Coteeman Triathlon 2012

This is the fifth year for Morton Plant North Bay Hospital's popular Coteeman Triathlon.

The Coteeman is a USAT-sanctioned race featuring a 150-yard pool swim, a scenic 9-mile bike ride, and a 3.1-mile (5K) run through New Port Richey. Registration is available either online at the link below or on site.

The swim is in the recreation center pool, organizers say. The bike course is mostly flat, except for a downhill portion toward Gulf Middle School. The run passes through residential areas and around Orange Lake.

For athletes, the Coteeman is a perfect race for first-timers. It attracts athletes not only from the area but as far away as Tallahassee, Ohio, and the Bahamas, many of whom return annually.

It also is family-friendly; younger athletes can participate with their parents' permission. The youngest athlete last year, who was 4 years old on race day, was part of a family relay team. 

Athletes are invited to stick around after the race for a great pancake breakfast, courtesy of IHOP.

For spectators, there is plenty of room to watch the athletes at the pool; at the turn from Congress onto Louisiana; downtown along Grand Boulevard; at the corner of Massachusetts and Van Buren; and near Orange Lake.

Proceeds from this Greater New Port Richey Main Street event help fund Main Street and provide youth scholarships to the New Port Richey Recreation and Aquatic Center.