Athletes from the Southeastern United States and beyond slated to compete in the 26th Annual Sandestin Triathlon this August 18

DESTIN, FL, July 26, 2012 /PRNewswire/ - More than a thousand athletes and spectators from Maryland to Texas and everywhere in-between will enjoy the tradition of one of the most scenic and celebrated Triathlons in the country.

The annual Sandestin Triathlon, at Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort is scheduled for Saturday, August 18 and organizers expect the event to sell out yet again this year for the 26^th annual festivities.

The half-mile Gulf of Mexico swim, 20-mile bike ride along Scenic Highway 30-A, and the four-mile run through Sandestin's beach and bayside communities, kicks off at 6:30 a.m. on the sugar white sand beach in front of Sandestin's Finz Beachside Grille.

Each year since the event was established, the swim-bike-run race has attracted 700-800 contenders from experienced to beginners.

"The event is truly something for everyone as it attracts all types of athletes, even seasoned triathletes that have being competing more than 20 years," said Shawna Harris, race director. "The Sandestin Triathlon is comparable to the Olympic competition of the south each August," added Harris.

The Sandestin Triathlon is a USA Triathlon-sanctioned event.  Athletes will compete to break the 1991 men's division course record of 1:14:27 set by James LeFebvre of Fort Walton Beach, Fla., and the women's division record set in 1992 by Karen Copeland of Minneapolis, Minn. at 1:26:45. An awards ceremony will follow the Triathlon at the Finz pool deck on the beach.

In addition to recognizing the Triathlon winners, one contender will receive the Scott Christmas Award. After surviving a near-fatal plane accident, Scott Christmas went on to win the Sandestin Triathlon a year later in 1997. Each year, this award is presented to a participant who has faced similar experiences of bravery.

The Sandestin Triathlon is one of the area's best events for spectators and is free to watch. For athletes, the triathlon requires registration and a fee to compete.

A portion of the proceeds will benefit Sacred Heart Hospital on the Emerald Coast including their new Cancer Center that will house outpatient treatment services for cancer patients.

The Sandestin Triathlon is sponsored by Visit South Walton, Coca-Cola, PowerAde, Hammer Nutrition, Kentwood Springs, Saucony, Nike, Morgan's Ice, Multisport Performance Institute and Yellow Pages. For more information visit www.sandestintriathlon.com.

For people wanting to enjoy the convenience of staying on property where daily amenities and activities provide a memorable experience for all ages, special rates on accommodations are available. Call 866-91-BEACH (mention promo code TRI12) or visit www.sandestin.com for details and other special deals.

About Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort
Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort was named the # 1 resort on Florida's Emerald Coast. The resort invites guests to a world of 2,400 acres and 30 charming neighborhoods featuring 1,300 Destin vacation rentals, condominiums, villas, town homes and best in Destin hotel accommodations. A member of Visit South Walton, the resort features: seven-plus miles of beaches and pristine bay front; four championship and resort golf courses; 15 tournament-caliber tennis courts; 19 swimming pools; a 113-slip marina; and fitness center and spa.

The Village of Baytowne Wharf - an architecturally vibrant pedestrian village - is the heart and soul of the resort where guests can enjoy an eclectic mix of boutique shops, and an exciting array of eateries, restaurants, bars and nightlife. Family-friendly and choc-full of entertainment options, Baytowne features the Adventure Landing Playground, Adventure Zone with the Florida Gulf Coast's only zipline, Carousel and the Blast Arcade and Laser Maze.

A winner of Successful Meetings' Pinnacle Award, and Meetings and Conventions' Gold Key and Gold Tee, Sandestin the premier resort destination for meetings, events and corporate retreats.

Guests and prospective guests are invited to download Sandestin's App for iPhone and Android devices, or become a Facebook Fan or Twitter follower for the latest events and news.

SOURCE Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort