The third annual Great Abaco Family Fitness Weekend (GAFFW) was held this past weekend in Treasure Cay, Abaco. The event drew everyone from the ultra-fit to those who run for fun.
The event helped to raise money for two local organizations, the Rotary Club of Abaco and Friends of the Environment.
"The weekend went well, we drew 35 percent more participants than last year. Bahamas Ferries helped to make it happen by putting on a special service to help those in Nassau get to the event," said GAFFW Race Director Lee McCoy
"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."
There were 230 overall race entries, with some people choosing to compete in more than one event. The races offered were an open water swim, a triathlon and a road race. A one-mile fun run was offered for the kids, along with a paddleboard clinic put on by Nassau-based PappaSurf and a cheerleading/dance clinic led by Michaud Abraham out of Marsh Harbour.
The open water swim kicked off the weekend's festivities. Mark Rutledge of Mount Pleasant, U.S., won the men's race in a time of 19:01 seconds, while Christina Pyfrom, 14, of Marsh Harbour, was victorious in the women's swim, in a time of 22:15.
The men's sprint triathlon was dominated by Nassau's Dorian Roach, 37, with a time of 1:20:46 seconds, and Freeport's Vicki Stafford, 46, won the women's sprint triathlon with a time of 1:28:02 seconds.
Bahamian 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 seconds and 2:47:51 seconds.
Lowe also won the 10k run in a time of 44:47 seconds. Donovan Rolle, 35, of Nassau dominated the 5k run. He finished the race in a time of 21:15 seconds.
The inspiration for this year's event was provided by double arm amputee and triathlete, Hector Picard, who was flown by the Cable Cares Foundation to speak to athletes and local schools about his experience overcoming life's obstacles.
Preparations are already being made for next year's fitness weekend that is slated for March 20-25.

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