ST. PETERSBURG, FL (970 WFLA) -- Triathlon weekend starts today in St. Petersburg at Vinoy Park.
It's one of the best known triathlon events in the nation, with three thousand participants overall, including about 40 professionals as well as a few who were money-making athletes in another life. This year, retired golfer Annika Sorenstam and former Lightning hockey star Vincent "Vinny" Lecavalier are among those taking part.
Among the professionals, defending winners Cameron Dye and Lauren Goss are hoping to add to their successes this year.
Non professional contestants include an entire family, the Yosts of St. Petersburg. Jackie Yost just turned 90. She's competing in the sprint triathlon, along with 88 year old husband Larry Yost. Their son Steve is competing in the sprint relay with his wife Debbie and a friend. Two of the Yosts daughters, Joy Yost Edwards and Cindy Yost Perret, are competing in the sprint relay and sprint triathlon respectively.
Also co,peting. Sister Madonna Buder, also known as the “iron nun” . Buder holds the world record for the oldest individual to ever finish an Ironman Triathlon at the age of 82.
Event director Susan Daniels says the fundraiser for St. Anthony's Hospital begins with a health fair today (Friday) at noon... and a concert tonight featuring a Tom Petty tribute group. Another perform, Erin Cosgrove, will also take part in the triathlon itself.
Saturday there's a triathlon event for children and first-timers, the "Meek and Mighty" race.
The main triathlon starts Sunday morning at 6:50,with participants swimming almost a mile, cycling 25 miles, then running for six more miles.