triathlon

I wasn't here for last year's race but everyone has said there were fewer. The reason is most likely that the St Croix Triathlon is no longer a qualifier for the big one in Hawaii since it's only a half-triathlon here. I was a safety diver and think there were fewer than 20 total men and women professionals in the race.

it was a qualifier for all of those years and now all of a sudden it is not? interesting

Yes, there were definitely fewer participants this year. In past years, a big draw to our Ironman 70.3 (a half ironman) race has been the opportunity to qualify for a slot at (full) Ironman Kona. The change in qualifying policies has been made across the board for 70.3 races, this was not something specific to St. Croix.

No half-ironman's will be qualifiers for the full Ironman championship anymore. Only full Ironman tri's will be qualifiers for the Kona championship. The international triathlon committee announced this a couple of years ago and have been phasing out the 70.3 qualifiers. It has nothing to do with STX. Our triathlon is now a qualifier for the 70.3 (Half-Ironman) championship.

303 instead of 600-700 is a BIG difference

well, that explains it . thanks to all who answered

While I expected the smaller field of competitors (as I knew about the elimination of the Kona qualification slots), I was really disappointed by the spectator turnout. Even with fewer competitors, this is an impressive event with world-class athletes and many local participants. I was surprised not more people wanted to come out and watch, and frankly was a little embarrassed by the small crowd. The final stretch along King Street had 30, maybe 40, people along the side of the road (we were almost outnumbered by the chickens), which had to be at least a little disheartening to the athletes. It felt kind of desolate for the culmination of such a big event.

I'm not sure what the crowds were like elsewhere on the island, but it was very thin downtown. And I hope the fact that there weren't more spectators doesn't make athletes less interested in participating in the future.

Bernie

was miss judith there with her cow bell

I was there last year, but I don't think it coincided with carnival activities. Lots of people from St Croix came over and St Thomas carnival had a people race on Saturday morning, and St Croix runners participated. Too many activities same weekend.

The polish triathlete that stayed at my house came in 5th overall. He was a great guy.

Bernie, I thought the same thing about the poor spectator turnout....until someone pointed out the STT carnival conflict. I do think that may have had something to do with it.

The Virgin Islands athletes ROCKED the race!! We had three local athletes qualify for the Ironman 70.3 Championships in Austria. That is a big deal!! I don't think it got the attention it deserved in the local media.

Big thank you to all of the VOLUNTEERS who made race day go so smoothly!!

Bernie, I thought the same thing about the poor spectator turnout....until someone pointed out the STT carnival conflict. I do think that may have had something to do with it.

The Virgin Islands athletes ROCKED the race!! We had three local athletes qualify for the Ironman 70.3 Championships in Austria. That is a big deal!! I don't think it got the attention it deserved in the local media.

Big thank you to all of the VOLUNTEERS who made race day go so smoothly!!

And congratulations to you on your results!!