2012 overall champion Cameron Roach catches his breath on the bike leg
(Eleuthera, Bahamas) -By Race Staff: A new course and new student division highlight the 2013 version of the Pineapple Fest Triathlon – the Pineappleman – and early registration is now open.
The 16 kilometer bicycle leg of the annual endurance race now loops from Gregory Town’s cove, site of the starting 500-meter swim leg, out to the Glass Window Bridge and back. The climaxing run leg remains 5 kilometers.
“We felt like having a natural wonder like the Glass Window and allowing the cyclists to stretch their legs on some nice level road was something we wanted to try,” said race director Tom Glucksmann, who said taking out two climbs of ‘The Hill’ on the bike was meant to make the race a little easier.
‘The Hill’ which lies just north of Gregory Town will still be climbed twice from the saddle and twice in running shoes.
Glucksmann is hoping for strong interest in the new student division. High school age competitors will race on the same open course and there will be a shorter primary school race. Special prizes will be awarded to the top individual and relay finishers for both high school and primary divisions. Racers who may want to just run or bike can get help finding a swimmer and individual racers may also tag a relay team member before continuing with their own race.
“The whole point is to get more locals in the race,” Glucksmann said. “There’s no better place to start than the high schools where most of the kids have the energy and fitness to do it.” 2 or 3-person relay teams will be allowed to enter. Lifeguards on kayaks and surfboards ensure water safety and policemen will be patrolling the roads, which will remain open. Drivers are urged to slow down and use caution.
Race day is less than three months away. Check in begins 8 a.m. June 1 (Date Changed to June 8th ) at the Gregory Town cove. Race start will be 8:45 a.m. sharp.
To find out about early registration email tom@bahamasadventures.com. Anyone registered before May 1st gets a free race t-shirt or tank top.
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