Distance athletes flock to Williamsburg
June 21-2013
Thousands of out-of-town visitors will be here this Saturday to participate or simply watch the Rev3, a half triathlon event.
Organize
rs are expecting 1,400 athletes to compete in the event, which combines a 1.2-mile swim with a 56-mile bike race and a 13.1-mile run.
Revolution3 Triathlon series is ready for several of the top professionals in the world to appear on the start line this Sunday in Williamsburg, including all of the series contenders. Three of the top five men from REV3 are back on the East Coast in historical Williamsburg for what is sure to be a challenging and fast course. In the women’s field, Kelly Williamson stands out as the favorite on paper, and race day should showcase some younger athletes striving for that coveted podium. With $50,000 prize purse and $5,000 in primes, the pace is sure to be as hot as the temperature.
Estimates are that 84 percent of the participants are from outside the region spanning Hampton Roads to Richmond. Participants represent 49 states and six foreign countries, according to Bob Harris, executive vice president for tourism of the Greater Williamsburg Chamber & Tourism Alliance.
The Rev3 is an accomplishment of Sports Williamsburg, a subgroup of the chamber that markets the area for sporting events. And, in a way, it serves as an audition for the area.
Williamsburg Outside.com 