Chronologically, this would be the third annual Marathon Games, but in reality it’s the second annual pentathlon hosted by TV 88. The five-event game plays out on Saturday, April 13 at Banana Bay resort.
Registration begins at 7 a.m., and the race begins at 8 a.m.
There is still space for teams and individuals to register for the race:
- Swim: half-mile swim off the resort. Takes place in the Gulf, with a water start. Two laps around the marker.
- Paddleboard: One mile on a standup paddleboard, looping around two islands off of Crane Point and back.
- Kayak: One mile, see above.
- Run: One mile, two laps around the resort.
- Frisbee toss: Throw through three hoops before hitting the ground, scoring a point through each hoop.
The Frisbees, kayaks and paddleboards are all standard issue — i.e. there’s a fleet of each provided to level the playing field and athletes will compete in heats — 10 at a time for the kayak and paddleboard portions of the race.
The event benefits 10 local nonprofits, and the proceeds of the registration fees are divided equally among them. Individuals pay $25 to race and every member of a team also pays $25 each.
“This is a great and fun way to support our local nonprofits,” said Cliff Rydell of TV 88. “Everyone is encouraged to come out and compete or volunteer. And bring a banner; the cameras will be rolling and footage used to make a movie commemorating the event.”
In 2019, the Marathon Games supports Special Olympics of Monroe County, Habitat for Humanity of the Middle Keys, Legion Riders, Hammock House, Take Stock in Children, Moose Lodge of Marathon, Marathon Wild Bird Center, Florida Keys Children’s Shelter, Cub Scouts of Marathon 901 and Girl Scouts of the Florida Keys.
The first-place male and female finishers in each portion of the race will win a three-day, two-night stay at a local resort. The overall male and female winners take home a prize valued at $1,000.
As of presstime, only 43 athletes had registered, but there’s room for more! Visit http://themarathongames.com/.
