A Brief History (of Triathlon) in the Cayman Islands
First there were turtles and crocodiles. Then came Christopher Columbus in 1503, followed by Sir Francis Drake in 1586, and then the folks who really settled the Caymans … Pirates, Refugees from the Spanish Inquisition, shipwrecked sailors, and slaves. A fine representation of interracial mixing!
Hence the beginning of Triathlon in the Cayman Islands.
The disciplines of raping, pillaging, and plundering have since been replaced by the more refined activities of swimming, cycling, and running, Aaaaaarrrrever the odd Pirate has been known to lurk around these here waters with the Jolly Roger at full mast!
And by the way – ever wonder why the Cayman Islands are tax free? Or so the story goes ….
In November 1794, 10 vessels which were part of a convoy escorted by HMS Convert, were wrecked on the reef in Gun Bay, on the East end of Grand Cayman, but with the help of local settlers, there was no loss of life. The incident is now remembered as The Wreck of the Ten Sails. Legend has it that there was a member of the Royal Family onboard and that in gratitude for their bravery, King George III decreed that Caymanians should never be conscripted for war service and Parliament legislated that they should never be taxed. To the King … clink And you wonder why there’s so many Australians and Canadians here!?
Sooooo anyway,
The Cayman Islands Triathlon Association (CITA) is the local governing body for Triathlon. It is a non-profit organization which has a full schedule of multi-sport events throughout the year, including the DHL Duathlon, the CayBrew Stroke and Stride Series, and the Cayman Islands Turtle Tri (formerly the Butterfield Bank Triathlon)
The CITA is a Federation Member of the International Triathlon Union (ITU). Local athletes have represented Cayman at numerous World Championships and International events.
CITA encourages participation for people of all ages and abilities, and is committed to running events that allow individuals to reach their goals, whether it’s competing internationally or completing their first race at home. Triathlon is a sport considered by all as exhilarating, entertaining, challenging, and fun. It’s a great way to meet people and make friends for life.
The CayKids Tryathlon Programme is designed to get the younger ones interested in not just Triathlon, but sport in general. It’s considered non-competitive and rewards are based on participation. Competing in sport builds confidence and self-esteem, which are values CITA hopes will develop through their efforts.
The Cayman Islands Turtle Tri has been around for many years. Many will remember it as the Pirates Week Triathlon or the Bank of Butterfield (Butterfield Bank) Triathlon.
The Turtle Tri offers two events and is open to Individuals and Relay Teams. Team participation is encouraged, especially for those who perhaps aren’t as confident in completing the entire course on their own (this year anyway) Being part of a team provides the opportunity to complete the distance with others who share a common goal and can be heaps of fun.
The Olympic or ‘International’ distance consists of a 1500-metre swim, 40 km bike, and a 10 km run. This distance is by far the most common.
The Sprint distance event involves a 750 metre swim, 20 km bike, and a 5 km run.
The time it takes to complete an event depends on experience, fitness, and the physical and environmental conditions of the course on race day.
Basic equipment includes swim goggles, a bicycle (road or mountain bike), regulation bicycle helmet, and a sturdy pair of running shoes.
Cool Stuff Competitors receive loads of stuff including a Souvenir Race T-shirt and Finishers Medal, a quality goody bag, a safely marshaled race course, and lots of smiles and support. Athletes are invited to attend the complementary pre-race Pasta Party and post-race Awards BBQ.
Awards include top 3 male/female overall, top 3 teams male/female/mixed overall, top 3 male/female in age group (24 and under, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39 …….. 70 and over). There is also an “Unofficial” Mountain Bike Category. Special prizes are up for grabs, and anyone participating with a mountain bike is eligible for official category awards!
Race Transition is located at Public Beach on one of the nicest parts of Seven Mile Beach.
Calico Jacks is located in the same area and is the location of the Awards Presentation and BBQ.
Viewing plenty for spectators to watch and anyone wishing to participate as a volunteer will receive an event t-shirt and admission to the pre and post race meals.
(Practice) Build-up Races
In the weeks leading up the the main event, a Turtle Tri build-up series of races will take place allowing participants tthe opportunity to gauge their training progress, meet fellow triathletes and practice Transition skills from one discipline to another.
Thank you for taking an interest in our event and hope to see you in November.
