Saturday Jun 11, 2016 Sunday Jun 12, 2016
Saturday, June 11, 10 AM- 6 PM
Sunday, June 12, 7 AM - 1 PM
Cape May Ferry Terminal
1200 Lincoln Blvd.
North Cape may, NJ 08204
EXPO free to the public.
Triathlon is SOLD OUT.
Guest Services: 800.643.3779
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(Lower Township, NJ) On Sunday, June 12, 1,750 athletes will test their mettle and resilience as they participate in the East Coast’s premier, one-of-a-kind sporting event, The Escape the Cape Triathlon. The Delaware River and Bay Authority’s Cape May Ferry Terminal in Lower Township, NJ will once again host this endurance event and more than 2,000 spectators are expected to line the race course, with the finish line on the Terminal’s boardwalk. Just like last year’s event, the race will start aboard a Cape May – Lewes Ferry vessel in the Delaware Bay.
Created by Stephen Del Monte, Founder/CEO of DelMoSports Inc., the sold-out Escape the Cape Triathlon was voted the Best Triathlon in the Mid-Atlantic & North East Regions and has become a bucket list race within the triathlon community. “From the incredible start leaping 10 feet into the Delaware Bay, to the gorgeous closed bike course that takes you through vineyards and back country roads of Cape May, there is only one Escape the Cape,” DelMonte said. “It’s the only one of its kind on the East Coast. Where else can a triathlete jump off a ferry boat to begin a race?”
Athletes will board the ferry and journey out into the Delaware Bay where they will jump off into the water to begin the race. The Sprint Triathlon consists of a .35 mile swim, 12 mile bike, and 5k run while the International Triathlon is a 1 mile swim, 25 mile bike, and 5 mile run. The bike and running portions also start and end at the Cape May terminal.
Del Monte added that this year the Escape the Cape weekend will also feature a Kid’s Fun Run for children ages 3-15. The special fun run takes place on Saturday, June 11, 2016 at 3:00 p.m. at the Ferry terminal. Registration, which will be available until 2:45 p.m. on race day, is free and located on the Ferry Lawn next to the main stage.
Also on Saturday, a special Escape the Cape Expo, featuring more than 20 vendors, will be held on the terminal green from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The expo is free and open to the public. Attendees can get a chiropractic consultation, visit a sports psychologist, experience a massage or enjoy presentations from industry experts. Several vendors will showcase locally made products, too! Numerous products related to the health and fitness industry will also be available for sale as well as kid friendly vendors - including a face painter, bounce house and, naturally, ice cream and other refreshments.
Food and beverages will be available on the Terminal Green both days and the Ferry’s newly renovated “On the Rocks” bar and grill will be open with its full menu of tasty treats and delicious entrees available.
“We appreciate the efforts of all involved who work together as a team to make this a success,” said Lower Township Mayor Michael Beck. “The spirit of organization and cooperation made it a special day last year and we look forward to a terrific event this year. On behalf of the Lower Township community and our council, we wish all a safe and fun weekend!”
Heath Gehrke, Director of Ferry Operations, noted that the Ferry strives to host activities and major events at its terminals or on its vessels. “The ferry is not only a fun, relaxing way to travel across the Delaware Bay, but we also feature the perfect waterfront venue for mega- events like concerts, festivals and triathlons,” Gehrke said. “What a pleasure it’s been to work with DelMoSports and Lower Township to make this one-of-a-kind event happen four years running.”
Saturday Schedule (June 11, 2016)
10:00AM Expo/Vendors Open
3:00PM FREE Kids' Race! (all ages welcome)
5:00PM Expo Closes
Sunday Race Day Schedule (June 12, 2016)
4:15AM Parking opens at the Cape May Winery Vineyard: Shunpike Rd & Sandman Blvd
4:20AM Shuttles begin from the Cape May Winery Vineyard (ATHLETES ONLY!)
4:30 AM Transition opens at the Cape May-Lewes Ferry Terminal
5:45AM Transition closes
6:00 AM Shuttles begin for SPECTATORS from the Cape May Winery Vineyard
6:00AM Begin boarding the Ferry
6:45AM Last call to board the vessel
7:00AM National Anthem
7:30AM International race begins
8:30AM Sprint race begins
10:00AM Awards Ceremony
1:00PM SHUTTLE SERVICE Ends for both the ATHLETE & SPECTATOR
No book bags, back packs or other carry-ons are permitted for triathletes boarding the ferry at this event. Participants are not allowed to carry anything on the vessel that they are not swimming with. David C. Douglass Park/Canal Park will be closed to vehicular traffic on Saturday, June 11, 2016 and Sunday, June 12, 2016 for Escape the Cape Triathlon set up and the event.
On the bike route, cyclists will exit the ferry terminal onto Lincoln Blvd, turn right onto Seashore Road over the West Cape May Bridge, onto New England Road, Shun Pike Road, Batts Lane and back toward the Ferry terminal. The course continues past the entrance to the terminal where participants will turn right onto Atlantic Drive, left onto Emerson and travel back to the ferry terminal via Beach Drive.
The running course takes place primarily on Beach Drive. Residents living along the bike and running course can expect road closures from 7:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. Maps of these courses from start to finish are attached. If you live along this route, please use caution and have a plan to take an alternate route the morning of June 12. For more information on the Escape the Cape Triathlon, please visit the event website at www.escapethecape.com. Follow the Ferry @cmlferry on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram for event updates.
DelMoSports, LLC is a boutique race company founded in 2004. They specialize in elite destination events along the southern New Jersey shore and Delaware. They organize unique and award-wining events, including Challenge Atlantic City Triathlon, Atlantic City Triathlon, Tri the Wildwoods Triathlon, Escape From Lewes Open Water Classic and Escape the Cape Triathlon, which was voted the Best Triathlon in the Mid-Atlantic and North East Region. DelMoSports is known for high quality, athlete centered productions with an emphasis on community involvement while staying true to the sport of triathlon. All of their events provide a challenging course, spectacular scenery and amazing vacation opportunities for athletes and their families. www.delmosports.com
The Cape May – Lewes Ferry is owned and operated by the Delaware River and Bay Authority, a bi-state governmental agency created by Compact in 1962. The Ferry is open year-round and has carried more than 43 million passengers since its inception on July 1, 1964. In 2013, the ferry service, which connects Victorian Cape May, New Jersey, and historic Lewes, Delaware, transported approximately 275,000 vehicles and nearly 1 million passengers. For schedule, rates and other program information, please visit the ferry’s website at www.CMLF.com, or call toll free, 800-643-3779. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter @CMLFerry.
About Lower Township
Located at the southern tip of New Jersey and home to roughly 23,000 residents, Lower Township boasts the largest year round population in Cape May County. The 32 square mile Township is located between the Atlantic Ocean and the Delaware Bay and has the best sunsets in the state along the Delaware Bay. Lower Township community was incorporated in 1798 consists of historic towns including Cold Spring, Erma, Fishing Creek, Villas, Schellenger's Landing, North Cape May and Townbank. The township is home to the Cape May County Airport and the Cape May - Lewes Ferry.