Today will mark the 21st staging of the Jake’s Off-Road Triathlon in Treasure Beach, St Elizabeth — an event that, over the years, has attracted many triathletes to the island.

Due to the overwhelming response from last year’s event the organisers decided to take a different approach through the theme You Never Know Unless You Tri to attract not only professional athletes, but also people who want to step outside of their athletic comfort zone.

One such athlete who decided to ‘Tri’ this year is Ryon Chambers, who is well known for participating and placing in almost every distance road race in the island. Chambers, a security guard by profession, has trained as an avid runner for a number of years.

“I try and run at least six miles each morning and I always go for the gold in the 5K events around town.” But that’s not where the workout finishes as his main mode of transport is his bicycle, which he uses to get around Kingston.

Chambers runs during the week with his running club We Got The Runs, and trains with Kurt Dunn in the gym three times a week. Energy drink Hi-Lyte has also backed him fully, sponsoring his training activities and participation in the event. He is also the champion of the 2015 Chas E Ramson Road Race Grand Prix, put on by WGTR and Running Events.

Chambers said he always heard about Jake’s but decided to make the move into the triathlon arena this year because he feels like he has pretty much done it all when it comes to road races. He will not be participating in the swimming leg because he does not know how to swim, but plans to learn very soon.

His swimmer, David Henriques, who has competed in the event twice before, is also excited about his chances competing with Chambers. “Ryon is one person who is truly motivated to perform in an event like this and I know the pressure will be on to make sure he gets a great start.”

Chambers plans to use this year as groundwork for completing the entire triathlon next year after he learns how to swim.