22nd Annual Charleston Sprint Triathlon Series Kicks Off May 20 at James Island County Park
With the first of its five summertime races coming up May 20, the Charleston Sprint Triathlon Series is now open for registration. The 2012 series will be held on May 20, June 17, July 8, and July 29, with the Championship Race set for August 12.
Nearly 25,000 athletes have raced in this swim-bike-run at James Island County Park series since it began in 1991. Now in its 22nd year, the Charleston Sprint Triathlon Series, or CSTS, was recently named one of the Top Ten Charleston Signature Sport Events by the Charleston Metro Sports Council, placing it in good company with other Charleston favorites like the Family Circle Tennis Cup and the Cooper River Bridge Run.
Each race begins at 7:15 a.m. with a 600-yard freshwater swim in the lake at James Island County Park, continues with a 12-mile bike ride through park and out and back on Riverland Drive, and finishes with a flat 5K run.
Athletes may sign up to compete in all races in the series or just one. A discounted registration fee is offered for registration for 3, 4 or 5 races; series registration must be made by May 20. Each race is limited to 375 participants, and fees start at $55 per race.
CSTS offers participation and awards throughout a variety of divisions. Awards will be presented to the top five men and the top three women finishers in the Open/Elite division. Awards will also be presented to the top three age group winners in five-year increments, as well as to the top male and female finishers over the age of 40 (Masters division). Participants may choose to compete in the Clydesdale (men over 200 pounds), Athena (women over 150 pounds) or Masters Clydesdales (men over age 40 and over 200 pounds) divisions. Awards will be presented to the top three competitors in each of those divisions.
For those athletes who have what it takes to compete, the season’s first CSTS race is May 20. This event is presented by Commonwealth/Brown & Brown and hosted by the Charleston County Park and Recreation Commission.
