Triathlon to become a series of 3 events

By CAREY FREEMAN

© St. Petersburg Times, published May 24, 2000

CRYSTAL RIVER -- The Crystal River Triathlon is now the Crystal River 2000 Series Triathlon.

Because of the overwhelming growth of the annual event, started six years ago as a Rotary Club project, founder Rick Brown and his associates have decided to hold three races, the first of which will be Sunday at Fort Island Gulf Beach.

"It's growing," Brown said, "and it's got a lot of potential to grow more. This is the first time we've done a series. The turnout at (Sunday's) race should be pretty light. July will be the big race."

The first event of the 2000 Series is expected to draw a field that includes some of the better triathletes in west-central Florida and could bring in some names from other parts of the state.

The race is being held at Fort Island Gulf Beach for the first time because of an insect problem at the previous site, Hunter Springs Park.

"I went swimming there with a friend last week and I was eaten up," Brown said. "I have over 150 bites. I don't know what it is, but you get little red welts ... and they itch like crazy. It was really, really bad, so we moved it to the beach. But we'll be back (at Hunter Springs) in July."

The triathletes will begin Sunday with a half-mile swim in the Gulf of Mexico, then a 15-mile bike race on Fort Island Trail and a 3.3-mile run.

All three events are sanctioned by USA Triathlon, making the series a national qualifier for triathletes, many of whom will be shooting for a place in one of the prestigious and grueling Ironman events. The second race will be held on July 4 and the 2000 Series will conclude with an event on Aug. 20.

Cost to enter the race is $40 for individuals and $80 for teams. Race-day registration will begin at 6 a.m. and conclude at 7:15.

The cost for contestants who enter the July 4 race before June 7 is $35, otherwise the above prices will still be in effect.

For more information, contact Brown at (352) 795-0111 or Suncoast Bicycles in Crystal River at (352) 795-0018.

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