More than 70 students compete in FIU 2575 Triathlon

Winners from the Male 20-24 age range take the podium at the 2015 FIU 2575 Triathlon at Biscayne Bay Campus. (L-R): Roary; 2nd place FIU student Matthew Santana; 1st place David Celentano; 3rd place Christopher Vitello.

-By Amanda Graham

It was another successful year for the FIU 2575 Triathlon, which took place on Sunday, May 17, at Biscayne Bay Campus. The event, which is run by Wellness and Recreation – BBC, attracted 286 triathletes who trekked from all over the United States to compete – including 71 FIU students.

Among those, Mathew Santana and Emmauel Rippes both placed within the top 10 in their respective divisions. Santana, a first-time triathlete, placed second in his age division with a total time of 1:28:35.24. Rippes, who is the 2014-2015 FIU Tri Club president, placed sixth in the collegiate division – one of the most competitive divisions – with a time of 1:24:49.737. Rippes’ first triathlon was the FIU Tri Club’s 2014 Retro Series Tri where he took the podium.

Since 2012, 219 FIU students have participated in the annual competition. The “2575” in FIU 2575 represents the distance in kilometers raced by the athletes, which includes a 750-meter swim in the bay; a 12.4-mile bike ride through Oleta River State Park; and finishes with a 3.1-mile run through BBC.

Pre-registration for the 2016 FIU 2575 Triathlon and Olympic distance 2016 is now open. FIU students who register at least 15 days prior to the event can participate free of charge. To register, click here.