NEWS

Trigalapagos 2015, ecologic triathlon on the Galapagos Islands

By Gustavo Svane | 09 Feb, 2015

The Galapagos Islands are worldwide known for their biodiversity, touristic quality, wild life, and above all, for being the natural Patrimony better preserved in the entire world. In this spectacular site, the Middle Distance Cup of Triathlon CAMTRI- better known as Trigalapagos, represents a unique competition attractive for athletes and spectators alike. This year, the major sports event in Ecuador will be held on October 9, 10 and 11.

With support and assistance from the Ecuadorian Federation of Triathlon, CAMTRI and ITU, the competition will be included in the ITU calendar 2015. The races will count with technical guarantees and will aim at promoting a healthy and sustainable lifestyle in accordance with the natural features of the Galapagos Islands.

The Standard Triathlon (1,500 mts swimming, 42Kms cycling and 10Kms running) and Middle Distance (1900 mts swimming; 90 Kms cycling and 21Kms running) events will take place in two of the most important protected areas in the world: The Galapagos National Park and the Galapagos Marine Reservation, located on the touristic resort of Santa Cruz Island, one of its four inhabited islands.

The characteristics of the two events will enable the participants to go through the island, experience the thrill of swimming in its sea, cycle along paths surrounded by its unique vegetation and last but not least, run inside the town, where local people will be waiting to cheer for them.

This is the eighth edition of an event which takes the lead in the concept of environmental protection. The competitors who go to the Galápagos look for sports excellence and environmental commitment. They participate in a race free of CO2 emissions, where the use of disposable elements is minimized and the recycling of waste is maximized, in communion with nature and in an attempt to support a more sustainable form of tourism.

The organization offers them a one in a lifetime experience as they are included in a reforestation program that consists in planting Scalesia Pedunculata. This tree species, only found on the island, has been decimated, affecting the population of birds that inhabit the place. The sportsmen and amateurs that have participated in the races on the course of the past seven years have already planted over 5,000 trees, with the support of the Galápagos National Park, governmental body in charge of the management and environmental protection of the islands.

This is the only sports competition in Ecuador and South America that caters for environmental care and cooperates with the restoration of an endangered ecosystem which is home of giant turtles, sea wolves, marine and land iguanas, pelicans, sharks and whales, among other animals autochthonous of the islands.

The athletes, their teams, coaches, and family will have the opportunity of visiting 13 big islands, 6 small ones and 107 islets.

The archipelago offers a variety of touristic attractions such as Los Gemelos, two identical volcanoes on Santa Cruz Island. Another thing to do is to visit the Charles Darwin Scientific Station, famous for the breeding of giant turtles in captivity. These animals, called Galapagos, live an average of 150 years. Another “must do” is the sighting of sharks and sea turtles, and wild turtles in their habitat, in the higher region of Santa Cruz; or walk along Tortuga Bay, one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. We can also suggest visiting Las Grietas, volcanic formation where to dive and swim in a transparent sea.

We are waiting for you!

Related Event: 2015 Galapagos CAMTRI Middle Distance Triathlon American Cup
09 Oct, 2015 • event pageall results
Results: Elite Men
1. Pedro Nuques ECU 05:26:52
2. Pablo Vallejo Vega ECU 05:35:54
3. Michal Jezewski POL 05:38:55
Results: Elite Women
1. Kathy Winkler USA 05:33:10