40th Annual Kiawah Island Triathlon
The annual Kiawah Island Triathlon is currently the only intermediate distance triathlon in the Charleston area to feature an ocean swim. The competition kicks off with the .7-mile swim in the Atlantic waters right off Kiawah’s coastline. The 25.1-mile bike and 6.1-mile run portions of the race will offer gorgeous marsh and beach views to participants. Transition areas will take place in Night Heron Park, located in East Beach.
Triathlon Team Bonding & Experiences
Several members of Akers Ellis have participated in the Kiawah Island Triathlon in past years including Leslie Hucks, Chief Information Officer. She says, “I love the sense of accomplishment when you finish the race, whether you complete the entire race or participate on a relay team. I enjoy interacting with the Akers Ellis team on a different level on race day. It’s great to have colleagues cheering you on as you leave for your leg of the race.”
Jerald Hucks, Chief Operating Officer, agrees and states, “I enjoy seeing our staff come together to compete internally and have fun. In most cases, doing something like this is new for our team, so seeing them train and stretching themselves to do something they didn’t think they could or never thought about doing before is a positive for everyone. It’s also nice to participate in an event alongside some of our property owners and guests and seeing them at the finish line.”
Real Estate Agent, Kathleen DeWitt says, “Every year, I look forward to participating in the Kiawah Triathlon. It has become a tradition along with a fun team building experience. I am not really a swimmer or a biker, and I am a slow runner, but I can run. With the help of the other team members at Aker Ellis, we all cross the finish line - just as we do in the office!”
For the swim section of the race, participants will get to swim with the current in front of The Sanctuary Hotel. For cycling, bikers will follow a well-marked course that runs up and down the island. The run will loop through neighborhoods on Kiawah offering runners gorgeous homes to admire. When the race is completed, participants and bystanders can enjoy a celebration at Night Heron Park with food and drinks.
Our Operations Manager, Molly Ellis, is really looking forward to this year’s race and states, “Triathlons have changed my life. Not only has this sport made me physically stronger, it has done wonders for my mental strength. It is an amazing experience to go out there and do something that makes me uncomfortable and at times scared, but then realize that I CAN do it and I just did. Seeing the transformation from my first race to now is so exciting and I am hooked. I completed my first full Ironman in April of this year and that race was intense. I grin from ear to ear at the memory of crossing that finish line at 11:33 pm. I had no idea my body and mind could make it through something like that and though there were many doubts and many tired moments, I didn't let it stop me. That's what triathlons have taught me--keep pushing, keep fighting, you are capable of more than you think you are. What a great life lesson, right?!”
Are you up for a challenge?
Steven Ellis, a founding partner of Akers Ellis, offers our guests a special challenge and says, “One would think I would learn my lesson from 2014 when I made a deal with our company relay teams that if any team beat me outright, I would take one of them to Las Vegas or New York. Granted, I didn’t expect one of the guys on the run portion to put up 7-minute miles. But, I accepted defeat with a smile (sort of) and made good on my promise. So, in memory of my 2014 defeat, if any of our rental guests post a better overall time than me, I will give them a special promo code which will give them 10% off their next stay. If there are any guests up for this challenge, please email our team at rentals@akersellis.com. Last, I would love to meet any of our guests after the race.”
"Tri" with our Akers Ellis Team
If you would like to join in on the fun with team Akers Ellis, you can easily sign up online for the race. The entry fee includes a short sleeve race shirt, swimmer’s cap, finisher’s medal, course support, food and entertainment at the finish line party.
If you are looking for a place to stay, any of our qualified rental coordinators can be reached at 888.909.8110. They would be happy to help find the perfect rental property for you to rest up before and after the big race. Or, you can do a search of our inventory online to find the perfect villa, cottage or home. We look forward to hosting your stay and participating in a friendly competition on race day. Now, you better get training!