Mercuryman triathlon will put athletes to the test

(CNS): Organisers of the 2015 Mercuryman race set for 15 January are expecting to attract some big names in the endurance sport world to Cayman for the event. The race is a half ironman distance triathlon, and the only one of its kind in Cayman. Top names in the triathlon world will be competing against Cayman’s own athletes in the gruelling event that will see contestants swim for 1.2 mile swim, cycle for 56 miles and then run for 3.1 miles. The three elements of the race all start and end in the area of the Reef Resort in East End. Organisers said are expecting Lisa Ribes, Pedro Gomes and Lesley Smith to return after competing last year along with a host of other big names in the sport.

These include Canadian triathlete Angela Naeth, a ten-time 70.3 Ironman Champion known for her prowess on the bike. Bree Wee 70.3 and Ironman champion from Hawaii, Leanda Cave, the 2012 Ironman Triathlon and Ironman 70.3 World Champion, the first woman in the history of the sport to win both titles in the same year, Kim Schwabenbauer a triathlon coach and dietitian who has several podium finishes in Ironman and has competed multiple times in the Ironman World Champion andCanadian triathlete Jennifer Lentzke who is new to the professional circuit has achieved multiple top 10 finishes in the 2014 season.

Trevor Murphy, Race Director, said this year’s event is set to be huge.

“Mercuryman triathlon has attracted some of the biggest names in the sport because we offer an excellent location in which to participate,” he said. “Triathletes can enjoy Cayman’s pleasant tropical climate, clear and warm waters, good roads for cycling and running and an all-round excellent destination which athletes and their families can enjoy during their post-race vacation.”

The 2015 Mercuryman event is being dubbed ‘Race for a Cause’ because organisers have pledged the bulk of the proceeds to be donated to the Estella Scotts Roberts Foundation, along with a donation to East End Primary School.

Murphy said it was important for the event to give back to the community.

“The 2015 Mercuryman promises to be one of the sporting highlights of the year for not only the Cayman Islands, but the Caribbean region, as well as internationally, which means we are able to spotlight the ESRF to a wide audience, an organisation that promotes gender equality and a life free of violence, for all, an extremely worthwhile cause,” he said. “In addition, the race will take place in East End of the Island, so we couldn’t think of a better recipient of some of the proceeds than East End Primary School, which has been a part of the event since its inception. The children volunteer on the run course interacting with the athletes and see first-hand the benefits of a healthy lifestyle. The organisers also visit the school each year.”

Murphy also noted that the race still need support from sponsors and encouraged them to take advantage of what he described as a “very visible, high profile sporting event”.

He added, “Valuable sponsorship opportunities are still available for organisations both local and international, to partner with one of the most unique and challenging endurance events on the Cayman sports calendar. Don’t miss your chance to promote and grow sport in the Cayman Islands and at the same time help to raise funds for organisations associated with children, gender equality and education.”