Marc Dubrick and Grace Alexander Triumph at 42nd St. Anthony's Triathlon

Athletes Conquer St. Anthony's Triathlon

On a sunny Sunday morning, over 3,100 athletes swam, biked, and ran their way through the picturesque backdrop of St. Petersburg, Florida, during the 42nd St. Anthony's Triathlon. The event featured a competitive field that included Olympians, world champions, and Ironman competitors, making it one of the most challenging races to date. This year’s triumphs went to Marc Dubrick and Grace Alexander, as they demonstrated grit and excellence.

Marc Dubrick: A Repeat Champion

Marc Dubrick from Boulder, Colorado, not only participated but also clinched the men's championship for the second consecutive year. Dubrick completed the Olympic-distance course, which encompassed a 1.5-kilometer swim, a 40-kilometer bike ride, and a 10-kilometer run, finishing with a time of 1:42:22.03. In an emotional moment, Marc expressed his gratitude to his supporters and family, stating, “It’s always fun racing here in St. Pete. The race played out exactly how I wanted it to.” His perseverance and strategic racing tactics saw him defending his title amidst fierce competition.

Grace Alexander: Overcoming Adversity

On the women’s side, Grace Alexander showcased remarkable tenacity. Having faced a stingray injury just before entering the water, she pressed through to achieve victory in her fourth attempt at the St. Anthony's Triathlon. Grace crossed the finish line with a time of 1:56:35.09, securing her place as the women’s champion and beating her nearest rival by 34 seconds. In her own words, she highlighted the significance of the victory: “This is huge because obviously St. Anthony’s is a great venue. They put on a great race. I’ll be able to pay the rent a little bit with the $10,000 prize.” Her remarkable performance serves as a testament to her determination.

The Pursuit of Excellence

The race this year marked not only individual triumphs but also showcased the spirit of sportsmanship prevalent among the competitors. Matthew McElroy finished a close second for the men with a time of 1:42:43.93, while Andrew Shellenberger followed in third place, clocking in at 1:44:14.53. On the women's podium, Lisa Becharas, the previous year’s champion, secured the second position with a time of 1:57:00.87, and Jodie Stimpson took the third place, finishing with 1:57:32.95.

A Community Celebration

The St. Anthony's Triathlon is not merely a competition; it embodies community spirit. Patrick McGee, the race director, conveyed appreciation for the supportive spectators and generous sponsors, which are crucial in making the event successful. He remarked, “We had an excellent field and the absolute best fans and volunteers who supported this incredible event.”

A Bright Future Ahead

As athletes and fans celebrate another successful triathlon, the preparations for the 43rd St. Anthony's Triathlon are already underway, with official dates to be announced soon. Registration for next year’s event is set to open later this year, promising another chance for competitors to showcase their skills and resilience.

The St. Anthony's Triathlon continues to hold its esteemed status as an essential event on every triathlete’s journey. As both professional and amateur athletes look to the upcoming challenges, they remain motivated by the triumphs witnessed this year, with Dubrick and Alexander setting an inspiring example for all.