The Tribune

THE sixth annual Powerade Potcakeman Triathlon is all set to kick off at Jaws Beach on Sunday, April 15.

Following impacts of the hurricane season last year, the race directors of the island nation's premier triathlon have brought the race forward. They feel the new date will also offer cooler temperatures for participants and a more enjoyable overall race experience.

This year's triathlon will also feature just one race distance, an exciting combo of the sprint and Olympic events.

The ocean swim will be 1,000m long, followed by three bike loops totalling 28k finishing with a 7k run along the trails at Clifton Heritage Park.

Participants can choose to either do the full triathlon or join with two others and compete in a relay team.

Following the adult contest, kids will be able to compete in either a Junior or Puppy distance 'Aquathon' which is a short swim followed by a run.

Race director Sarah Kennedy encourages anyone still wishing to register to do so before the closing deadline on Friday, April 13. "This is probably going to be the most competitive race to date " she said.

"We have competitors travelling from USA, Canada and UK to compete and we can't wait to see who will be crowned the new champions."

All finishers will receive a dri-fit t-shirt, swag bag, a unique glittered finisher medal and be rewarded with a refreshing Heineken beer and a Dunkin Donut.

In addition to presenting partners Powerade, the event is being sponsored by Subway, Purina, Aliv, Think Simple, Happy Pets Animal Hospital, Higgs & Johnson, KMPG, Albany, JS Johnson, Damianos Sotheby's International Realty, The Pet Food Institute, Dunkin' Donuts, Heineken and Blue Swim. There will also be a raffle draw on race day, the top prize being a Jamis Earth cruiser 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 completed over 1,900 sterilisations in 2017 and over 8,000 total since forming in 2010.

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