ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — An Olympic-style race saw nearly 3,000 people at Vinoy Park in St. Petersburg Sunday.

The competitors started St. Anthony’s triathlon at 6:50 a.m.

The race started with a half-mile swim, and athletes then hopped on bikes for 25 miles before ending the triathlon with a 10k run.

The event saw 2,800 athletes, some with disabilities.

“I’m trying to inspire people who have weight to lose but don’t think they can do it,” said Push 2 Inspire founder Greg Simony. “I’m here to show them that they can do it.”  

Greg Simony shared a low point in his life, saying that at one point he was overweight with a drinking problem. But things changed for him. That change then encouraged him to mentor others, some with disabilities.

“This is the only place they're treated like normal people, not gawked at and looked at as different,” said Simony. “Push 2 Inspire is my second go-round in trying to make a difference in the world.”

Simony now partners with local organizations that — like him, aid people with disabilities.

“When you have a goal that’s not all about you, it helps you to keep going.”

St. Anthony’s 39th Triathlon was a success. The director of the event said that this was the first year back, after pausing for two years due to COVID.