The Virgin Islands Triathlon Federation was forced to postpone the Grand Finale Junior Triathlon until this past Sunday, and it proved to be a great decision. Beneath a radiant sky, 26 budding triathletes assembled at Cramer’s Park, ready to take on the swim, bike and run in the season’s ultimate Junior Tri VI event.
Representing five different schools along with three home-schooled students, the event was a testament to inclusivity, welcoming kids of all abilities aged 5 to 15.
Despite a few hurdles along the way, such as choppy seas, a “run in” on the bike course and a dropped chain, nothing kept the smiles from the competitors’ faces as they crossed the finish line.
In the 5-6 age category, Benjamin Heaney led the pack right from the 25-meter swim. While Hunter Whitworth was close behind on the swim, he lagged behind on the 1/2-mile bike ride, and Heaney’s speedy run secured him the top spot, with Whitworth coming in a close second just a minute behind. Bexley Ivey, celebrating her fifth birthday just two weeks prior, dominated the girls’ category, followed by Hanako Sanders and Luna Angeles.
Moving on to the 7-8 category, participants tackled a 50-meter swim, a 1/2-mile bike ride and a 1/2-mile run. Hadley Whitworth emerged first from the swim, trailed by Millie Leo and Michael Kuczynski. Tuf Donohoo swiftly took the lead on his bike and then fought hard on the run to keep ahead of Leo, who crossed the finish line just 5 seconds behind, to solidify male and female first-place honors.
In the 9-11 category — featuring a 100-meter swim, a 1-mile bike ride, and a 1/2-mile run — Emma Whitworth dominated the swim, leading by 40 seconds over her brother Dane. However, Sage Weiss surged ahead during the bike leg, maintaining the lead through the run to secure an overall first place, with Emma Whitworth triumphing in the girls’ category.
The 12-15 category witnessed fierce competition among well-rounded athletes. Teague Gleason set a strong pace in the 200-meter swim, followed closely by Cole Cullinan. The lone female racer, Ava Whitworth, was the third to finish the swim. Cullinan overtook Gleason on the third lap of the run and finished first, just over two minutes in the lead. Whitworth, a top Dolphin swimmer in her age group, was relieved to finish the run.
Junior Tri VI will recommence its activities in the fall with a duathlon (run/bike/run) on Oct. 20. For further details on multi-sport events in the Virgin Islands, call 513-2707 or email info@vitf.org.
