Portobelo Triathlon

Historical Portobelo on Panama's Atlantic coast is the beautiful venue for one of the world's most challenging sporting events- the Triathlon- a three part competition consisting of swimming, biking and running.

Americans John and Judy Collins are the original organizers of the Portobelo Triathlon, now in its seventh year. Triathlon pioneers, they participated in the very first triathlon in California in 1974 and went on to found the now famous Hawaii Ironman Triathlon in 1978.

The Collins settled on Atlantic side of Panama in the early 1990's and saw Panama as offering a world-class triathlon venue. Indeed the Portobelo Triathlon offers competitors treks through mountains, rainforest, beaches and historical landmarks all in one race.

The seaside town of Portobelo was aptly named "Beautiful Port" by Christopher Columbus in 1502. Historical remains of a town and two Spanish forts still stand. In their heyday, they were attacked repeatedly by English pirates including Henry Morgan.

Panama's Portobelo Triathlon consists of three legs:

Swimming: 1800m from the village of La Guaira to the resort island of Isla Grande and back.

Biking: 36 kilometers on a rugged road from La Guaira to Portbelo.

Running: A 10 kilometer run around the historic town of Portobelo ending at the original pre-colonial counting house.

Participants: Any man and woman aged 15 or older.

Registration fees:
Individuals: $50
Teams: $140

When: March 11th, 2007 Time: 7AM - La Guayra, Isla Grande

The Portobello event will be the 11th of March 2007

We would like to announce that this event is now the first Triathlon Off Road with the category Pan-American Championship, guaranteed as an I.T.U. (International Triathlon Union) event. We would also take this opportunity to inform you that on the 12th of November we are at the Panama Canal Triathlon with long distances which include swimming 1900 meters biking 90 kilometers and a 21 kilometer run. There is a bag of prizes worth $5,000.00 dollars between the masculine and feminine categories.

Contact info:
www.triathlon.org.pa