The 2015 Coronado Triathlon is on Sunday!

Join Playa Community at the "TRIATLON XTREME CORONADO"  This Sunday from 7:00 a.m. onwards. Swimmers will start from the Coronado Beach club on calle Roberto Esienmann and continue on through the Coronado back roads.

Every year Union de Triathlon de Panama hosts a sprint triathlon in Coronado. While the sprint is a short distance event, the Coronado terrain provides some challenges. The race begins with a 750-meter swim in the unpredictable Pacific Ocean, continues with a 20 km bike ride through Coronado’s rocky back roads, and ends with a 5k run finishing on soft sand.

Eladio Quintero director of Union de Triathlon de Panama (UTP), tells us the event is a favorite for amateur and new athletes. “Each year hundreds of beginner and novice athletes take on the goal of competing in this beach Triathlon”. Since the event rules permit relay teams, the Coronado triathlon is considered to be a great beginner event. Many, however choose to take on the swim, bike and run, themselves.  Competitors are ranked in categories determined by age and sex.  

The months leading up to the event are charged with energy, as the participants gear up.  Training groups are formed to run, bike and swim. First timers pick up training tips from the more qualified.
“It is a fun, social and happy time”, says Tom Laroquette, who has participated in many different race events over the years.  “The Coronado Triathlon is an entry level event and is for everyone. Its starts on a high and finishes on a high.”

Many participants, like Richard Burry, 55 are going after personal goals over the podium. Richard participated in the swim event on a relay team five years ago. This year he plans to attempt all three events himself. While he does not come from an athletic background, Richard increased the level of exercise in his life as a means of controlling diabetes. The Coronado triathlon gives him something to work towards. “I’m going to take my time. My goal is to keep my energy up and complete. I might need to walk instead of run, I will see what my body needs on the day. I’m not out to win any prizes”.

David Bayliss, 60 started his athletic life with the Coronado triathlon, three years ago. He has since built up his athletic ability by participating in many different marathons and triathlons. This year David is competing for a podium step in his age category. “I have a good chance”, he says.

Recently retired, oilrig technician, Frank Corbertt, 61 has competed in running and biking events in the past. He is an avid biker and photographer, who is usually behind the camera at the Coronado Triathlon. This year, Frank is putting down his camera to pick up a bike and join Karyn Saunders to form a relay team. “Karyn will do the swim and the run. I’ll bike”, says Frank. “I’m just going to get out there and enjoy myself, it will be fun to go against the clock once again”.

Regardless of the reason for participation, the Coronado triathlon offers participants a reason to increase the amount of activity in their lives and stretch towards new goals. “Whatever you do, just have fun" says Karyn Saunders, who will be participating for the 5th year.

The Coronado Triathlon, which used to be the Coronado Xtremo Triathlon, has changed names this year to, “Coronado Tri Me”. The event takes place at 7:00 a.m. September 6th.