Jamaica's Wata Rose Hall Triathlon & Wellness Festival 

edited by Dave Shultz

Imagine a 1500m ocean swim in the sparkling Caribbean Sea, followed by an invigorating 40k bike ride through the lush Jamaican countryside, culminating in a 10k run along a world famous golf course. This is the spectacular route of the second annual WATA Rose Hall Triathlon & Wellness Festival, scheduled for October 31, 2009 along Jamaica’s “Elegant Corridor,” in Rose Hall.

Taking place along the North Coast near Montego Bay, the WATA Rose Hall Triathlon & Wellness Festival is quickly becoming a favorite event in Jamaica. Locals and visitors alike will have an opportunity to experience the island’s beauty, and compete alongside other triathletes in their quest for gold.

Jamaica becoming Sports & Wellness Tourism Capital of the Caribbean

“The WATA Rose Hall Triathlon & Wellness Festival is helping to position Jamaica as the capital of sports and health tourism in the Caribbean,” noted John Lynch, Jamaica’s Director of Tourism. “Jamaica is home to the world’s fastest man, Usain Bolt, and by tapping into our athletic roots we are boosting our appeal to sports, health and wellness enthusiasts.”

Athletes of All Levels Compete in Jamaican One-Love Paradise

For those athletes who want to participate in a less arduous, yet equally gratifying competition, the Sprint Triathlon, which is one half of the international distance (750M swim, 23K bike, 5K run), and the Beach Duathlon Sprint, consisting of a 500M run, 23K bike and 5K run, are appealing options.

A Jamaican Halloween party on October 31 at the “haunting” Rose Hall Great House will make for a scary-sweet treat! www.rosehalltriathlon.com/general_info.php

A kids’ triathlon on Sunday, November 1, new to the lineup this year, will provide fun for the whole family. 

For fall travelers seeking wellness and adventure, this is a great opportunity to be a part of a spectacular event while enjoying the beauty and culture of Jamaica.

About the WATA Rose Hall Triathlon & Wellness Festival

The Rose Hall Triathlon & Wellness Festival launched in 2008 and is in its second year. The annual event is a unique sporting event in Jamaica, along the “Elegant Corridor.” Taking place across the 18-hole Robert von Hagge, Cinnamon Hill Golf Course and along the newly constructed North Coast Highway, it is a scenic event for professional and amateur triathletes alike. The course consists of a 1500m ocean swim, 40k bike ride and a 10k run.

From the ardent, health conscious to those seeking a cultural adventure, the Wellness Festival will help visitors embrace an overall healthy lifestyle, with a unique Jamaican approach, through a series of workshops, seminars and displays.  Participants will experience a host of holistic healing methods, which are distinctly Jamaican and have been practiced for generations, as well as a diverse realm of universally-recognized wellness traditions.
www.rosehalltriathlon.com

About the Jamaica Tourist Board

The Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB), founded in 1955, is Jamaica’s national tourism agency based in the capital city of Kingston. The JTB was declared the Caribbean’s Leading Tourist and Convention Bureau by the World Travel Awards (WTA) for 2006 and 2007, while Jamaica earned the WTA’s vote as the World’s Leading Cruise Destination, the Caribbean’s Leading Destination and the Caribbean’s Leading Cruise Destination.
       
JTB offices are located in Kingston, Montego Bay, Miami, Toronto and London. Representative offices are located in Düsseldorf, Barcelona, Rome, Amsterdam and Tokyo. 

For details on upcoming special events, attractions and accommodations in Jamaica go to the Jamaica Tourist Board’s Web site at www.visitjamaica.com,

Jamaica Tourist Board   1-800-JAMAICA (1-800-526-2422).

Photos courtesy of Rose Hall Triathlon & Wellness Festival