At 730 am on Sunday, June 5th at the Naples Beach Hotel and Golf Club, the annual Fitness Challenge Triathlon will again challenge its competitors to complete the 5k run, 15k bike, and 1/4 mile swim in the Gulf as quick as they can. The local race has always been run in reverse order, which is considered easier for first-timers and those new to the sport, and although it's a sprint distance, spectators should not downplay the difficulty of the sprint distance and the challenge it brings to the elite athletes that race it. Keep in mind for them, it's not about finishing, it's about getting to the finish as quick as possible, and at this distance, it puts the high-level athletes at sprint speed, at the brink of maximum aerobic capacity before lactic acid takes over and shuts you down. A difficult race distance to say the least. This year will be the first to feature a wave start, a welcome addition considering my first race back in 2004 had 400 entrants, and this year, at last count, they are closed at over 900! The sport is increasing in popularity, and the premier venue of the Naples Beach Hotel and our exclusive area brings in locals and visiting athletes from all over. So come on out and cheer on these competitors, and if you have questions regarding property in the Olde Naples, Aqualane Shores, or Port Royal area contact Andrew Arreola at 239-821-3560 or [email protected]. See you at the race!