On May 12, approximately 300 of the world’s best swim-run specialists will gather in the beautiful Mexican resort city of Ixtapa for the Aquathlon World Championships.  The elite athletes will be vying for their share of the US$10,000 prize purse as well as the distinction of being a World Champion.  The event also features categories for men’s and women’s under-23, junior and all age-groups. 

The course starts in front of the Fontan Hotel as athletes run the first 2.5-kilometer leg on Coast Avenue, then through the golf course towards the water to begin the swimming 1-kilometer stage.  Then they’ll head back to Coast Avenue for the last leg, another 2.5-kilometer run, and arrive back in front of the hotel for the finish.

At last year’s Aquathlon World Championships, former NCAA All-American swimmer Sara McLarty ran away with the elite women’s title, winning by more than 30 seconds.  Canadian Eslpeth McGregor finished second and Maria Barrett of Great Britain came in third place. 

Great Britain was also well represented in last year’s elite men’s race as Richard Stannard won his first Aquathlon World Championship.  He edged out Hong Kong’s Chi Lee and Kiwi Ellice Clark in a tight finish.

Click here for event details including schedule, course maps, hotel and entry information

Click here for results from the 2006 Lausanne ITU Aquathlon World Championships