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Cycling/Triathlon

Beach bash and biathlon preludes to Ironman season

By JESSICA MUNDIE
Published October 11, 2006

Every October, just before the time change and the Ironman full moon, local triathletes celebrate with Clearwater's Steve Strange at the Strangeman's Beach Biathlon at Palm Pavilion.

The 14th annual event is Saturday at 8:30 a.m. at Clearwater Beach. This event is a unique combination of run 2 miles, swim .25 mile, run 2 miles and swim .25 mile, followed by a beach awards party with refreshments and prizes.

Strange is a talented Clydesdale triathlete who retired from the Ironman distance events to concentrate on developing his beach biathlon. The race attracts a field of 200 competitors ranging from local lifeguard champions like Oldsmar's J.P. Atherholt, Ironman triathlete Tiger Mills of Belleair, swim meet competitor Cindy Horrocks of Wesley Chapel, and Tom and Patrice Hoffman, who both won their divisions at the Publix Coca Cola Triathlon last weekend.

The Hoffmans, a Palm Harbor husband-and-wife team, have won their respective age divisions at the biathlon in past seasons. Both members of the USAT Aquathlon World Championship Team, the running and swimming duo were members of Team USA last season, competing in Honolulu in the biggest run-swim event ever held.

"The weather will be awesome this weekend, and the red tide is far south of us," Strangeman's race director Suzanne Henslee said. "This is truly one of my favorite events of the year because it's good for staying in shape and there's no stress at this race."

To register or volunteer for the biathlon, e-mail Henslee at zanna@tampabay.rr.com or call Henslee at 727 642-3 929.

IRONMAN SEASON: After the beach biathlon party, many area locals turn serious again, tending to last-minute Ironman preparations. Florida offers several competitive events to challenge even the most hardcore endurance athletes.

- There's the Ford Ironman World Championship Triathlon in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii, on Oct. 21 with race distances of swim 2.4 miles, bike 112 miles and run 26.2 miles.

St. Pete Mad Dogs members will gather during race week rallies organized by Belleair's Tim Hudson. Ironman triathletes from Florida tend to stay together at the event, known as the Super Bowl of triathlons. Live race day updates will be at www.ironman.com .

- Closer to home, Clermont race director Fred Sommer will host the Great Floridian Triathlon Festival Weekend in Clermont.

First in the weekend's lineup is the Great Floridian Triathlon XVI at Lake Minneola's Waterfront Park in Clermont. Known worldwide as the people's Ironman, the GFT is set for Oct. 21 at 7:30 a.m. Race distances are a full Ironman distance: swim 2.4 miles, bike 112 miles and run 26.2 miles.

That same morning, Sommer invites all triathletes to the Florida Challenge, a half-Ironman distance event (swim 1.2 miles, bike 56 miles, run 13.1 miles) at 8:30 a.m. Sommer and his CFT/Sommer Sports staff said they expect a full field and are calling it the 2006 Great Floridian Triathlon Festival Weekend.

Tri-newbies, sprinters and volunteers will join in the fun at the Floridian Sprint Triathlon at 9:30 a.m. The sprint distance triathlons in Clermont are always short and fast, with distances of swim .25 mile, bike 10 miles and run 3.1 miles. Division winners usually finish in under an hour.

For details on racing and volunteering, contact Sommer at: fred@sommersports.com or (352) 394-1320.

- Ford Ironman Florida Triathlon will be held Nov. 4 at Panama City Beach. Many of Florida's top triathletes will compete, and some will vie for qualifying slots for the 2007 Ford Ironman World Championship Triathlon. Log on for details at www.ironmanflorida.com.

- The inaugural Ford Ironman 70.3 World Championship Triathlon is set for Clearwater Beach on Nov. 11. Race distances are a "half-Ironman" distance.

Volunteer registration is brisk and many area families are volunteering to support the event and host athletes. Call for details at (727) 562-4670. To see race details, go to www.ironman.com/worldchampionship70.3.com.

[Last modified October 11, 2006, 06:55:37]