Last spring it was announced that 2017 was the last year for the St Croix Ironman 70.3. A few concerned citizens in the community got together and worked amazingly hard to bring the race back to life. Here's the press release:
December 2, 2017
Christiansted, USVI
Contact: info@vitf.org[/url]
For immediate release
“St. Croix Triathlon, The Legend Continues”…in America’s Paradise. Save the date!
The island of St. Croix, in the US Virgin Islands, will host its 30th annual triathlon on December 2, 2018, making it one of the longest-running triathlons on record.
Known globally as “Beauty and the Beast”, the St. Croix Triathlon is one of the most beautiful and challenging races in the world. A crystal-clear harbor swim in the heart of historic Christiansted transitions to one of the most challenging 56-mile bike rides on the international circuit, which includes "The Beast"- the legendary, world-famous 15% average grade climb that crests the divide from the north shore to the south shore of St. Croix.
The run goes east from Christiansted, through historic Danish ruins, to the welcoming old-world grandeur of The Buccaneer Beach and Golf Resort. Throughout the event residents, volunteers and visitors cheer on athletes, with festivities occurring throughout the day and night in and around the historic district in Christiansted.
Three races will be offered: Half, Sprint and for the first time, a Sprint Aquathlon, with the Half designated as the Caribbean Long Distance Triathlon Championship. Additionally, relays are offered in the Half-Iron and Sprint Triathlon races.
New for this year, the St. Croix Triathlon will be a non-profit event that will be a fund-raiser for local charities that were impacted by Hurricane Maria in September 2017. “The Race to Rebuild” will feature several clinics, parties and entertainment offerings over several days leading up the Sunday races. Iconic professional triathletes from past years will be present to give clinics and to share stories of their extraordinary racing careers. Lisa Bentley, an 11-time IRONMAN Champion, says of the race, “Racing in St. Croix is true triathlon. Every resident embraces the event. No exaggeration. I never saw a car on the bike course on race day. The locals were either volunteering or cheering. Twice, on separate years, I got a flat tire training a few days prior to race day. I was picked up immediately within minutes by a local and driven back to my homestay. No cellphone required. Racing in St. Croix embodies all that is good about triathlon. We raced hard. But the biggest takeaways were the relationships we built with the local families. Those priceless memories are lasting a lifetime.”
Sponsored by the USVI Department of Tourism and sanctioned by USA Triathlon, the event will be under the direction of Scott Fricks and Theresa Harper, both from St Croix. Previously known as “America’s Paradise Triathlon”, “Beauty and the Beast”, and “Ironman 70.3 St. Croix”, the St. Croix Triathlon is a must-do event for triathletes worldwide. Wendy Ingraham, 8-time IRONMAN Champion, comments, “There is a reason I have returned to St Croix’s triathlon for over 20 years. The people, the challenge of the course, the food; it is truly a race you cannot miss on your bucket-list.”
Registration with early discounts will open soon! For more information, please contact info@vitf.org[/url].
See you in December!
Scott Fricks, President
Virgin Islands Triathlon
USAT & FM Tri Level I, USAT Youth & Junior, ITU Level II Triathlon Coach
USAT Certified Race Director
December 2, 2017
Christiansted, USVI
Contact: info@vitf.org[/url]
For immediate release
“St. Croix Triathlon, The Legend Continues”…in America’s Paradise. Save the date!
The island of St. Croix, in the US Virgin Islands, will host its 30th annual triathlon on December 2, 2018, making it one of the longest-running triathlons on record.
Known globally as “Beauty and the Beast”, the St. Croix Triathlon is one of the most beautiful and challenging races in the world. A crystal-clear harbor swim in the heart of historic Christiansted transitions to one of the most challenging 56-mile bike rides on the international circuit, which includes "The Beast"- the legendary, world-famous 15% average grade climb that crests the divide from the north shore to the south shore of St. Croix.
The run goes east from Christiansted, through historic Danish ruins, to the welcoming old-world grandeur of The Buccaneer Beach and Golf Resort. Throughout the event residents, volunteers and visitors cheer on athletes, with festivities occurring throughout the day and night in and around the historic district in Christiansted.
Three races will be offered: Half, Sprint and for the first time, a Sprint Aquathlon, with the Half designated as the Caribbean Long Distance Triathlon Championship. Additionally, relays are offered in the Half-Iron and Sprint Triathlon races.
New for this year, the St. Croix Triathlon will be a non-profit event that will be a fund-raiser for local charities that were impacted by Hurricane Maria in September 2017. “The Race to Rebuild” will feature several clinics, parties and entertainment offerings over several days leading up the Sunday races. Iconic professional triathletes from past years will be present to give clinics and to share stories of their extraordinary racing careers. Lisa Bentley, an 11-time IRONMAN Champion, says of the race, “Racing in St. Croix is true triathlon. Every resident embraces the event. No exaggeration. I never saw a car on the bike course on race day. The locals were either volunteering or cheering. Twice, on separate years, I got a flat tire training a few days prior to race day. I was picked up immediately within minutes by a local and driven back to my homestay. No cellphone required. Racing in St. Croix embodies all that is good about triathlon. We raced hard. But the biggest takeaways were the relationships we built with the local families. Those priceless memories are lasting a lifetime.”
Sponsored by the USVI Department of Tourism and sanctioned by USA Triathlon, the event will be under the direction of Scott Fricks and Theresa Harper, both from St Croix. Previously known as “America’s Paradise Triathlon”, “Beauty and the Beast”, and “Ironman 70.3 St. Croix”, the St. Croix Triathlon is a must-do event for triathletes worldwide. Wendy Ingraham, 8-time IRONMAN Champion, comments, “There is a reason I have returned to St Croix’s triathlon for over 20 years. The people, the challenge of the course, the food; it is truly a race you cannot miss on your bucket-list.”
Registration with early discounts will open soon! For more information, please contact info@vitf.org[/url].
See you in December!
Scott Fricks, President
Virgin Islands Triathlon
USAT & FM Tri Level I, USAT Youth & Junior, ITU Level II Triathlon Coach
USAT Certified Race Director