PRESS RELEASE – The Guam Triathlon Federation (“GTF”) will be hosting its second sprint distance race this Sunday at at Hoover Park (former USO) in Piti. Single race entry fees for those that did not register for the series are $35 (non-GTF members) or $25 (GTF members/students 17 and under) for the final race. Relay teams are also encouraged to join for $30 per person (Non-GTF) or $20 per person (GTF member).
A record 152 triathletes competed and finished the first sprint distance race and GTF is looking forward to increased participation for their second race.
“We had an awesome turn out the last race, it’s great to see so many first time triathletes,” GTF board member Dave Torre said. “We have triathletes of all ranges of abilities out here racing and stepping outside of their comfort zone.”
“That was one of the toughest things I’ve ever done in my life, and seriously awesome,” said first time participant Heather Knick. “All of the volunteers and everyone who participated were so encouraging and motivating,” she added.
Current Standings
XTERRA pro Mieko Carey and current GTF national champion Gabe Lombard currently sit atop the point standings in the sprint series with one race to go. Second and third place female finishers Sarah Haack and female national champion Ayesha Perez look to chase the speedy pro down, while recent Ironman 70.3 World Championship qualifier Cameron O’Neal and running extraordinaire Charlie Epperson are in the hunt for first place on the men’s side.
The sprint series has served as a no-frills fundraiser benefiting the GTF National Team at the upcoming Pacific Islands Triathlon Championship this August in Papua New Guinea.
Current national champions Lombard and Perez are currently slated to represent Guam and compete in August, with two more male and female national slots currently available for qualification this July at the Guam National Triathlon Championship race.
A sprint distance triathlon is a 750 meter open ocean swim, followed by a 20K bike and 5K run on a flat course in and around the Port Authority of Guam roadways.
Interested participants also have the option of becoming a 2013 Guam Triathlon Federation member ($30 for individuals, $50 per family, $20 per student) and receiving discounted race entry fees for GTF events (excluding XTERRA Guam) as well as a GTF member T-shirt, GTF decal, discounted GTF merchandise, 10 percent discount at Hornet Sports and a 10 percent discount at DNA, DNA Evolution and Splash Guam (in the Plaza).
Race and membership applications can be found and turned in at Hornet Sporting Goods. Applications and further information are also available for download at triathlonguam.com. Showtime is 5:30AM and go time is 6:30AM.