The Tribune

THE fifth annual Powerade Potcakeman Triathlon is all set to take place at Jaws Beach on Saturday, September 23.

Hurricane Irma threatened to potentially delay proceedings but the race organisers are happy to announce all is on track for a fantastic, family fun-filled morning.

The longer Olympic race which was introduced last year proved extremely popular and is once again an option for athletes who want to try the extended distance. There is also the option of doing a relay at the Olympic distance which has been newly added to the schedule.

Race director Sarah Kennedy encourages anyone still wishing to register to do so before the closing deadline on Wednesday, September 20.

"This is probably going to be the most competitive race to date," she said. "We have competitors travelling from USA and Canada to compete and we can't wait to see who will be crowned champions."

The Bahamas Triathlon Association (BTA) was recently formed following the rapid growth of the sport's popularity.

There is to be CARIFTA championship to be held in Barbados in October and the BTA are sending a number of young athletes.

Lori Roach explained that the Potcakeman has really thought about the kids racing this year.

"We have introduced a Junior Tri for teenagers in addition to our usual Puppy Tri," she said. "We have also added a 'Splash n Dash' race for the really young ones to come out and have a go."

In addition to a dri-fit T-shirt and full swag bag, all finishers will receive a unique finisher medal and rewarded with a Heineken beer and hamburger from the Rotary Club of East Nassau's Van. Kids will all get a Dunkin donut.

In addition to presenting partners Powerade, the event is being sponsored by Subway, Purina Dog Chow, Albany, Think Simple, Higgs & Johnson, KMPG, Odyssey Aviation, JS Johnson, The Pet Food Institute, Daminos Sothebys International Realty, Happy Pets Animal Hospital, Heinenken, and Golden Wings Charter.

There will also be a raffle draw on race day, the top prize being a Hudson Sports Femme bike donated from Cycles Unlimited.

The race is being organised by the non-profit organisation Baark (Bahamas Alliance for Animal Rights and Kindness).

All money raised from the event will go towards their spay/neuter and education programmes all over the Bahamas.

They have already completed over 1,000 sterilisations in 2017 and over 7,000 total since forming in 2010.

More information and registration link for both events can be found at the website www.potcakeman.com