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Competitors run into the water for the start of the Boardwalk Triathlon. (File photo.)
PHILIPSBURG--More than 100 participants will descend on the Boardwalk in Philipsburg to compete for medals in the 2026 Michelob Ultra Boardwalk Triathlon this Sunday.
Some, like triathlon champion Gregory Pigeon, will be defending titles, including his 2025 Olympic-distance victory, while many others will be taking on their first-ever multisport event as part of their pursuit of fitness and health.
“This event, which began in 1998, was originally called the ITU Grand Chase Triathlon and attracted professional athletes from around the world, as it served as a qualifying event where athletes earned points toward Olympic qualification,” explained Susy Piscione-Maidwell of Tri-Sport.
“My father, Malcolm Maidwell, along with Frits Bus and other pioneers of triathlon in St. Maarten, created the Friendly Island Triathlon Association (FITA) and continued organizing the annual event until the Boardwalk was built and the name of the triathlon changed.”
Piscione-Maidwell explained that organizers later shifted their focus toward encouraging newcomers and local athletes to participate in triathlon rather than emphasizing professional competition, which required significantly more sponsorship and regulatory oversight.
Since then, the event has remained a fixture on the sporting calendar, providing participants with an opportunity to gain experience, measure their progress, and challenge their personal bests year after year.
The event features three distances: the Try-a-Tri for beginners (300-meter swim, 7-kilometer bike, and 2.5-kilometer run), the Sprint (750-meter swim, 20-kilometer bike, and 5-kilometer run), and the Olympic Distance (1,500-meter swim, 40-kilometer bike, and 10-kilometer run).
The action kicks off with the first swimmers entering the waters of Great Bay in front of Taloula Mango Restaurant at 5:30 a.m., earlier than in previous years due to the heat. Sprint and Try-a-Tri athletes will follow at 6:00 a.m.
Cyclists will then take to the roads, following a route along Pondfill, Bush Road, Cay Hill, and Link 1, passing Belair Beach Hotel and Divi Little Bay Beach Resort.
“We are asking all drivers to please be vigilant and patient with the cyclists. They are moving at much higher speeds than a typical rider,” advised FITA President Jun Pablo Piscione.
Participants hail from around the globe, with the largest contingent of visiting athletes traveling from St. Barths and Saba, generating business for the island at the start of the slow season. Sea View Hotel, located directly on the Boardwalk running course, is hosting many of the visiting triathletes and offering special discounts to participants.
This year’s Olympic-distance men's race is expected to be highly competitive, with two of the island’s strongest triathletes, Gregory Pigeon and Gabriel Pertusot, set to renew their rivalry. While Pigeon is known for his strength on the bike, Pertusot’s running ability could make for a close finish.
For those who are not ready to tackle all three disciplines, relay teams of three can participate in both the Sprint and Olympic-distance events. This format attracts some of the island’s fastest swimmers, cyclists, and runners, who aim to post the fastest times in their respective disciplines.
Prizes will be awarded to the top three finishers in each age group across all distances, from Juniors through the 60+ category, thanks to the support of sponsors Michelob Ultra, Diamonds International, Taloula Mango, U&I CrossFit, Carib Swim Team, Moringa SXM, Tous a L’O, Port of Sint Maarten, Tri-Sport, and Lucozade.
The next event on the calendar will be the Sandbar to Buccaneer 5K Run on June 13, hosted by the Sint Maarten Road Runners.
