NEWS FROM THE DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROL
June 25, 2008
Vol. 38, No. 299
Media contact: Becky Webb, Fort Delaware State Park, (302) 834-7941;
Neil Semmel, President, Escape From Fort Delaware Triathalon, Inc.,
(302) 893-1997; Necia Beck, Delaware State Parks, (302) 739-9191, necia.beck@state.de.us
8th Annual Escape from Fort Delaware Triathlon Set for Saturday
DELAWARE CITY, Del. – Fort Delaware staff invites the public to see triathletes “escape” from Fort Delaware from 7 a.m. to noon Saturday, June 28 in the 8th Annual Escape from Fort Delaware Triathlon.
This Olympic-distance triathlon is launched from Pea Patch Island in the Delaware River. Hundreds of triathletes will begin the grueling physical challenge in the shadow of historic Fort Delaware.
The 1500-meter (9/10-mile) swim across the Delaware River from Pea Patch Island to Delaware City is only the beginning of this athletic endurance test. From there, contestants will bike 40K (25 miles) down Route 9, across the Reedy Point Bridge, and then double back to Delaware City. Finally, they will run a 10K (6.25 miles)-course to Gunning Bedford School and back again to Delaware City. Early birds can cheer the courageous athletes from Delaware City’s waterfront park. Those who arrive by 7 a.m. can watch the triathletes get ready.
Viewing of this event will be from Delaware City only. Viewing will not be available on Pea Patch Island. Use of the Fort DuPont Boat Ramp will be restricted from 8 to 10 a.m. on the day of the event. Boaters are asked to head west where there is an eight-foot restriction on the bridge heading west out of the Branch Canal. Boaters may also elect to use the Augustine Beach boat ramp located approximately 3.5 miles south on Route 9.
The first Escape from Fort Delaware was held in June, 2001. The event is sponsored by Escape From Fort Delaware Triathlon, Inc. For more information, call Escape From Fort Delaware, Inc. at (302) 893-1997, or visit www.destateparks.com.
