From The Tent - Important Race Information |
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There will be NO registration Saturday or Sunday for relays or individual entry. The triathlon has reached capacity and online registration will close shortly. This year's triathlon has a couple of changes that will make the race even better than it has been the first two years. The first is that the finish line has been moved from Earth Fare at Towne Centre to the SHOPPES AT SEASIDE FARMS. Many thanks to the Shoppes at Seaside Farms and the BEACH COMPANY for graciously allowing us to move the finish line to the new location. This move will mean less traffic (and traffic control) on the run course as the Shoppes at Mount Pleasant is just off the Isle of Palms Connector. The finish line and post race festivities will be in the heart of the beautifully landscaped business district and will help create a memorable finish for participants and a great spectator viewing area. (It is also a very safe location for kids). Earth Fare did a great job with food and beverage the first two years of the race, but we are extremely excited about our 2007 food and beverage sponsor, JUST FRESH, BAKERY CAFE AND MARKET. Just Fresh is one of Charleston's unique restaurants and is located right at our finish line. Look for a really, really great post race buffet. The bike course will remain the same as last year, however, with the new finish line the run course has changed. After leaving the Transition Area runners will have a half mile run on the hard packed sand of the beach (it's low tide). This will make the course even more spectacular and definitely even more interesting. The Official Race Hotel is the HAMPTON INN & SUITES located about three miles from the swim start and a half mile from the finish line. Contact information is on our site. Rooms are limited so please take advantage of this great opportunity while rooms last. TRYSPORTS and COMMONWEALTH INSURANCE GROUP are our Presenting Sponsors and have done an amazing job with their commitment to the East Cooper Coastal Triathlon. Many of the "extras" that are so evident at our triathlon are a direct result of our Presenting Sponsor's generosity. TrySports (843) 849-9292 is offering wetsuit rentals but there are a limited number of wetsuits and sizes available so contact them directly (and soon) if you are in need of a wetsuit for the triathlon. Water temperature for the race should be in the upper 60's (maybe low 70's if the nice weather keeps up). Also contact TrySports if you are wanting to compete on a team but are looking for other members. They will mix and match to try and accommodate. Logistically, things look really great for the race. The cooperation between the three East Cooper communities; Mount Pleasant, Sullivans Island and the Isle of Palms, is at the heart of what makes this triathlon so very special. The town of Mount Pleasant's Recreation Department and Public Service offer willingly the skills and hard work that an event such as a triathlon demands. Traffic control for the East Cooper Coastal Triathlon involves bikes and runners racing through three different communities and calls upon the highest degree of cooperation and professionalism between the separate law enforcement jurisdictions. Over the years our local law enforcement agencies (including the Charleston County Sheriff's Department) have provided their skills and enthusiasm in protecting our triathlon participants. In late March two police officers, Lonnie Wells and Marcus Stiles, of neighboring Berkeley County, lost their lives in a violent Sunday afternoon confrontation that shattered the Lowcountry. The Charleston Triathlon Club, in recognition of the services that our law enforcement agencies provide for our events, is making a donation to the fund that has been established to assist the families of the slain officers. As always, be careful and thanks for your support. Looking forward to seeing everyone and getting the triathlon season rolling. Paul and Kathleen King |