Swimming, Biking and Running for "Shelter"
San Diego International Triathlon to benefit St. Vincent de Paul Village

   SAN DIEGO — Over 1,000 athletes from around the world will be in town Sunday, June 25 to compete in the San Diego International Triathlon, which begins at 7 a.m. The event is sponsored by Wells Fargo Bank and benefits St. Vincent de Paul Village.

Participants will face a 41K course that includes a 1,000-meter swim, a 30K (18.6-mile) bike ride and a 10K (6.2-mile) run. The competition starts at Spanish Landing, goes on to Cabrillo Monument and ends at Seaport Village.

Spencer Smith of Great Britain, the event’s record-holder, and Australian Chris McCormick will be among the favorites in the men’s competition. Event organizers anticipate the two to go head-to-head throughout much of the race.

Australian Olympic team member Michellie (Muh-kee-lee) Jones, who finished in first place at the World Championships this year, will lead the women’s field. Jones also holds the torch as her country’s top-ranked women’s triathlete heading into the competition and the Sydney Games later this summer.

As a precursor to Sunday’s event, the 3rd Annual San Diego Kids’ Triathlon will be held on Saturday, June 24, with the competition slated to begin at 9 a.m. at the west end of Spanish Landing Park and end at the same location. Abbreviated two- and four-mile courses will challenge the 100 children expected to compete in the event.

The triathlon raises $20,000 annually for St. Vincent’s comprehensive homeless rehabilitation programs. Over the years, the event has garnered over $320,000 for the Village.

For more information on the triathlon or the children’s event, call KOZ Enterprises at (858) 689-8930.

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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