Courtesy: event press release

Calling all triathletes! Registration for the 5th Annual Ford New York City Triathlon, slated for Sunday, July 10, 2005, is open now through June 30. This is the only sanctioned triathlon held in New York City.

The course - which consists of a 1,500-meter swim in the Hudson River, a 40-kilometer bike ride along the Henry Hudson Parkway and a 10-kilometer run in Central Park - is designed to appeal to a wide spectrum of athletes, including amateurs, people with disabilities and world-class triathletes. Relay Teams are welcome as well.

Last year, more than 1,500 athletes - including elite athletes and local New Yorkers - competed in this exciting, one-of-a-kind athletic event. Overall and age group awards will be presented. Overall awards will go to the top three male and female finishers and top male and female masters. Age group divisions will include the top three finishers in each of the following: 18-19, 20-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50- 54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69, 70-74, 75+ (male and female).

Last year, the winner of the women's race was Olympic silver medalist Loretta Harrop, when led from start to finish. U.S. Olympian Victor Plata won the men's race.

The elite course will vary slightly from the age-group course, specifically in the running portion, which will be executed in multiple-lap format within Central Park, where transition for the running portion for elites is also located.

For further information about the course route, schedule and to register, please visit www.nyctri.com.

The entry fees are as follows: Individual, $125; Relay Team, $150. Registration fees will increase beginning May 22.