Tri, tri again: Sandestin carries on triathlon tradition into its 24th year (PHOTOS)

Hundreds of athletes and spectators will enjoy a longstanding tradition for one of the most scenic and celebrated triathlons in the country.

The 24th annual Sandestin Triathlon at Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort is scheduled for Saturday, Aug. 21.

The main event, a half-mile Gulf of Mexico swim, a 20-mile bike ride along Scenic Highway 30A, and a four-mile run through Sandestin’s beach and bayside communities, kicks off at 6:30 a.m. on the sugar white sand beach in front of Sandestin’s Finz Beachside Grille.

Each year since the event was established, the swim-bike-run race attracts as many as 700 contenders from experienced to beginners.

“This year’s event organizers expect nothing less,” said Shawna Meisner, race director. “All types of athletes participate from first-timers to seasoned triathletes that have being competing over 20 years,” she said.

Among the participants will be John Russell, president of Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort, who will swim in the Gulf at this year’s event.

The Sandestin Triathlon is a USA Triathlon-sanctioned event. Athletes will compete to break the 1991 men’s division course record of 1:14:27 set by James LeFebvre of Fort Walton Beach, and the women’s division record set in 1992 by Karen Copeland of Minneapolis, Minn., at 1:26:45.

An awards ceremony will follow the Triathlon at the Finz pool deck on the beach. In addition to recognizing the Triathlon winners, one contender will receive the Scott Christmas Award. After surviving a near-fatal plane accident, Scott Christmas went on to win the Sandestin Triathlon a year later in 1997. Each year, this award is presented to a participant who has faced similar experiences of bravery.

A portion of the proceeds will benefit Sacred Heart Hospital on the Emerald Coast. Athletes can register online at www.sandestintriathlon.com

For people wanting to enjoy the convenience of staying on property, special rates on accommodations are available (mention promo code 22E2H8). In addition, the Beaches of South Walton “Be Rewarded” program offers a $250 gift card for future travel on Southwest Airlines or purchases at the Silver Sands Factory Outlet Center, with a three night stay. See www.sandestin.com for details or call (800) 622-1038 those and other special deals.

A member of the Beaches of South Walton, an area recognized as one of the top 2010 destinations in the world by Frommer’s, Sandestin features more than seven miles of sugar-white sand beaches and pristine bay front, a 98-slip marina, and 30 charming neighborhoods featuring 1,500 condominiums, villas, town homes and a wide variety of hotel accommodations. The resort also features four championship golf courses, 15 world-class tennis courts, 19 swimming pools, a fitness center and spa, 65,000 square feet of meeting space and The Village of Baytowne Wharf, a pedestrian village featuring boutique shops, casual and fine dining restaurants and nightlife.