The annual South Seas Captiva Island Triathlon will take place this weekend as athletes compete swimming in the Gulf, running along the island\u2019s shoreline, and biking on a path closed to vehicular traffic. <\/p>\n
\u201cThe Captiva Triathlon is one of the signature athletic events on Captiva and South Seas is proud to serve as the host venue. The event began in 2011, when the inaugural Captiva Island Triathlon was held at South Seas on Captiva Island. That first event attracted more than 500 participants across youth and adult races and established what has become an annual island tradition. After Hurricane Ian, the event was on hold, and South Seas resumed hosting the event last year in September of 2025,\u201d South Seas General Manager Shawn Farrell said. <\/p>\n
The Sunday, Sept. 27, annual event is a USA Triathlon sanctioned event, as well as part of the 2026 USA Triathlon State Championship Pilot Program. <\/p>\n
\u201cThis event has multiple categories offering something for everyone, so it\u2019s the perfect event for athletes of all skills and ages,\u201d he said. <\/p>\n
The event offers five ways to compete. The first is the Super Spring Triathlon, which is designed for first-time racers in a 200-yard swim, five-mile bike ride and a 1.5-mile run. <\/p>\n
The Sprint Triathlon includes a quarter-mile swim, 10-mile bike ride and a 3.1 mile run. The Sprint Duathlon includes a one-mile run, 10-mile bike ride and a 3.1 mile run. The Sprint Aquabike pairs a quarter-mile swim with a 10-mile bike ride. The last is the Sprint triathlon Relay where two or three person teams can take on the course together. <\/p>\n
\u201cAt South Seas, we\u2019re passionate about recreation, wellness, and the natural beauty of Captiva Island, making our resort an ideal setting for the Captiva Island Triathlon. We\u2019re proud to welcome athletes, their families, and spectators for a unique race experience that includes a Gulf swim, a bike course with limited vehicle traffic, and a run through the scenic surroundings of South Seas and Captiva,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
Approximately 300 athletes participated in the 2025 event. <\/p>\n
\u201cRegistration is still underway, but we are hopeful to exceed last year\u2019s registration numbers and bring in a record number of participants,\u201d Farrell said. <\/p>\n
The races will begin between 7:15 and 7:40 a.m., depending on the event one chooses. <\/p>\n
From 6:45 to 9 a.m., Captiva Drive will be closed at Blind Pass for the race. With limited parking, spectators are asked to carpool with athletes or park in designated areas outside of the resort gates and ride the trolley, which begins running at 5 a.m. <\/p>\n
\u201cBeyond the race, the event brings visitors together for a memorable island getaway. Throughout the weekend, participants staying at the resort can enjoy South Seas\u2019 amenities, special family friendly weekend festivities, outdoor activities, and signature hospitality, creating an experience that is as much about enjoying the destination as it is about competing,\u201d Farrell said. <\/p>\n
With parking extremely limited on the island, spectators are asked to carpool with athletes or park in designated areas outside the resort gates and ride the trolley, which begins running at 5 a.m., to the start and finish line.<\/p>\n
For more information, and to register, visit trisignup.com<\/a>.<\/p>\n South Seas is at 5400 Plantation Road, Captiva.<\/p>\n