This article is part of a series of "on-the-ground" reports from Everymantri at the TriStar111 Nevis triathlon. Our roving reporter Ben Greenfield will be there filming, writing, and, as per his usual mode of operation, racing. Stay tuned for more coverage leading up this unique triathlon distance.
This morning at 8am, a week of sports and fun opened with StarMile 2.5 swim across the channel between the Caribbean islands of St.Kitts and Nevis.
Now in the 9th year, the Nevis to St.Kitts cross-channel swim has been re-labelled "StarMile 2.5" and will open a week of sports, fun and recreation on the island of Nevis in the Caribbean. Participants swam the 2.5 miles (4km) in the Caribbean Sea from one island to the other, and prior to the race, Chris Mccormack, Ironman World Champion, tweeted:
Dinner on the beach here in Nevis. Pretty sweet. Big swim in the morning from Nevis Island across the channel to St Kitts.#NoSharks
So how did Macca do?
“One of the attractions of this event is that it is not only a race but also a challenge. Those who are not so fast or competent swimmers are allowed to use fins or a snorkel mask to get them across the beautiful 'Narrows'”, says Winston Crooke, President of the St Kitts & Nevis Triathlon Federation.
TriStar111 Nevis will be held on Saturday 2 April 2011, and athletes are very likely to stay the entire week on the islands in preparation for the race, and in order to spend picture book holidays on the "Queen of the Caribees”, as the island is called. The organizers are preparing a week full of entertainment for those present on the island, with a theme every day.
Tuesday is a day of recreational fun with a program of horseback riding on the beach, kayaking and deep sea fishing. Wednesday brings a charity fun-run over 5km in order to raise awareness for the fight against cancer. In cooperation with Livestrong™, funds will be collected for the Pink Lily breast cancer foundation with the vision to provide quality cancer care in Nevis. Thursday will bring a day of seminars with TriStar ambassadors and professional triathletes who will explain race strategies and effective training techniques to participants. Friday will be a day focused on environmental protection with 4vita actions and information campaigns about topics that become more relevant every day.
Every evening, two local restaurants will offer specials to TriStar and StarMile participants in order to let athletes and their families discover the diversified local cuisine.
Saturday 2 April will bring the main event with TriStar111 Nevis. 1km of swimming, 100km of cycling and 10km of running will add up to the first TriStar111 Nevis followed by the Caribbean StarNight Awards Party.
The 36-square-mile (A/N: 93km2) island of Nevis lies near the top of the Lesser Antilles archipelago, about 200 (A/N: 322km) miles south of Puerto Rico, and just west of Antigua. This island jewel is approximately 7 miles long and 5 miles wide, with natural vegetation that is unparalleled. Green and serene, Nevis is truly one of the remaining unspoilt places and proudly carries the name "Queen of the Caribees." From the top of the 3,232-foot (A/N: 985m) Nevis Peak to the depths of the clear waters offshore, there is a world of flora and fauna to be explored.
