance event and will have a deep-water group start for both men and women. The 1650-yard swim in Lake Clare is followed by a 24.8-mile bike on flat country roads; and the 6.2-mile run is on spectator friendly paved roads around Lake Clare.
Charles Adamo, Executive Chairman of PTO said, “PTO Professionals have continued to reach out and look to see how they can support our triathlon community in these difficult times. Recognising that Olympic distance elites have equally had their season decimated, PTO Professionals thought it would be great to support a race that is Olympic distance, thus allowing both longer distance and Olympic distance professionals the chance to race.
“With the help and guidance of USA Triathlon, the PTO is pleased to be able to support the Olympic Distance Huntington Triathlon with a $20,000 prize purse. We are grateful to USAT and race director Zach Ruble and his Huntington team. Their hard work in these difficult times are a tribute to the spirit of resolve and resilience for which our sport is so famous. It is a joy for the PTO to work together with governing bodies and race organisers to make our sport better.”
Zach Ruble, Huntington Triathlon race director said, “It’s been great to be able to put on a full schedule of races this season when so many others have been cancelled. I’m looking forward to providing a safe and well-organized race for the professionals in conjunction with the existing age group event.
“Thank you to the PTO for choosing to support the professional portion of this event. I hope to see all of their athletes continue to get back to racing into 2021.”
Meredith Kessler, PTO Board Member said, “We are elated that the PTO Professionals are leading the way in uniting to support our triathlon community. It has been a privilege for the PTO Professionals to work with the Huntington Tri Race Director, Zach Ruble, to provide a racing opportunity for triathlon professionals in the United States.
“As a result of the efforts and funding by the PTO, we have been able to create our own opportunities during this time in an effort to try to thrive in our craft. We are so grateful to be a part of the Olympic Distance Huntington Triathlon event in Indiana on October 3, 2020. While these are small, gradual steps, each one is an important and lasting one as PTO Professionals stand alongside their Olympic distance colleagues and all those who love our sport.”
The Huntington Triathlon is held at Lake Clare Fitness Park, Huntington, Indiana; and will have Sprint Triathlon & Duathlon, Olympic Triathlon & Duathlon, Sprint & Olympic Aquabike and 2 & 3 Person Relays for both Sprint and Olympic Triathlons.
www.protriathletes.org
www.rubleracing.org
