Second Annual Morton Plant Mease Triathlon to Benefit Community, Hospitals2007 Race Includes Top Athletes, Larger Prize PurseCLEARWATER -- World Triathlon and Ironman champions will be among the more than 800 athletes swimming, cycling and running their way to victory in the 2007 Morton Plant Mease Triathlon on Sunday, July 15. Sponsored by Morton Plant Mease Health Care and the City of Clearwater, and sanctioned by USA Triathlon, the second annual event kicks off at 7 a.m. at Sand Key Park, 1060 Gulf Blvd., Clearwater,. The race features a 1/3-mile open water swim in the Gulf of Mexico, a 13-mile bike over the Sand Key, Memorial Causeway and Belleair Causeway Bridges and a 3.1 mile run starting and finishing at Sand Key Park. The event will help raise funds for the Morton Plant Mease Foundation and the four hospitals of Morton Plant Mease Health Care, all community owned facilities dedicated to improving the health of the community. Last year 464 athletes finished the first ever Morton Plant Mease Triathlon. This year nearly double that number - 850 athletes - are registered for the event. Competing in this year's triathlon are the following nationally and world-ranked athletes:
A $4,000 prize purse will be distributed to the top five elite male and female finishers. Last year's prize purse was $3,000. Custom plaques will be distributed to the top five finishers in the following categories: 14 years and younger; 15 - 19; 20 -25 and upward in five-year increments to 85 years, 85 and older; Clydesdale; Athena; Novice; Skip Cline member; and physically challenged. All race finishers will receive custom medals. You may also participate in the race by becoming a volunteer. Volunteers are needed to assist with registration, distribute water to athletes and assist at the finish line. Volunteers are needed July 14 and 15, and can sign up by calling (727) 820-7790.
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