Super-fit athletes will work through the pain barrier this Sunday in the second staging of the Mercuryman triathlon.
Although very new to the sporting calendar, so well was last year’s event organized in the scenic setting of East End, its reputation grew exponentially.
It is a half iron distance of a 1.2-mile swim, 56-mile bike race and 13.1-mile run, starting and finishing at the Reef Resort.
Race director Johan Heath said, “We are really excited to present the second annual half iron distance triathlon and aquabike event which is one of only two triathlon events held over this distance in the Caribbean.
“Long hours have been put in by the organizing committee to create and host a high-quality endurance event to be enjoyed by all taking part. We are hoping the weather turns out to be great.
“We are thankful for all the volunteers and sponsors who have come on board to help make this event a success.”
The visiting pros thoroughly enjoyed the event last year and only had positive things to say about it. It was won by U.S.-based Portuguese Pedro Ribeiro Gomes and fastest female was another pro, Lesley Smith.
Gomes thoroughly endorsed the event online, which has led to more overseas entrants this year.
Of the locals already registered, Dave Bennett, Marius Deysel, Jon Roney, and Dale Avery should be among the fastest male finishers and experienced female triathletes who have entered include Gill Comins, who has recovered from injury, Andrea Roach, and Sarah Superfine who is tackling this distance for the first time.
With more than 30 athletes already signed up for the individual event, there are also teams of up to three taking part, with competition expected to be fierce with the corporate teams.
For those who do not fancy the idea of the run in the midday heat, the aquabike event consists of just the swim and bike portions.
Registration is open until Friday, so there is still time to get signed up, whether as an individual or with co-workers as part of a corporate team.
For those registered, the athlete guide is now available on the website mercurymantri.com and is essential reading.
All athletes must pick up their packs prior to Sunday. This can be done on Friday from 6-8 p.m. at Duke’s Restaurant near Public Beach or on Saturday from 2-5 p.m. at the Reef Resort.
Sue Aquila, visiting triathlete and coach, will be doing a race talk at 4 p.m. on Saturday at the Reef Resort, which everyone is welcome to attend. Then the race directors will be giving a talk, followed by a pasta party.
Visiting pro triathletes will be taking part in Mercuryman, so spectators are encouraged to come and support.
Volunteers are still welcome and they will receive an event T-shirt and food at the post-race barbecue at the Reef Resort.
Trevor Murphy, co-race director and president of the Cayman Islands Triathlon Association, said, “We are very thankful to our sponsors, Maples, the Reef Resort, Vampt Motors and National. Without their financial support, we would not be able to put on this event for a second year.
“We had such great feedback from the athletes and volunteers from 2013 that this is a race we feel has a lot of potential to become a major event internationally.
“We have over 20 athletes from overseas coming this year, as well as pro triathletes, so it is exciting for Cayman triathlon.”
Of the locals already registered, Dave Bennett, Marius Deysel, Jon Roney, and Dale Avery should be amongst the fastest male finishers and experienced female triathletes entered include Gill Comins, who has recovered from injury, Andrea Roach, and Sarah Superfine who is tackling this distance for the first time.
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