The Tribune

By RENALDO DORSETT

Sports Reporter

rdorsett@tribunemedia.net

The longest standing and most highly anticipated multi-sports event on the local calendar, the Conchman Triathlon will once again be staged in the nation’s second city.

Registration is now open for the 29th edition of the event, to be hosted November 7 on Xanadu Beach in Grand Bahama.

With a legacy that is approaching its third decade, the prestige of the race continues to attract athletes from around the world, according to local triathlete, Vicki Stafford.

“Past winners have come from many of the Bahamian islands, the US, Canada and the UK to name a few. The course is superb, the hospitality friendly and the vibe – decidedly laid back. Laid back that is until the starting gun goes off,” she said. “Competition among the challengers for podium positions is always fierce on both the men’s and women’s sides. Rumour has it that past winners Simon Lowe out of Nassau and Stefan Larsen, all the way from California, may go head-to-head this year.  Grand Bahama’s Romeo Seymour wants a piece of the winners’ podium as well. Will course record times be set come November 7?”

Stafford won the female overall title in the 2014 event in 1:32.06 seconds, followed by Elizabeth Shaddock in 1:37.08 and Sylvia Bateman in 1:38.02.

The Conchman starts with a 1K swim, followed by a 25K bike ride and ends with a 5K run. The kids’ course includes a 200M swim, a 1K run and 5K bike ride.

Advanced registration is available on www.conchman.com, the deadline for which is Tuesday, November 3. 

“On more than one occasion the number of Iron Kids has exceeded the number of conchmen and women,” she said. “The kids love the race and one wonders how many future Olympians are lurking behind that youthful enthusiasm.”

Lowe, who represents Paradise Race Organisation Management Promotions Timing (PROMPT), recently won his first BAARK Potcakeman Triathlon in a personal record time before immediately turning focus to preparation for the Conchman.

The defending champion, he won the overall title in the 2014 Conchman in 1:18.17, followed by the aforementioned Seymour in 1:21.52 and Mark Davies third in 1:23.59.

Five races now fill the country’s triathlon calendar - three brand new in the last three years. Grand Bahama’s Conchman remains the mainstay.

Lowe’s résumé includes a plethora of wins and he says he has seen the popularity of the events increase of the years.

“Over the last five years in particular, I have seen the sport grow a lot, especially the cycling aspect which has really taken off as a sport on its own and a lot of people have started triathlons because of that. With the weather the Bahamas is a great place to train and compete so it makes sense that it would become more popular here,” Lowe said.

Proceeds from the event benefits Grand Bahama’s local charities, Freeport Aquatics Club and the Bahamas Air Sea Rescue Association.

Visit www.Conchman.com for course information. Packet pick-up and post-race festivities will be announced shortly.  In addition, Facebook users can visit the page at www.facebook.com/conchmantriathlon