1000 Athletes Make Triathlon History - Inaugural Escape the Cape Triathlon and Aquabike Began Aboard Cape May – Lewes Ferry
(Lower Township, N.J) On Sunday, June 2, one thousand athletes made Triathlon history on the East Coast as they tested their mettle and resilience by participating in the Inaugural Escape the Cape Triathlon and Aquabike race events. The Delaware River and Bay Authority’s Cape May-Lewes Ferry Terminal in Lower Township, NJ hosted this endurance event. The athletes started the event by leaping from the MV Twin Capes ferry into the Delaware Bay and swimming ashore.
Stephen Del Monte, Founder/CEO of DelMoSports Inc. wanted to highlight Cape May County as a premier destination for endurance athletes. “Lower Township and its surrounding communities are the ideal location for an event of this caliber,” said DelMonte. “The gorgeous backdrop of the ferry terminal mixed with the high emotion of the triathlon made Escape the Cape a historical event as this is the only triathlon of its kind along the East Coast.”
According to Heath Gehrke, Director of Ferry Operations, the Ferry is always eager to host fun, exciting events, like the Escape the Cape. “We want to emphasize that the Ferry is not only a fun, relaxing way to travel across the Delaware Bay, but it can also be a perfect place for mega- events like concerts and triathlons,” Gehrke said. “What a fantastic event! If you’re looking for a unique, exciting venue for your event, the Ferry is the place to be.”
The event consisted of three separate races taking place simultaneously. The Sprint Triathlon consisted of a .35 mile swim, 10 mile bike, and 5k run. The International Triathlon consisted of a 1 mile swim, 20 mile bike, and 5 mile run, and the International Aquabike consisted of a 1 mile swim and 20 mile bike only. More than 2,000 spectators lined the beach and streets of Lower Township, cheering the athletes on as they raced to cross the finish line on the Terminal’s boardwalk.
About the Delaware River and Bay Authority
The Delaware River and Bay Authority, a bi-state governmental agency created by Compact in 1962, owns and operates the Delaware Memorial Bridge, the Cape May- Lewes Ferry, and the Delaware City – Salem Ferry Crossing. The Authority also manages corporate and aviation properties through its economic development powers - two airports in New Jersey (Millville Airport and Cape May Airport) and three in Delaware (New Castle Airport, Civil Air Terminal and Delaware Airpark). All agency operating revenues are generated through the bridge, ferry and airport facilities.
