Swimming, Biking and Running for "Shelter"
18th Annual Triathlon Continues to Grow, Support St. Vincent’s

   SAN DIEGO — As many as 1,200 athletes from around the world will compete in the 18th Annual San Diego International Triathlon on Sunday, July 1, starting with a 1K swim at Spanish Landing at 6:45 a.m.

   Participants will exit the water and begin a challenging 30K (18.6-mile) bike ride to Cabrillo Monument and back to Spanish Landing. The triathlon’s last leg is a grueling 10K (6.2-mile) run that ends at Embarcadero Marina Park North behind Seaport Village.

   "This will be the biggest triathlon in the history of San Diego," says Rick Kozlowski, the event’s organizer. "It’s going to be an Aussie invasion."

   Representing the Australian contingent will be Chris McCormick, arguably the fastest male triathlete heading into the competition, winning each of the last 14 triathlons he has entered. On the women’s side, last year’s champion and fellow Aussie Michellie (Muh-Kee-Lee) Jones, a 2000 Olympic silver medalist, is expected to compete for another first-place finish.

   As a precursor to Sunday’s event, the 4th Annual San Diego Kids’ Triathlon will be held on Saturday, June 30, with competition slated to begin at 9 a.m at Spanish Landing Park. Abbreviated two- and four-mile courses will challenge the close to 100 children, ages 8 to 14, expected to compete in the event.

   The triathlon, sold out for several days, raises $20,000 annually for St. Vincent’s homeless rehabilitation programs. Over the years, the competition has garnered over $340,000 for the Village.

   For more information on the triathlon or children’s event, call Koz Enterprises at (858) 268-1250.

   Media parking will be held on Harbor Drive near Spanish Landing, which is close to the transition area, the site of maximum visual action and crowd involvement.

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