May 25, 2006 –The V.I. National Park's Beach-to-Beach Power Swim is set for Sunday. The competitive swim has something for everyone, according to Karen Brady, Friends of the National Park development director.
"Depending on the challenge you set for yourself, the Friends' Beach-to-Beach Power Swim has a course for you," a release from the Friends said.
"Swim the long course from Maho Bay to Hawksnest Bay (about 3.5 miles) either solo, or recruit two friends to make a relay team, with transition points at Cinnamon and Trunk Beaches. Or if you prefer shorter distances, choose the one-mile individual swim from Maho Bay to Cinnamon Bay, or the intermediate course beginning at Maho Bay and swim to Trunk Bay (about 2.25 miles). To encourage as many people to participate as possible, swimmers can use fins, snorkels, exposure suits, etc. in an 'assisted swimmer' category."
Since the inception of the Power Swim in 2004, more than 100 swimmers each year have participated in this celebration of the park's protected waters and beaches, which are world-renowned for their picturesque beauty, white sand beaches, and abundant coral reefs.
"This event will be fun and challenging, and your participation will help us protect and preserve the park," Brady said.
Kathie Laseter of St. Thomas will be back to defend the woman's title on the long course, and Megan Iffland of St. John will defend her title as the short-course champ.
"We are also beginning to draw more swimmers from the states, with participants coming from California, Texas, Georgia, Florida, Maryland, Massachusetts, New York, Connecticut, and Tennessee; and continue to have a strong contingent from Puerto Rico," said Brady.
For detailed information on the Power Swim or to register, call the Friends office at (340) 779-4940. Or register in person at Connections in Cruz Bay; Endurance Sports at either Havensight, St. Thomas or Sunny Isle, St. Croix; or GNC at Red Hook.
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