MAHO BEACH --Swimmers, cyclists, and runners turned out in full force on Easter Sunday at Maho Beach for the annual Sunset Beach Bar Triple Mini Triathlon, which kicked off at 7:00 a.m.
The unique multisport event, created by the Friendly Island Triathlon Association (FITA) in the early 1990s at Mullet Bay Beach, challenges participants to complete three short triathlons, each consisting of a 250m swim, 8km bike ride, and 2km run.
Decades later, the fun yet intense race continues to thrive, attracting athletes from across the Caribbean, the USA, and as far as Canada.
The first race followed the traditional triathlon format—swim, bike, run—finishing in Beacon Hill. The second event mixed things up, beginning with the run, followed by the swim and bike. The final race, which started at 9:00 a.m., saw competitors swim, then run, and cross the finish line with their bikes.
“The distances are short enough to entice even first-time competitors, yet challenging enough for seasoned athletes to sharpen their transitions and speed,” explained Susy Piscione of the St. Maarten Triathlon Association. “It’s also a great introduction to a sport that allows you to participate anywhere in the world—whether it’s running, swimming, or cycling.”
Despite a brief shower and strong winds, conditions held and competition remained fierce. The island’s top male triathletes, Gregory Pigeon and Gabriel Pertusot of the French-side club SXM Tri Academie, battled closely throughout the morning. Pigeon held a slight lead in the first two races, while Pertusot claimed victory in the final event. However, it was Pigeon who secured the overall win with a combined time of 1:18:10, also taking first place in the 40–59 age category and earning a custom SXM Flag triathlon suit.
In that same category, Francois Delaport finished second (1:35:39), followed by Wilmer Azcarate (1:37:12), both representing SXM Tri Academie.
Pertusot placed second overall but won the 19–39 category in 1:19:53, ahead of Jordan Surriray (1:29:31) and St. Barths athlete Theo Estasse (1:33:23).
The women’s race was equally competitive, with St. Barths triathlete Clementine Guinet claiming the overall win and first place in the 19–39 category in 1:39:35. Roselle Spaargarden, visiting with a group from Saba, finished second (1:43:51), followed closely by newcomer Anna Gerard of SXM Tri Academie (1:47:29).
In the women’s 40–59 division, Dorien Schaap won her first-ever Triple Mini Triathlon in 1:49:33. Anna Roering of Dream of Trail placed second, with Martha Masden finishing third.
The over-60 category also saw strong participation. Mary Wrigly took first place for the women in 1:50:13, while Luc Gorostiza led the men in 1:40:25. Edgar Gronovius placed second (1:58:45), and visiting 70-year-old Tom de Luca from the USA finished third in 2:12:59.
The island’s youngest athletes also impressed, with 18-year-old Meks Teunissen winning the youth boys’ category in 1:45:01, followed by Sil Vink and Gustave Thomas. Mila Van Baalen claimed victory in the youth girls’ division, ahead of Mia Pigeon.
Thanks to sponsors Sunset Beach Bar, Michelob Ultra, and The Morgan Resort & Spa, participants enjoyed T-shirts, prizes, and the chance to win a weekend stay at the resort.
FITA’s next event, the annual Boardwalk Triathlon, is scheduled for June 7.
