Publix Escape to Miami Adds Sprint Distance Race, Establishes Wave Starts for Olympic Distance

“Tough Triathlon” Increases Race Field to 1,500, Looks to Sell Out Third Consecutive Year (Miami July 29, 2008) – Often been labeled by participants as one of the “toughest triathlons” in the Southeast, the Publix Escape to Miami Triathlon is looking to offer an “easier” option with the addition of a sprint distance race. Another change to the 2008 event scheduled for October 5 is a new wave start that will allow Olympic distance participants to spend less time on Escape Island after unloading from race ferries. The addition of the sprint and the wave starts will allow participation to increase from 1,000 to 1,500 athletes for a race that has sold out each of the last three years.

The new sprint distance will allow athletes to be included in all the unique race features of the Escape with the exception of the popular boat ride to Escape Island, a spoil island located in Biscayne Bay just off of Downtown Miami. Sprint athletes will start at 8:45 am with a .25 mile out and back swim from Margaret Pace Park, site of the event finish line and transition area. Following the swim, cyclists will ride for 13 miles along the same course as the Olympic distance athletes going over the Julia Tuttle Causeway to Miami Beach, through Midtown Miami and back to the park. The sprint distance culminates with a 3.1 mile run over the MacArthur Causeway and back to Margaret Pace Park where athletes will be rewarded with finisher medals, a post race festival with food, music and thousands of spectators. The Olympic distance remains the same featuring a .9 mile swim from an island, 24.8 mile bike and 6.2 mile run.

The modified wave start that is being implemented for the Olympic distance will decrease the amount of time athletes need to wait on Escape Island while allowing for a larger race field. Previously, athletes would be ferried to the island as early as an hour before the events mass start but under the new format, athletes will start shortly after settling on the island.

The Escape, one of the largest urban triathlons in the country, is looking to grow in the future and is expecting 1,500 athletes between the two distances. The Escape has sold out each of the last three years and it is expected to be closed by mid-September. Athletes interested in participating are encouraged to register early to guarantee their entry.

For more information on the Publix Escape to Miami Triathlon, go to www.willyoufinish.com or call 305-278-8668. Registration fees for Olympic distance are $125 for individuals and $145 for 2 or 3-person relays. Sprint distance registration is $70 for individuals.