PRESS RELEASE – Guam Triathlon Federation (GTF) announced today that the annual Guam National Triathlon Championship is likely to become the largest triathlon in the Federation’s history and is set for Sunday, July 23, 2017 in Merizo.

Each year this event draws more than 100 competitors from Japan, Korea, and the neighboring islands. This year GTF hopes to draw in more competitors from the surrounding military community on Guam, Korea and Japan.

According to past Guam Triathlon Federation President Mark Cruz, “our goal is to provide a welcoming experience to all off island competitors and this year we want to focus on bringing in a larger contingent of military personnel stationed throughout Asia Pacific. In the past, we have been successful in drawing in foreign athletes since Guam offers a truly exotic destination to race.” The all-volunteer GTF Board works year round on triathlon development and this event is their largest event. The National Triathlon Championship is used to crown the Guam National Men and Women’s Triathlon Champion.

“It is one of the toughest races I’ve competed in across Asia. The course is really challenging due to the heat that normally sets in as we transition into the run. There is a small hill on the turn around of the run and there is no relief from the sun in that section. Competitors will earn their medals and enjoy the post race festive environment at this event,” stated Mieko Carey.

Carey, a Japanese professional triathlete, has captured the Guam National Triathlon title a number of times.

Athletes are encouraged to arrive early if they are traveling to Guam both for a chance to to pre-ride the course and to enjoy the beauty of the island. On race morning, athletes should arrive by dawn (5:30 am) to set up transition and receive directions from course officials. The swim is 1.5 kilometers long ocean swim in crystal blue waters of Cocos Lagoon and starts at Merizo Pier at 7 am. Athletes will then navigate over 40 kilometers (24 miles) along a two-loop flat oceanside course. To complete the event, competitors will need to run 10 kilometers (6.2 mile) on a two-loop course that takes place along the coastal waters. Individuals and team are both welcome to participate.

The cost of the event is $45 for individuals and $20 a person for relay teams. There will be no race day registration for this event. This event is made possible by the support of our sponsors; Community First Credit Union, Hornet Sporting Goods, TakeCare, Gatorade, TRC, Triple J, Cars Plus, SDA and Ambros. Register for the event at: http://2017guamnationaltri.eventbrite.com