Triathletes run for fitness, causes

Sunday, April 26, 2009

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Dianne Villano runs the triathlon in full military gear, including the boots.

ST. PETERSBURG (Bay News 9) -- Sunday triathletes crowded downtown St. Petersburg for the St. Anthony's Triathlon.

Some people were participating to get fit, and others were in it for a cause.

Dianne Villano ran in military gear for "Support our Marines" -- a group she started after her fiancé died in New York City on 9/11.

"From top to bottom, my pack is a little over 15 pounds and utilities a little over two pounds, and my boots are weighing in about four pounds," she said.

The 110-pound St. Pete Beach woman wasn't interested in being the first to cross the finish line.

"I go out and have a good time," she said. "I like to raise awareness and money and honor our service members who sacrifice so much."

More Information

Sunday Villano ran in honor of 21-year-old Sgt. Lea Mills. Tuesday is the third anniversary of his death. His mother, Dee Mills, said she was honored to have her son represented.

"I had a knot in my stomach this morning before I came," Mills said. "But I'm so honored that someone like Dianne is respecting our son and all of the other fallen. It means a lot."

The race also meant a lot to Capt. Ivan Castro.

"A mortar round landed next to me killing two soldiers next to me and blinded me," he said.

He ran Sunday for Enable America because he has a second chance.

"I do this because there are a lot of people who can't," he said. "I do this because it makes me feel alive."

Andy Potts and Rebeccah Wassner, who were runners-up in last years competition, won the triathlon.

Original Story

ST. PETERSBURG (Bay News 9) -- Thousands of athletes are swimming, pedaling and running around St. Petersburg this morning.

Four thousand athletes from 45 states and 18 countries have descended on downtown St. Petersburg to take part in the 26th annual St. Anthony's Triathlon. It's a considerable increase over the first triathlon, which drew only 600 competitors when it was held in 1984.

The athletes will take part in the Olympic-distance triathlon, which means that by the time they've crossed the finish line, they will have swam 1.5 kilometers (.9 mile), rode a bike for 40 kilometers (24.8 miles) and run another 10 kilometers (6.2 miles).

We want to see your pictures of the triathlon! Send us your photos and you could see them on BayNews9.com.

Amateur athletes will not be swimming, however. The swim portion of their race was canceled due to water conditions.

Over 15,000 spectators turned out to cheer on the competitors.

The economic impact from the race is expected to be significant. Last year, officials said triathlon attendees spent $5.2 million in St. Petersburg.

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