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Back in 1984, “Where’s the Beef?” and “I’ll Be Back” were the top catchphrases. Madonna’s lace was the hit of the fashion world.
Dynasty and Dallas led the television ratings race.
The St. Anthony’s Triathlon got its start in 1984. And this year the Triathlon, which has been named as one of the Top 10 Great Destination Triathlons in the United States by Complete Tri, is marking its 40th year.
Registration for the 2023 St. Anthony’s Triathlon is open at https://runsignup.com/Race/FL/SaintPetersburg/StAnthonys. Events for the race weekend, April 28-30, 2023, will include the Olympic, Sprint and Meek & Mighty triathlons. Volunteers may also register at this link.
“We are so excited to celebrate our 40th year,” said St. Anthony’s President Scott Smith. “The St. Anthony’s Triathlon is one of the oldest triathlons in the country. We couldn’t be prouder to continue the tradition of providing races for professional athletes, weekend warriors and young competitors.”
In its first year, the Triathlon welcomed about 600 athletes to swim, bike and run along the scenic waterfront and through the picturesque neighborhoods of St. Petersburg. The Triathlon now hosts thousands of individual athletes and dozens of relay teams.
“We really want to make this weekend special for the athletes as we celebrate our 40th year,” said Patrick McGee, Triathlon manager and race director. “We have designed special medals to mark this milestone. And we invite athletes who participated in that first year to come back and celebrate with us.”
Last year, Matthew Sharpe of Boulder, CO, won his first St. Anthony’s Triathlon men’s championship, beating out his next closest competitor by one second and setting a new men’s record. He is scheduled to return to defend his title. On the women’s side, Paula Findlay of Bend, OR, also claimed her first St. Anthony’s Triathlon prize in 2022.
“We hope that many of our past champions will return to be a part of our 40th celebration,” McGee said. The Triathlon has featured world champions, Olympians and professional athletes from across the country and around the world.
In addition to being a past regional championship race and the USAT Southeastern Club Regional Championship, the St. Anthony’s Triathlon also has been named one of the “5 Bucket-List Olympic Distance Triathlons in North America” by Triathlon Magazine Canada.
The three-day St. Anthony’s Triathlon Weekend includes:
• The Olympic-Distance Triathlon, set for Sunday, April 30, which is known for its talented professional field.
• The Sprint Triathlon, also on April 30, which features shorter distances than the Olympic-distance race along the same course.
• The Meek & Mighty Triathlon, on Saturday, April 29, a race for novice adults and children who are new to the sport of triathlon.
The events feature a swim in Tampa Bay for athletes in the Olympic- and Sprint-distance races; a bike ride that takes athletes by modern high rises and into quiet neighborhoods whose streets have been described as flat and fast; and a run through one of St. Petersburg’s oldest neighborhoods. The Meek & Mighty features a pool swim.
The weekend also includes the St. Anthony’s Triathlon Sports & Fitness Expo, a showcase of the latest equipment for multisport athletes, workshops for athletes to prepare for the races and information tables featuring various St. Anthony’s Hospital and BayCare services.
For more information about the events, visit SATriathlon.com. Athletes and fans can be a part of the conversation on the St. Anthony’s Triathlon Facebook page at Facebook.com/StAnthonysTriathlon by using the hashtag, #StAnthonysTri.