By William Sokolic
Some would say a marathon ranks as perhaps the most grueling athletic competition. But others could make a credible claim for the triathlon: a mix of running, biking and swimming.
Which reminds us that the 14th CRDA TRI AC triathlon rolls into town Aug. 3. The event, which expects to attract as many as 1,400 athletes, features two courses, a beginner-friendly sprint and an Olympic distance competition. The latter features a run of 10 kilometers, biking 22 miles and swimming a mile. The easier sprint version kind of cuts the distances in half: a 5K run, 11-mile bike ride and a 0.25 mile swim. Each offers individual or relay, and the day also includes an Aquabike contest, without the running.
Going the sprint route offers a vehicle to ease into future Olympic contests. What makes any of the events less of a hassle is the terrain: flat and fast, according to DelMoSports, the agency behind the race. In the TRI AC, each segment begins at Bader Field. The bike route goes west on the Atlantic City Expressway to Exit 5, the turnaround point. Run down Albany Avenue and then north on the Boardwalk. Swim in the back bays where the currents are minimal compared to the inlets and ocean.
What makes the Triathlon in Atlantic City such a success is its uniqueness, says Stephen Del Monte, the founder and CEO of DelMoSports.
“Atlantic City has many moving parts, and to be able safely have athletes swim in the back bay, bike on the expressway, and run/finish on the world-famous Atlantic City Boardwalk is an amazing opportunity. We are the Big City Race ‘down the Shore!’”
The prime sponsor of TRI ATH, the Casino Reinvestment Development Authority, has supported the competition through its grant program funding which enabled the event to succeed.
“The race brings thousands of visitors to the destination and showcases our beautiful free beaches and Boardwalk along with a positive economic impact to businesses,” said Karen Martin, director, communications & marketing, CRDA.
Participation holds steady between 1,300 and 1,400 athletes, Del Monte says. “For us, it’s all about athlete safety, organization, and efficiency for everyone involved. We do our best to communicate with our athletes and the community to bring about the best experience possible.”
Testimonial after testimonial praise the programming efforts.
“I have done TRI AC Olympic distance a couple times in recent years, and it is one of my favorites,” said Eric Ascalon, on the DelMoSports website. “DelMo knows how to put on an event. Swimming in the back bay is awesome, and well-supported by an armada of lifeguards. It’s a fast and flat bike and run courses. With great ocean views. What more can you ask for?”
Del Monte started DelMoSports in 2003 as a way to spread the experience of participating in triathlons. “I loved the feeling triathlon game me. The ability to set a goal, train, and cross the finish line was unlike anything I had ever experienced,” he says.
In addition to TRI AC, DelMoSports puts on Tri the Wildwoods, Escape the Cape and the Women’s Philadelphia Triathlon.
The Triathlon is one of a growing list of athletic competitions courtesy of the Atlantic City Sports Commission. They include:
August 15: Amerikick Internationals at the Atlantic City Convention Center
August 19-24: U.S. Open Pool Championship
September 13-15: USA Triathlon Olympic and Sprint Distance National Championships on the beach and Boardwalk
October 4: USA Fencing 2024 North American Cup
October 19-20: Atlantic City Marathon and Half Marathon 5K and 10K
“We are always booking events and have several sporting events on the books that aren’t definite yet, says Jessica Kasunich, director of communications for Visit AC.
William Sokolic is a veteran journalist who has written for daily, weekly and monthly publications. He’s covered a wide range of news, features and entertainment stories. Much of his work concerns tourism, Atlantic City, and the gaming industry.
