Kaua‘i Loves You triathlon returns to Kalapaki, May 1

Registration for the 2010 Kaua‘i Loves You triathlon to benefit the Swim Kaua‘i Aquatics program is now available.

SKA and the YMCA of Kaua‘i is hosting the May 1 event described as Kaua‘i’s first international, or Olympic, distance triathlon to be held in Kalapaki Bay and its surrounding areas.

Individuals and relay teams are welcome to compete in several divisions with an awards ceremony and prize giveaways to follow the race at Kalapaki Beach.

The longer distance race starts with an approximate 1500 meter swim in Kalapaki Bay, a 40 kilometer bike ride along the Halemalu bypass road followed by a 10 kilometer run along the perimeter of the Kaua‘i Lagoons golf property.

Sprint division format is half the international distance course.

The race is scheduled to start at 7 a.m., May 1, and according to organizers, the competitors should be finished by 11 a.m.

Motorists are also advised the entrance to the bypass road in Kipu will be closed from 7:30 to 10:30 a.m. on race day to ensure safety for the bicyclists. There will be trained flaggers and police officers to control traffic at affected intersections.

“There has been quite a buzz about this race,” said Dan Britzmann, president of SKA. “It features a course right in Lihu‘e and we are lucky to have a protected bay to swim in, a bike ride off the main highways, and a run on a premiere resort property.”

Some of the prizes being distributed include engraved iPod Shuffle, iPod nano, and a two-night stay at the Grand Hyatt Kaua‘i Resort and Spa.

The Kaua‘i Marriott Resort and Beach Club, Kaua‘i Cycle, Kaua‘i Springs, Fitbodies, Wal-Mart, Hammer Nutrition and Taylor Mayo designs are some of the event sponsors.

SKA is a USA swimming sanctioned age group program based at the YMCA ‘Ohana Pool in Puhi.

Visit www.kauailovesyou.com for more information, maps and registration forms.