Hundreds compete in 43rd annual St Anthony’s triathlon across St. Pete

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (WFLA) — Hundreds of competitors traveled from all over the country for the 43rd annual St Anthony’s triathlon.

Racers competed first on the water, then on two wheels, and finished on foot.

“You want to quit while you’re doing this a lot, but you’ve got to push through,” said Antony Mascovich, who was competing in the Olympic Triathlon, the most rigorous of St. Anthony’s. “A few years ago, I was almost 400 pounds, and I started out with St. Anthony’s as a weight loss patient.”

“If there’s something that you’re not satisfied with, fitness, weight – whatever it is, you can change that,” Mascovich said. “That’s what this means to me.”

Hundreds of people are participating – some are taking on only one leg of the race as part of teams, and some are tackling it all on their own.

Competitors say the act of crossing the finish line means something different to each person.

“Early November, I lost my brother, he died at the age of 70,” competitor Trifon Houvardas said. “I took it upon myself to get active, start eating right… I’m at a point in life and at my age, you’ve just got to start taking it seriously.”

Competitors said that by taking part in the triathlon, benefits come back to them threefold. Athletes improve their health, make some friends along the way, and inspire others to do the same.

“If you like what you’re doing and you like the sport, you just find people that encourage you and make you better, and I love the triathlon community as well,” competitor Stephanie Block said.

Races finished with an after-party at Vinoy Park to celebrate the accomplishments.

Final finish times are available online.

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