Triathlon Safety Measures for the SRITRI

surfersThe primary goal for the SRITRI every year is conduct a safe and fun event for our participants. To this end we intend to have an armada of surfers, kayaks and power craft in the Gulf of Mexico (or Santa Rosa Sound if conditions dictate using that course) for the swim leg. On the bike and run courses we will have more Escambia County Sheriff’s Deputies than recommended along with experienced volunteers and United States Marines. Finally, we will have two ambulances and EMT crews on the course. Our principal priority is safety and our secondary priority is safety. We also want everyone to have a great time, but we want NO injuries.

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Want to get in Shape Try a Triathlon

swimmer copyOver 40? Want to get in shape? Try a triathlon. Triathlons were once the province of the most elite athletes but now triathlons have become an event to the average athlete who is craving a new challenge. No longer do you have to do an Iron Man with it’s grueling distances. There are Sprint Triathlon’s like the SRI TRI at Pensacola Beach. A sprint Triathlon consists of  a 400 to 600 yard swim, a 10 to 20 mile bike ride and a 2 – 4 mile run. That’s do-able right?

There are three reasons why you should do it. One, you’ll get super-toned and strong. Two, your esteem and confidence will soar! And three, the whole process is a fun way to spend your extra time.

Some first time timers are hesitant to consider triathlons because of their fear of the swim. But it needn’t be too overwhelming. In fact,  a goal for indoor exercise in the winter months could be swim lessons and training. Check out the pools in your area. YMCAs and Universities often have great facilities. Some Universities, Georgia Tech for example, allow non-students who are members of the U S Masters Swim Club, to swim there at a nominal per swim charge. To become a US  Master Swim member, simply  go to their site and sign up for a modest fee. The Master’s Swimmers are a good resources as well for training as they have groups all over the country that conduct training sessions  for adults.

The US Masters Swim  has a lot of great tips for taking your act out of the pool. They just posted an excerpt of an article by Terry Laughlin’ from his  new book, Outside the Box: A Program for Improvement, Satisfaction, and Success in Open Water. So don’t let the swim stop you. Dive on in, the water is great.

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First Time Triathletes

windfeatherThe SRI TRI is known for being a great race for beginning triathletes. The distances are manageable, the course is flat, the water is warm and welcoming. We tend to have a large number of newbies. There is a local training group, The Mere Mortals that gets a lot of people ready to do their first Tri. Tri Gulf Coast keeps their schedule for them. Check it out if you are in the panhandle.

To help our newcomers, we will have a meeting for them on Friday evening before the race, at 6:30, on the back deck of the at the Hampton Inn. Come meet us and get your questions answered.

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Rules

USA Triathlon

The Santa Rosa Island Triathlon is a USA Triathlon sanctioned event and all USAT rules will be followed and strictly enforced. It is the responsibility of the athlete to be familiar with those rules. They also have a list of common infractions and their penalties which is very important to view before the event. Download the  PDF.

All participants must show proof of USAT membership or buy a one day membership at check-in.

Race Timing

Race Timing will be done by a computerized chip  timing system. All Triathletes will be issued a chip on race day between 5:30 -7 AM, outside of the transition area. The chip is to be worn on your ankle the entire race.

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