When the first Pineapple Man Triathlon was held, Brevard County’s population was only about half the size it is now.
Just like Brevard County, the Pineapple Man has grown over the course of the past four decades.
As the Rotary Club of Melbourne Beach gets ready to put on the milestone 40th Pineapple Man Triathlon, they’re making sure every detail is flawless heading into the race.
“We’re doing last-minute prep at Ryckman Park and making sure everything is looking perfect over there,” Rotary Club of Melbourne Beach member Carlton Ray said. “We’re making sure the Melbourne Beach Pier is all nice. We put carpet down for all the athletes getting out of the water. It’s pretty exciting.”
Pineapple Man, the state of Florida’s oldest U.S.A. Triathlon sanctioned race, takes place Sunday, June 7, beginning at 7 a.m.
Ray estimates that nearly 80 first-time athletes and 550 total athletes will compete on June 7.
“It honestly just demonstrates what dedicated community service and volunteerism is. It’s just grown over the years,” Ray said. “Lots of races have come and gone and this one has continued to endure and grow. It’s just a remarkable legacy for all the Rotarians for the past 40 years who’ve helped it, organized it and given up their Saturday and Sunday.
“It’s really an amazing accomplishment and a tribute to lots of wonderful volunteers and Rotarians that have put this thing on.”
Ray said the impact Pineapple Man has had on the community has been everlasting. The proceeds are donated to numerous charities and causes in the area.
“A great deal of money has been raised. We gave around $40,000 last year to various organizations. Lots of good things have come out of that,” Ray said. “The community service by lots of different folks, including sponsors, to see this thing go off. Just being part of something that’s bigger than yourself is a positive.”
The triathlon begins with a 0.25 mile rectangle course around the Melbourne Beach Pier. Stage two is a 12-mile bike on Highway A1A. A 5K run to the finish line ends the race.
To ensure the safety of the athletes, Ray said Melbourne Beach and Indiatlantic Police will monitor the streets while Melbourne Beach Fire Department assists the efforts in the water.
Pineapple Man registration is still open for athletes interested in competing. Volunteers may also sign up on pineapplemantriathlon.com.
After the races are completed, awards will be given and breakfast will be served.
Ray described the significance of 40 years of Pineapple Man.
“It’s more than a milestone. It’s a legacy,” Ray said. “It’s a heck of a tribute to all the volunteers and all the Melbourne Beach Rotarians who put four decades of getting up before sunrise on race mornings and determined athletes. Just to think about that and the lasting impact this organization has had on this community as well as in the surrounding area. We’re very blessed.”
This article originally appeared on Florida Today: Melbourne Beach prepares for 40th Pineapple Man triathlon
Reporting by Sam Ficarro, Florida Today / Florida Today
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
