Multirace is proud to present the 6^th Annual Fort DeSoto Triathlon Series.  Named America’s top beach for the last two years by Trip Adviser, Fort DeSoto Park gives triathletes a beautiful Gulf Coast swim, an automobile-free bike course and a multi-terrain running course.  Fort DeSoto Park, south of St. Petersburg, Florida is five interconnected islands that are home to beach plants, mangroves, wetlands, and over 300 species of birds.  The natural beauty will inspire athletes along the course. 

Spectators and athletes will have a beautiful view of the Gulf of Mexico as they wait to begin the Fort DeSoto Triathlon & Duathlon.  Swimmers can  warm up in the Gulf before the race starts so they are well acclimated to the temperature and current, as insignificant as it may be. Swimmers will have a running start to hit the water for their sprint (1/4 mile) or international (.5 mile) distance swim.  For those who prefer not to swim, a duathlon is an option for the sprint distance, exchanging the swim portion for a 1 mile run instead. Athletes can expect water temperatures in the 80s, so the swim will not be wetsuit legal.   After dominating the swim, athletes will run up the beach to transition, where friends and family can cheer them on.  The bike course awaits.

The park provides a sanctuary for cyclists as it is automobile-free.  There is no traffic, except for your fellow cyclists.  The sprint distance athletes will complete a 10 mile lap around the park, and the international distance competitors will complete two laps.  The course is flat, with minimal turns and a beautiful view of the Gulf and park’s natural landscape.  For the beginner or the accomplished triathlete, this bike course will give any rider great confidence in their performance.    

After the bike course has been completed, athletes will experience the park on foot.  The terrain varies throughout the course, moving from pavement to hard-packed sand.  These changes and the heat create a challenge for the runner.  We recommend that athletes prepare for the warmer temperatures with proper hydration and nutrition.  The trails through Fort DeSoto park will give the runners a lot to take in but nothing more than the finish line, where friends and family will be cheering them on.  All of our finishers receive a medal to be proud of.  We believe it its a great accomplishment to finish a triathlon and duathlon.

- See more at: http://www.multirace.com/events/117#sthash.1w6jCfHy.dpuf

Event details and schedule