FINALLY... the Charleston Sprint Triathlon Series (CSTS) is ready to crank up. Seems like the time between August and the CSTS opener gets longer each year. Thanks to all who have registered for CSTS; registration has been heavy and we expect this season to be another banner year. All dates in the Series remain open for registration.
Last year was the first year that a CSTS race was held in May and it turned out to be a hit! Don't miss out on CSTS #1; Sunday May 22. A little cooler weather, a smaller field (260-300 registered), and a chance to pick up some early season points all are great reasons to race.
Online late fees are being WAIVED for CSTS #1 so if you haven't registered yet you still have time. Late Registration and packet pick-up will be available at James Island County Park from 5 to 7 PM on Saturday May 21. Packet pick-up will resume at 6 AM on Raceday.
Everyone has done a great job of getting out early on Racedays and it really helps things go smoothly and efficiently. A good time to arrive at the Park is about 6:00 AM; easier to Park, shorter lines, and most likely, a beautiful sunrise breathing life into another Carolina morning.
Typically the Preregistered List will be posted by the Wednesday or Thursday before each race in the Series.
Results will be online usually Sunday evening or Monday morning.
There are a few changes of note this year; one is that the Clydesdale Division will now be actually two separate divisions. The "Clydesdale Division" will be for men 200 pounds or greater that are under the age of 40. The "Masters Clydesdale Division" will be for men 200 pounds or greater and age 40 and over.
The other change is a modification to the existing bike course. The difference in this year's course is that at the turnaround on the bike course the bikes returning on Folly Road rather than ride in the right lane will stay in the LEFT lane (riding with traffic) coming from the Folly Beach direction all the way to the left turn that puts the bikes back on Riverland Drive.
Piggly Wiggly, once again, will sponsor the Post Race Buffet with a selection of various fruits, bagels, cream cheese, Gatorade, soft drinks, cookies and crunchies. Adding a great deal of spice to 2011 CSTS will be Taco Boy, one of Charleston's most popular eateries. Taco Boy, with their colorful vending truck parked next to the lake, will be offering their great food and beverage the mornings of all Racedates.
One of the very great things about CSTS is the involvement and enthusiasm of our World Class Spectators. All of the special cheers, and home made signs, and general involvement that the spectators bring to CSTS help make it the special event that it has become.
It's great to see the number of tents and picnic sites that are popping up around the lake. Please remember that everyone must park before unloading. We simply cannot allow vehicles to unload on any of the roadways or shoulders in the Park. This is really important.
Thanks again to everyone, most importantly, our sponsors who make the Charleston Sprint Triathlon Series one of the top triathlon series in the Southeast. Can't wait...
Paul and Kathleen King
