Second Bethany Beach First Responders Sprinternational Triathlon-Duathlon set for Sept. 22

The second annual Bethany Beach First Responders Sprinternational Triathlon-Duathlon, sponsored by Meris Properties, will be Sunday, Sept. 22. The event will benefit Bethany Beach’s first responders in the fire and emergency medical services arms of the Bethany Beach Volunteer Fire Company with options to support Autism Speaks and Share-A-Lot. This year, in addition to the triathlon and duathlon, a new aquabike option will be offered.

The event begins at 7:30 a.m., Sunday, Sept. 22. It is a USA Triathlon sanctioned event produced by Seashore Striders Event Productions Inc. The event will start with a point-to-point ocean swim. The transition area will be on Garfield Parkway and Atlantic Avenue in downtown Bethany Beach. The bike and run will encompass Bethany Beach, North Bethany, Indian River Inlet bridge and South Bethany. The race will end on the Bethany Beach boardwalk with an after-party catered by sponsor Bethany Blues and awards ceremony at the boardwalk bandstand. There will also be a festive Beer Garden at Mango’s, sponsored by Mango’s and 3rd Wave Brewing Co.

This event is sure to sell out, as the inaugural race did last September, so athletes are encouraged to register now. Athletes will have the opportunity to compete in one of three races, featuring finishing medals, overall, first-timers, masters, Clydesdale, Athena, first responder and age-group awards.

• The Triathlon - 1,000-meter (.62 mile) ocean swim, 30K (18.5-mile) bike and 7K (4.35-mile) run.

• The Duathlon - 1,000-meter (.62 mile) beach run, 30K (18.5-mile) bike and 7K (4.35 mile) run.

• The Aquabike - 1,000-meter (.62 mile) ocean swim, 30K (18.5-mile) bike followed by less than a quarter-mile run to the finish line.

There are several clinics that will offer help to first-timers preparing for the events and those preparing for the ocean swim.

On Friday, Sept. 20, there will be a pre-race party held at The Starboard Restaurant in Dewey Beach, featuring music, food and special beverage pricing. On Saturday, Sept. 21, from 4 to 8 p.m., the Bethany Beach Volunteer Fire Department will host the Packet Pick-Up and Sports Expo which will feature the latest in multisport products and services.

Special offer for athletes who register between now and July 31: register now to receive a free Bethany Beach Triathlon Training Shirt.

Choose size during checkout and pay shipping only to receive the shirt via USPS mail. Limited sizes are available, and this incentive is only available for those who have not yet registered. Athletes who are already registered and want a shirt should contact Merchandise Manager Mary at 302-537-2151. Training T-shirts for athletes registered prior to July 1 are available at the discounted price of $14.99, which includes shipping.

Sponsorships are currently available at a variety of price ranges, with considerable benefits. New this year: area businesses may purchase welcome flags to signal their support of the event. Thanks to event sponsors to date: Meris Properties, PNC Bank, ResortQuest, Hyatt Place Dewey Beach, The Starboard, The Cottage Café, 3rd Wave Brewing Company, Bethany Beach Books, Mango’s, Bethany Blues, Baja Beach House Grill, Cycling Center of Coastal Delaware, The Dispatch, D3Corp, Delaware Wave, Rehoboth Beach Sports, Marine Homes, The Coastal Point, Peninsula Oil & Propane, Bethany Dental Associates, Wilgus Associates, Tansey-Warner Real Estate and Creative Resource Group.

For more details, including registration information, sponsorship information, ocean swim and transition area clinics, or to volunteer, go to www.bethanybeachtri.com.