Athletes will take on a fresh challenge at the 2012 St Anthony’s Triathlon as race officials have permanently moved the open water swim portion of the race to an area of Tampa Bay north of North Shore Pool in St Petersburg, Florida.
The St. Anthony’s Triathlon, one of the best known triathlons in the United States, is now part of the World Triathlon Corporation (WTC) 5150 Triathlon Series. The swim course will be 1.5K or 0.93 miles. The bike and run portions of the race and the transition areas will remain the same, at 40K and 10K, respectively.
During last year’s triathlon, the swim course was relocated away from the St Petersburg Pier and shortened to 1,000m due to weather conditions. “Numerous competitors told us how much they liked the swim course last year, so we decided to make the permanent move to the new location,” said St. Anthony’s Hospital President Bill Ulbricht.
“We think the change is necessary because of potential construction at the pier and that this new course will continue to offer athletes an excellent challenge as they build to the other two legs of the race.”
The St Anthony’s Triathlon is sanctioned by USA Triathlon (USAT). The race, which has served as the USA Triathlon Regional Championship for many years, is also a qualifier for the 5150 US Championship event.
Part of a three-day weekend event that includes a sports and fitness expo and the Meek & Mighty Triathlon on 28 April 2012, the StAnthony’s Triathlon will be held on 29 April 2012. The event opens registration for its 29th annual race starting at 09:00 EST on Thursday 1 December 2011. Approximately 4,000 athletes competed in the 2011 event.
