WILMINGTON — The 46th Annual YMCA Wrightsville Beach Sprint Triathlon will have more than 1,400 athletes participating in its Saturday event. Folks traveling to Wrightsville Beach and along Oleander and Airlie roads should anticipate delays from 6:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m..
Sponsored by Novant Health, the event was founded in 1979 and is the oldest active sprint triathlon on the East Coast. It begins at 6:50 a.m for adults (16+) and 8 a.m. for youth (ages 7 to 15) on Saturday, Sept. 26. Folks traveling onto Wrightsville Beach during this time should expect traffic delays.
The adult’s race will feature a 1,200 meter swim in Banks Channel, 11 mile bike ride across Wrightsville Beach’s drawbridge, and a 5k run around Wrightsville Beach’s “Loop,” which is welcome to both novice and expert athletes.
The youth’s race will feature a 200-meter swim at Seapath Marina, 4 mile bike ride beginning at Wrightsville Beach Park, and end with a 1.6 mile run at Wrightsville’s “Loop.”
Proceeds from the event will support YMCA of Southeastern North Carolina’s Annual Campaign, which ensures that cost will not be a factor in not participating in YMCA programs and services.
The organization has been providing since 1887 and impacts over 30,000 individuals across New Hanover, Brunswick, Pender, and Sampson counties through programs focused on youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility.
Volunteers are still welcome to sign up for stations across the race which will include setting up, managing water stations, distributing medals to finishers, assisting at the transition areas, and directing athletes along the course. Prior experience is not required, and all volunteers receive t-shirts to wear along with food and refreshments.
Due to the large turnout, traffic delays are expected and law enforcement will be directing traffic. Spectators are encouraged to support and cheer on athletes along the course.
Full course maps for adults and youth, volunteer sign-ups, and additional information may be found here.
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