Athletes of All Ages and Disciplines Head to AL Gulf Coast for Multiple Events

Gulf Shores, AL, September 11, 2009 --(PR.com)-- Try on something different for a change as the Pleasure Island community prepares to host an action-packed weekend of athletic events. From a triathlon with hundreds of participants and a newly introduced mini-triathlon to a regional soccer tournament, the Alabama Gulf Coast Sports Commission (AGCSC) – along with its host cities of Gulf Shores and Orange Beach – are proud to welcome these guests to the area’s sugar white sand and state-of-the-art facilities.

“We are gearing up for a very exciting and busy weekend,” said Beth Gendler, director of sales at the AGCSC. “Our wonderful partners at Team-Magic have really helped us grow the triathlon and develop its new sister mini-triathlon. Paired with our event partners Brett-Robinson and The Hangout, we are looking forward to a busy Saturday morning. But the fun doesn’t stop there as families and friends are invited to move from the triathlon course to attend the soccer tournament, which has been made possible thanks to our title sponsor Perdido Beach Resort.”

At the crack of dawn on Saturday morning, hundreds of athletes will hit the gulf waters for the Brett-Robinson Alabama Coastal Triathlon and the new Coastal “Tri-It-On” Triathlon, both of which are set for September 19, 2009 in the Gulf Shores and Orange Beach area.

Weekend activities begin on Friday at The Hangout – the event’s headquarters - with registration (from 3:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.) and a race overview meeting (starting at 5:30 p.m.). Then, all eyes will be focused on the main event, which starts Saturday at 7:00 a.m.

The triathlon begins with a 1.5 km (approximate 1 mile) swim in the gulf waters before the athletes transition to a 40 km (24.8 mile) bike ride and finally a 10 km (6.2 mile) run.

Meanwhile, the new “Tri-It-On” Triathlon” will follow a similar route but features shortened distances. This race includes a 300 yard gulf swim, a 10 mile bike ride, and a 2 mile run.

At the conclusion of both events, an awards ceremony and after-party will be held at The Hangout.

Participants wishing to register for either race may complete the online race entry forms at www.team-magic.com. Entry fees for the triathlon are $105 for individuals, $135 for a two-person relay team, and $135 for a three-person relay team. Likewise, entry fees for the “Tri-It-On” triathlon are $65 for individuals, $95 for a two-person relay team, and $95 for a three-person relay team.

On Saturday morning while cheering on the athletes, their family members, friends and triathlon fans may savor a tasty breakfast at The Hangout from 6:30 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. In addition to offering a great view of the swim course and finish line, The Hangout will be serving its regular breakfast menu and a breakfast buffet of eggs, biscuits, sausage, gravy, hash browns and toast, which will be $9.00 for adults and free to children under 10 years old.

Also, individuals wishing to volunteer their time and talent for these events, which are a partnership between the Alabama Gulf Coast Sports Commission and Team Magic, may register online at www.team-magic.com/events/alcoastal. Volunteers are needed on Friday and Saturday for a variety of duties and varying times.

For more information, visit www.team-magic.com or www.alabamagulfcoastsports.com, or become a fan of Team Magic’s Facebook page.

Meanwhile, over 98 soccer stars of tomorrow are set to compete in the Perdido Beach Resort Flora-Bama Showcase Youth Soccer Tournament. Approximately 60 boys and girls teams ranging in age from U10 to U18 will travel from Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, Florida and other parts of Alabama to compete in this two-day tournament.

Competition will be held Saturday and Sunday (September 19th and 20th) at four locations: the Gulf Shores Sportsplex, Orange Beach Sportsplex, Sacred Heart Fields in Perdido Key, Fla., and Seth Simpson Field at Bailey Middle School in Perdido Key, Fla. Play begins daily at 8:00 a.m. and closes around 7:00 p.m. Admission is free while a weekend parking pass, which is valid at all locations, is $5.00.

For more information, visit www.florabamashowcase.com.

The Alabama Gulf Coast Sports Commission will welcome these upcoming events: USTA Alabama League State Tri-Level Championships (September 24-27), Make a Wish Ride for Wishes (October 2-4), 2009 Shrimp Festival Volleyball Invitational (October 9-10), USSSA Gulf Coast Baseball Championship (October 10-11), IFA Redfish Tour Gulf Division Fishing Tournament (October 17) and the USTA Southern Combo Doubles Senior/Super Senior (October 22-25).

For information, please visit www.alabamagulfcoastsports.com, or call 1-800-745-SAND.

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