Florida’s traditional triathlon season gets underway this Saturday, March 13, 2021, with two of Florida’s longest running triathlons combined into one spectacular day of racing. The 38th Annual Great Clermont Triathlon features a 1.5K swim, 43K bike and a 10K run. A duathlon option is also available that swaps a 5K run for the 1.5K swim. Running concurrently will be the 37th Annual Florida Challenge Triathlon, the Intimidator. This race features a 70.3 distance, or half iron distance triathlon with a 1.2 mile swim, 56 mile bike and a 13.1 mile run. Also taking place is a sprint triathlon, two aquabike events, relay team competition and an open water swim. All events will be conducted under a comprehensive COVID safety plan with social distancing in place.
The events take place at Clermont’s Waterfront Park, known around the world as the World Triathlon Destination. Clermont has earned this title by hosting more individual triathlons than any single location in the world. Clermont’s longer distance events, like this weekend’s Intimidator, are some of the most challenging long-distance triathlons in the country due to the hilly bike course. The tremendous support offered by the City of Clermont, Lake County, neighboring communities, and local residents and businesses; help ensure a world class race experience that keeps athletes coming back year after year to race.
One notable athlete in the Great Clermont Triathlon will be Chris Nikic, the first athlete with Down syndrome to finish an Ironman Triathlon. For the Florida Challenge, Brothers William and Samuel Crozier will be racing in their attempt set the world record for the most 70.3 distance triathlons finished within a year. The brothers are attempting to beat the current record which stands at 24. Their goal is to finish over 40 70.3 distance races in 365 days.
This exciting race weekend is the first of eight triathlon weekends approved for Waterfront Park during 2021. The Clermont Triathlon season ends October 23 when it hosts the 2021 USA Triathlon Ultra-Distance National Championship during the 31st running of the Great Floridian Triathlon.
All events are produced by Clermont based, Sommer Sports, one of the most respected names in the event industry. The longevity of this weekend’s, and other Sommer Sports Triathlons is a testament to the strong community support of Clermont and the surrounding area, the passion of owner/race director Fred Sommer and his event management team, and the respect and loyal support of the athletes and community partners.
Event details for Saturday’s races and other upcoming Sommer Sports events can be found at http://www.SommerSportsEvents.com. Course maps can be found here – http://sommersportsevents.com/Resources/Maps-Downloads
KEY RACE INFORMATION
38th Annual Great Clermont Triathlon
1.5K swim, 43K bike, 10K run
Duathlon: 5K run, 43K bike, 10K run
8:15 a.m. Start
37TH Annual Florida Challenge Triathlon
Intimidator: 1.2 mile swim, 56 mile bike, 10K run
7:30 a.m. start
Sprint: .25 mile swim, 8 mile bike, 5K run
8:55 a.m. Start