Triathlon

Full Fort De Soto field opens season

The Tampa Bay Triathlon Series kicks off today with the 17th annual Escape from Fort De Soto Triathlon.

By JESSICA FISH
© St. Petersburg Times
published April 12, 2003

Racing rain or shine, the 700 competitors will swim a half-mile, bike 11 miles and run 3.1 miles. The starting cannon will boom at 7:30 a.m.

Fort De Soto's season opener filled its field several weeks ago. The race is so popular because it appeals to all levels of triathletes.

Last year's winners were former world champion Simon Lessing, 31, of Great Britain (winning in 1 hour, 6 minutes, 2 seconds); and Ironman Wisconsin champion Heather Gollnick, 32, of Hartford, Wis. (1:19:44).

The St. Pete Mad Dogs will bring out the team flags and banners and the hospitality as they cheer rookies and their boarding Europeans and Canadians, who are tuning up for the St. Anthony's Triathlon.

Spirits are high each year, and running atop the old fort (some stairs and sandy sections included), followed by postrace partying in the fort, add to the adventure.

Bill Hansbury will award the annual "middle of the pack" Boston Bill prizes along with top five in most USA Triathlon categories, including relay teams.

The Tampa Bay Triathlon Series also includes the Madeira Beach Triathlon on May 18, Top Gun Triathlon on Aug. 2, the Tarpon Springs Triathlon on Sept. 13 and the Suncoast Triathlon on Nov. 8.

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