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News from the Caribbean as of
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St Croix hosts 18th Annual Ironman Triathlon
Thursday, May 4, 2006
by Melody Rames-Wiggins
Caribbean Net News St Croix Correspondent
Email: melody@caribbeannetnews.com
ST CROIX , USVI: Athletes from all over the world are converging on St Croix, where they will compete in the 18th annual Ironman 70.3 Triathlon on May 7.
The St Croix triathlon event -- a test of physical and mental endurance comprised of a 1.2-mile swim, a 56-mile bike and a 13-mile run -- is an official qualifier for the 2006 Ironman World Championships in Kona, Hawaii.
According to race organizer Tom Guthrie, the St Croix race is a favorite of the top competitors.
The scenic landscape combining rolling hills, level surfaces and the challenge of biking up "The Beast" -- the 0.7-mile-long stretch of highway that features a 600-foot climb with an average grade of 14 percent and a maximum grade of 18 percent -- makes this race "a training must" for the world's top athletes.
Guthrie said the reputation of "The Beast" grows every year as bikers struggle to prove their endurance.
The race is organized by Project St Croix, a not-for-profit organization, which has produced the triathlon since 1992. Guthrie is the go-to guy for the local triathlon and has been involved in the race since the beginning.
The St Croix race is also one of 16 official qualifiers for the World Triathlon Corporation 70.3 Ironman Series. The Ironman season culminates at the World Championships in Clearwater, Fla., scheduled for Nov. 11.
The local triathlon has one of the largest purses in the sport, awarding $50,000 each to the top man and woman finisher.
Prizes are also awarded to the top 10 overall men and women, the top three in the different age groups, the top three in the military division, the top overall male and female V.I. residents, the top overall male and female Caribbean residents and the top five male and female finishers in the "short course."
The short course, also called the sprint, features a 750-meter swim, an 8-mile bike that bypasses the infamous "Beast" and a 4-mile run.
Leading up to the big race day, St Croix is welcoming between 800 to 850 athletes and their families to the island. Activities planned for the visitors include Friday's "Jump-Up," a chance for the athletes to enjoy evening shopping, local music and food in Christiansted.
Additionally on Friday, there will be a group photo in front of the Christiansted live webcam and the annual Carbo Feast.
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