Key West Triathlon to Test Athletes’ Endurance in Subtropical Setting
KEY WEST, Florida Keys — Athletes seeking a warm-weather event to test their physical and mental stamina can compete in the annual Key West Triathlon set for Sunday, Dec. 10, near the entrance to the continental United States’ southernmost island.
Produced by Integrity Multisport and presented by Mack Cycle, the racing challenge includes swimming in Gulf of Mexico waters, biking a portion of the scenic Florida Keys Overseas Highway and running along a water’s-edge course.
Competitors can choose the event’s international-distance triathlon; long or short sprint-distance triathlon; duathlon or aquabike competitions. Two- or three-person relay teams can participate as well, with individual team members tackling different legs of the selected race.
The international-distance triathlon features an 800-meter swim, 20-mile bicycle ride and 5-mile run. Long sprint-distance contenders are to complete a 400-meter swim, 14-mile bicycle ride and 3.6-mile run; while short sprint-distance participants are tasked with a 200-meter swim, 8-mile bike ride and 2-mile run. Aquabike entrants compete in a 400-meter swim and 14-mile bike ride; the duathlon features a 1-mile run, 14-mile bicycle ride and 3.6-mile run.
The weekend schedule kicks off Saturday, Dec. 9, with a packet pickup set for 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at race headquarters at the College of the Florida Keys, 5901 College Road.
Saturday’s events also include a 1 p.m. pre-race clinic, required for first-time participants and recommended for all, at the same location.
Sunday’s action is to begin with a 6-7 a.m. late packet pickup and bike check-in at the college, followed by the races’ wave starts at preset intervals.
Awards await the top three finishers in varying age groups, as well as the top three overall male and female finishers and top three male and female masters for racers age 40 and above. In addition, all participants that complete the event are to receive a medal. Presentations follow the mandated conclusion of each race.
The Key West Triathlon is sanctioned by USA Triathlon.
International-distance entry fees are $209 per individual and $289 per relay team. Long sprint-distance triathlon and duathlon entry fees are $179 per individual and $259 per team, while the aquabike fee is $179 per individual as well. Entrants in the short sprint-distance triathlon pay $159 per individual and $239 per relay team.
Event information, course maps and registration: keywestriathlon.com
The Key West Triathlon racing challenge includes swimming, biking and running in the southernmost island city.
Racers in the international, long sprint, short sprint and aquabike categories start with swims of varying distances in Gulf of Mexico waters.
All participants that complete the event are to receive a medal.