Spectators have an especially good chance to watch the pros. This year's race will be on a closed circuit, with legs winding around The Pier, Bayshore Drive, Straub Park and the Bayfront Center. It's free to watch. It's also a qualifier for the Ironman Triathlon World Championship. And it is often a showcase for such organizations as the St. Petersburg-based Mad Dogs, thought to be the world's largest triathlon club.
Athletes take up the sport for many reasons.
Some train for weeks and months, with completion of St. Anthony's a major goal. It's no stroll in the park. It will be the third for her husband, Don. I have two kids and I needed to get in shape to keep up with them. The Old Northeast resident didn't know how to swim until two years ago.