Feb. 29, 2008 — Locals athletes and those from afar see St. Croix as a place with opportunities for races year round, and local organizers have added races steadily to satisfy that vision.
It started with the St. Croix Ironman 20 years ago. The Triathlon Series now includes six races. The first date in the 2008 series is March 9, and offers a regular triathlon, as well as a shorter version.
"A lot of people who have moved here are giving triathlons a try," said Tom Guthrie, race director for the East End Triathlon. He has a suggestion for the Department of Tourism: "There should be a welcome packet at the airport introducing our races."
The East End Sprint Triathlon and Try-A-Tri are being moved this year to Cramers Park to offer a calmer swim leg. The Sprint distance race will feature an 800-yard swim, 14-mile bike and three-mile run, and is open to individuals and relay teams.
This is the hardest sprint, according to Guthrie: "The east end is hilly and windy. The wind is tough on bikers and swimmers."
Organizers expect 75 participants this year, Guthrie said.
The Try-A-Tri, in its seventh year, is for those interested in being introduced to the sport and may want to attempt a shorter distance. The race will include a 400-yard swim, six-mile bike and 1.5-mile run.
"Swimmers, bikers and runners can team up and try the Try-A-Tri," Guthrie said. The Try-A-Tri will also be open to children 12 and over.
Both races start at 7 a.m., and race-day registration begins at 6:15 a.m. Pre-race entry forms are available at Stamina Sports, located at 4A Orange Grove. For more information, call 773-8456.
The six-race series allows Virgin Islanders the opportunity to compete in professionally produced sporting events, organizers say. These swim-bike-run races allow racers of all calibers to enjoy the rich scenery of the island.
The five remaining races in the series are:
— April 6: West is Best, Cocoanuts in Frederiksted;
— May 4: St. Croix Ironman 70.3 and Sprint, Christiansted;
— Sept. 21: Toyota Wall2Wall, Cane Bay;
— Oct. 5: Stamina Sports Duathlon, Cramers Park; and
— Nov. 16: Caribbean Classic, Buccaneer.
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