Key West Triathlon to Test Athletes’ Endurance Dec. 7
KEY WEST, Florida Keys — Athletes are to vie for mastery in swimming, running and biking in the continental United States’ southernmost city during the annual Key West Triathlon set for Saturday, Dec. 7. Presented by Mack Cycle, the subtropical challenge is to draw up to 1,000 U.S. and international participants.
Key West Triathlon entrants are to swim in the waters of the Atlantic Ocean, bike along a portion of the Florida Keys’ scenic Overseas Highway and run on a fast, flat course beside the Atlantic.
Both Olympic-distance and shorter sprint-distance triathlons are scheduled. The Olympic-distance competition features a 1.5k swim, 40k bicycle ride and 10k run, while sprint-distance participants are to complete a .75k swim, 20k bicycle ride and 5k run.
Relay teams of two or three people can compete as well, with each team member tackling a different leg of the challenge.
In addition, a sprint-distance duathlon is planned featuring a 1-mile run, 20k bicycle ride and 5k run.
Also offered are an Aquabike category that consists of a 1.5k swim and 40k bike ride and an Aquathlon category that features a 1.5k swim and 10k run.
The weekend events kick off with a final race packet pickup set for noon to 9 p.m. Friday, Dec. 6, at Higgs Beach on Atlantic Avenue, headquarters for the event. Packet pickup is not allowed on race day.
Event organizers encourage participants to attend a prerace clinic, offered at 1 and 5 p.m. Friday, featuring information on training, nutrition and last-minute tips. Attendance at a clinic is mandatory for first-time competitors.
A race expo is scheduled at Higgs Beach from noon to 6 p.m. Friday and 7-11 a.m. Saturday.
Saturday’s racing action is to begin at 7 a.m., with wave starts planned at preset intervals and the finish line at Higgs Beach.
A post-race block party is scheduled at 3 p.m. Saturday at Charlie Mac’s restaurant at 404 Southard St., highlighted by a 4 p.m. awards presentation. Awards await the top three finishers in varying age groups for each competition, as well as the top three overall male and female finishers and top three male and female masters for racers age 40 and above.
Registration fees for sprint-distance triathlon and duathlon racers are $125 for an individual and $200 for a relay team. Olympic-distance fees are $169 for a single athlete and $270 for a relay team. Fees for Aquathlon and Aquabike categories are $169 per person as well.
Event information, course maps and registration: trikw.com
Key West visitor information: fla-keys.com/keywest or 1-800-LAST-KEY
