Triathlon Comes to Sandestin

Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort is teaming up with Sacred Heart Hospital on the Emerald Coast in a celebration of athleticism with the 20th Annual Sandestin Triathlon on Saturday, Aug. 26. The race starts in front of Finz at 6:30 a.m.

The Sandestin Triathlon, which entails a half-mile swim in the Gulf of Mexico, a 20-mile bike trek along the coast and a four-mile road race throughout Sandestin’s beach and bayside communities, is a USA Triathlon-sanctioned event that attracts a capacity crowd of nearly 700 entries each year.

Following the race, participants will enjoy a poolside awards presentation and party on the Finz pool deck, complete with refreshments and live entertainment.

“We look forward to another exciting Triathlon this year,” said Rob Babcock, vice president and general manager of Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort. “The Triathlon has evolved over the past 20 years into a top regional athletic event and a Sandestin tradition.”

Scott Christmas, who is an annual participant and the inspiration for the race’s “Scott Christmas Award,” will once again take part in the Triathlon. Christmas has become an inspirational figure in the Triathlon since his recovery from a near-fatal plane crash. In his honor, race organizers established the annual “Scott Christmas Award” which recognizes an individual who has overcome a similar personal, physical tragedy to demonstrate strength, courage and determination. Nomination forms are included in the race applications.

Proceeds from this year’s event will benefit Sacred Heart Hospital on the Emerald Coast. Sacred Heart Hospital on the Emerald Coast is a state-of-the-art facility containing the latest innovations in patient-friendly design, medical technology and health care support systems. Sacred Heart Health Systems will manage race operations and volunteer recruitment. Those interested in serving as a volunteer for the event can phone Greg Grams at (850) 278-3544.Participants can register online at www.altavistasports.com.

About the race The Sandestin Triathlon was established in 1986. Course records were set for the men’s division in 1991 by Jim LeFebvre of Fort Walton Beach. He finished the Triathlon in 1:14:27. The women’s division record is 1:26:45 and was set in 1992 by Karen Copeland of Minneapolis, Minn. For more Triathlon information, call (850) 267-6263.