Registration is now open for the 2016 Generali Worldwide Mercuryman being held January 17th 2016 in Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands. In its fourth year, the half-iron distance triathlon has garnered international attention over the past few years as a race of choice for early season preparations.
Kim Schwabenbauer, professional triathlete and USA triathlon coach spoke highly of her experience at last year’s event.
“The timing of the Mercuryman triathlon race works perfectly with the beginning of the North American triathlon season,” she said. “The whole experience was fantastic – the attention to detail of the organisation of the race was exceptional, the ocean-side venue made race preparations convenient and easy, and the proximity of the Cayman Islands to the US make it a must-do race.”
Grand Cayman’s terrain provides the ultimate destination triathlon for competitors with a 1.2 mile swim in the clear protected waters of the warm Caribbean Sea, a 56 mile cycle along a flat coastline, and a 13.1 mile run on quiet coastal roads.
Trevor Murphy, race director of Generali Worldwide Mercuryman said one of the main attractions for international competitors was the opportunity to escape the cold North American winter and combine a triathlon with a warm, Caribbean vacation.
“Destination triathlons are increasing in popularity as people enjoy the opportunity to combine a race with a vacation,” he said. “January can be difficult for triathletes from North American to train or compete due to the weather but with so many short direct flights from the US to the Cayman Islands, the 2016 Generali Worldwide Mercuryman is an easy choice.”
“We have partnered with the Wyndham Reef Resort, Grand Cayman, which is not only the official host hotel of the event but is also the start and finish of the triathlon,” Murphy said. “This means competitors can stay in a beautiful ocean-front resort, are a short walk to the race start and transition, and can then stay on to enjoy a post-race vacation.”
Other 2015 professional triathlete competitors included Ironman specialist American Lisa Roberts; American triathlete and trainer Emily Cocks; Canadian triathlete, Jennifer Lentzke; and American Charisa Wernick.
Cayman Airways are waiving bike box fees for all visiting athletes, and fly direct to the Cayman Islands from Miami, New York, Tampa, Chicago, Dallas, Cuba, Jamaica and Honduras. Additional US gateways with direct flightpaths include Atlanta, Boston, Charlotte, Detroit, Houston, Minneapolis, Newark, Philadelphia and Washington DC.
Athletes wishing to participate in the 2016 Generali Worldwide Mercuryman can register online at mercurymantri.com/registration. Registration is US$170 for individuals, US$150 for aqua bike (swim|bike) and US$250 for team relay and the new 2-2-2 team relay. All prices will increase in the New Year.
The 2-2-2 relay allows two triathletes to split the half-iron distance by tagging in and out throughout the swim, bike, and run disciplines. Each registered 2-2-2 team has complete control to mix and match however they like, however each team member must complete half of each discipline.
The Generali Worldwide Mercuryman 2016 charity of choice is the Stroke Warriors of Cayman, along with the East End Primary School which is supported every year.
Find out more by visiting mercurymantri.com, follow us on facebook.com/Mercurymantri/ or tweet us @mercurymantri.
