Drawing everyone from the ultra-fit to those who run for fun, the 3rd Annual Great Abaco Family Fitness Weekend hosted them all at one of the world's most beautiful beaches in Treasure Cay, Abaco.
Bahamian and veteran of the local triathlon circuit, Simon Lowe, 30, and Laura Fijol, 46, of Massachusetts, came out triumphant in the Olympic distance triathlon event with times of 2:27:03 and 2:47:51 respectively. The sprint triathlon was dominated by Nassau's Dorian Roach, 37, with a time of 1:20:46, and Freeport's Vicki Stafford, 46, with a time of 1:28:02.
Lowe, 30, came out on top again in the 10 kilometer (k) run, in 44:57, along with Roberta Fontana, 44, of Nassau, who won the women's 10k in 48:14.
In the 5k run, Donovan Rolle, 35, of Nassau, ran a speedy 6.51 minute per mile pace to cruise to victory in just 21:15, while Jadot Cath of Freeport came in just behind in 22:34.
Among the swimmers in the one-mile open water swim event which kicked off the festivities, Mark Rutledge of Mount Pleasant, United States, swam a swift 19:01 minute race, while young Christina Pyfrom, 14, of Marsh Harbour was victorious in the women's swim, in a time of just 22:15.
A one-mile kids' fun run was enjoyed by 33 young ones, while the organizers also incorporated one of the latest crazes -- paddleboarding -- by inviting Nassau-based PappaSurf up to Treasure Cay to offer a paddleboard clinic, which was followed by a paddleboard race. A cheerleading/dance clinic also took place for the children, led by Michaud Abraham out of Marsh Harbour, Abaco.
For the brave, there was the chance to enter and compete in more than one event, with some of those involved racing in the open water swim, taking part in the triathlon event, and also the road race. Overall, there were 230 race entries.
In the meantime, competitors, friends and family were invited to relax and wind down at the numerous awards ceremonies and a post-race happy hour. Inspiration was provided by double arm amputee and triathlete Hector Picard, who was flown in thanks to the Cable Cares Foundation, to speak to athletes and local schools about his experience overcoming life's obstacles.
Lee McCoy, the event's race director, said the weekend went well, drawing 35 percent more participants than last year. Bahamas Ferries put on a special service to help those in Nassau get to the event, many bringing their cars to make the drive from Sandy Point to Treasure Cay and one group chartered a flight from Freeport, Grand Bahama.
"We were looking to do an event in the Abacos that would be a destination event and also to provide a fun weekend for families and Abaconians to participate in. Triathlons and road races have been expanding throughout The Bahamas, and we've added to that portfolio with this event. It's grown substantially and we learn more each year," said McCoy.
The next Great Abaco Family Fitness Weekend is slated for March 20-22, 2015. This event helped to raise money for two local organizations, the Rotary Club of Abaco and Friends of the Environment.
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