16th Annual Jakes Off-Road Triathlon set for next Saturday

Saturday, April 09, 2011

TREASURE BEACH, St Elizabeth — Year after year, the Annual Jake's Off-Road Triathlon, presented by Wata & Natures Valley, brings the sleepy South Coast alive with athletes and spectators of all ages making their way down the rugged race course to fun and excitement at the finish line.

This year marks the 16th staging of the event, which was named last year by Triathlete Magazine as one of the "Five Best Off-Road Races" in the world.

Set to take place next Saturday, the event has become a staple on many an athlete's calendar, who enjoys the fun and participatory atmosphere, unique race course, and strong community spirit.

The momentum is already building for this year's event, which has the continued support of its loyal sponsors, Wisynco, Pan Caribbean and Island Car Rentals, plus ATL Autohaus and the international sporting and lifestyle brands, PUMA and Havaianas.

The triathlon kicks off at 7:00 am with a 500-metre ocean swim at Great Bay, followed by a 25k mountain bike course and 7k country run.

For the second year in a row, 'Jakes Off-Road' race organiser Jim Curl has teamed up with Iona Wynter, a former Olympic triathlete who represented Jamaica at the Sydney Games, to marshal additional weekend festivities under the banner, "The Treasure Beach Sports Festival".

The festival will include the Sunset Run on the evening of April 15 and the Jakes Likkle Kids Triathlon, which immediately follows the 'Off-Road' race the following day.

The Likkle Kidz Triathlon is open to males and females from 8-14 years old, and the course includes a 100-metre swim, 2.5-mile bike stretch and a 1/2-mile run.

Diehard cyclists will also have their time to shine on an intensive uphill biking course on Saturday afternoon.

There are great prizes to be won in both triathlons, including bicycles, sporting equipment and fabulous weekend vacations, but the weekend's focus is on more than winning.

All proceeds go to BREDS: The Treasure Beach Foundation, which is a wholly volunteer-based charitable organisation run by members of the community, for the benefit of the community in Treasure Beach.

"Jake's 'Off Road' is defined by a strong community spirit and friendly atmosphere. From the voices of the cheering spectators, to the sponsors' onsite offerings and close collaboration, to the athletes' shared sense of accomplishment, collectively they come together to make this one of a kind event so successful," exclaims Jason Henzell, owner of Jakes.

The cost for Jamaican residents to register for Jakes Off Road Triathlon is $3,000 (individual) or $5,500 (relay). The cost for the Jakes Likkle Kidz Triathlon is $500 (individual) and $800 (relay).