One of the state’s first triathlons, Florida’s Great Escape Triathlon, kicks off the season for hundreds of athletes on Sunday, March 7, at Lake Louisa State Park, located at 7305 U.S. Highway 27 in Clermont.
The National Training Center (NTC) and the Central Florida Sports Commission are presenting the Seventh Annual Florida’s Great Escape Triathlon, which is expecting to draw more than 350 entries. Registration for Florida’s Great Escape Triathlon ends on Saturday from 3 to 6 p.m. at Lake Louisa State Park. The cost to register for the course featuring a 1-mile swim, 18-mile bike and 5-mile run is $100.
“It’s an early season race that brings a lot of people from up north,” said Tom Ziebart, NTC Race Director. “I’d say half of the people participating are from out of state and the other half in state.”
Medals will be handed out to the top five finishers in each age group. Local residents are encouraged to come out and watch the exciting triathlon begin at 10 a.m. on Sunday. The cost of admission into Lake Louisa State Park is $5 per car.
“These large triathlons bring considerable business to our County, as many visitors chose to either compete in the events, support family and friends or simply join in the atmosphere,” said Greg Mihalic, Director of Lake County Tourism & Business Relations.
Staff at the NTC produces Florida’s Great Escape Triathlon. The NTC is owned by South Lake Hospital. Along with the triathlon, the NTC produces the Florida Marathon, Half Marathon and 5K race in December, a sprint triathlon series, a 5K running series and a track & field meet series.
“We are excited to be able to work with the National Training Center to showcase Lake County and its prowess as a triathlon venue,” said Sam Stark, President of the Central Florida Sports Commission.
For more information about Florida’s Great Escape Triathlon, call Tom Ziebart at (352) 241.7144 ext. 4209 or e-mail tomziebart@aol.com. For more information about Lake County vacations, call (800) 430-LAKE, log on to www.lakecountyfl.com or visit the Welcome Center, located at 20763 U.S. Highway 27 in Groveland.
I volunteered for this last year and it was a really good time. The weather was a little cool in the morning but not too bad. I missed this year’s event; I wonder how it went? Hopefully someone will comment on how they liked the event. NTC coordinates the volunteers if anyone would like to help.
Not to go off subject but another exit and entrance needs to be placed on the turnpike between SR50 and SR19. Does not have to be anything fancy, but that would allow a huge amount of traffic in that area. That is also one of the best scenic areas for Lake County, Sugarloaf Mountain.