The lowest temperature during last year’s race weekend was 26 C – the place is warm.
restaurant and a decent-sized pool that would serve a triathlete well for training if he or she chose to take a break from the non-stop relaxing that seems to be the norm for visitors.
The Nevis Triathlon, started 14 years ago, features three events: The Nevis 73, or the “long course” race (1 km/62 km/10 km), the Nevis 37 (500 m/31 km/5 km) and a Try a Tri (100 m/10 km/2.5 km).
You will find pretty much everything to be extremely relaxing, tranquil and relaxing in Nevis until you finish the swim course in the 80+ degree, clear, flat waters of Gallows Bay and start the bike. It’s not long before you are into the 5-km hill affectionately known as “Anaconda,” which has some steep sections, but is mostly difficult because it is so long. Once at the top of the climb, there’s a long descent followed by a rolling ride around the island (the long course race does two loops). For the most part the roads are in reasonable shape, but do get a bit rough for the last few miles of the loop. The run course is a relatively flat out and back from the race site in Charlestown to the entrance to the Four Seasons resort, again done twice for those in the long course race. The biggest challenge of the run is the heat, which, even shortly after 8 a.m., is over 30 C. (The lowest temperature during last year’s race weekend was 26 C – the place is warm.)
Getting to the island isn’t as easy as some other Caribbean destinations because the airport in Nevis can only accommodate smaller planes, but there are lots of options to get there. There are regular flights directly from San Juan, but it’s also pretty easy to fly to St. Kitts and take a water taxi over to the island. If you don’t want to travel with your bike you can rent one from Winston Crooke from Whoolworld bikes. He’s the original Nevis Triathlon race director and a member of the ITU Board, representing the Caribbean. While not exactly state of the art, the KHS bike Crooke provided for me did a great job of getting me through the course.
Taking place on the second weekend in November, the Nevis Triathlon offers the ultimate opportunity to combine a unique triathlon event with one of the most intimate and pristine vacation spots in the world.