When it comes to competing while having fun and experiencing one of the world’s best triathlon events that gathers thousands of people every time, Philadelphia Escape Triathlon is the place to be.
It has officially gathered a considerable number (around 1,500) of Rio Olympics participants and other passionate people that love triathlons.
It doesn’t matter whether you train for fun or want to consider this competition as a career booster, Philadelphia Escape Triathlon gave what it promised: a tough yet interesting race for its fans and followers.
Unfortunately, this year, Philadelphia Escape triathlon organizers decided to not include the swimming part on the competition. This decision came after a storm hit the nearby areas.
Well, safety first right?
Congratulations to @AliciaKayeTri for winning the 2017 Philadelphia Escape Triathlon! #EscapeSeriesTri #PEMRaces pic.twitter.com/O5Gtptukgt
— Escape Series Tri (@EscapeSeriesTri) June 25, 2017
After the storm…
After the course modification due to unsafe conditions, the race was modified with an additional two-mile run in place of the 1,500 meter swim that was supposed to take place in the beginning of the race.
However, even though this year’s competitors didn’t have to step a foot into the water, this doesn’t means the race didn’t have challenges to make triathletes be able to give their best. Nothing could stop Jason West to once again race in front of a crowd of family and friends, being able to finish at the top of the podium again, for the second time this year.
“It’s so hard when you’re racing Olympians and some of the best guys in the world,” – said West. “I was so motivated; I was able to push through anything at that point.”
On the other hand, women’s Olympic wasn’t so closely contested. Alicia Kaye of Clermont, Fla was the one to finish in the first place in 1:41:12. After the first run, Kaye was jostling for the first place along with Cecilia Davis-Hayes, who won last year’s Philadelphia Triathlon.
Congratulations to @jasonwesttri for winning the 2017 Philadelphia Escape Triathlon! #EscapeSeriesTri #PEMRaces pic.twitter.com/TiT5qGcuw2
— Escape Series Tri (@EscapeSeriesTri) June 25, 2017
Kaye added the women’s field to be really strong. “They really challenged me. I thought I would get away on the bike more than I did. Those women really pushed me today.”- added Kaye.
