ST. PETERSBURG, Fla., Nov. 30 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Now in its 27th year, the tradition of fun, elite competition continues when online registration for the 2010 St. Anthony's Triathlon opens Tuesday, Dec. 1, at 9 a.m. EST, at satriathlon.com. One of the largest and most competitive Olympic-distance triathlons in the United States, St. Anthony's Triathlon, sponsored and produced by St. Anthony's Hospital, is once again expected to host some of the world's strongest and most elite professional athletes April 23-25. Athletes are encouraged to register early, as last year's registration closed in less than 10 hours.

Known for its scenic course along the downtown St. Petersburg waterfront, St. Anthony's Triathlon attracts more than 4,000 individual athletes and 150 relay teams from more than 45 states and 17 countries. The weekend of events, which features one of triathlon's largest Sports & Fitness Expos, kicks off Friday, April 23, from noon to 7 p.m., in Straub Park with Athlete Check-in. Athlete Check-in and the Sports & Fitness Expo continue Saturday in Straub Park from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Mandatory bike check-in for Sunday's participants is from noon to 8 p.m. on Saturday.

Competition begins Saturday, April 24, at 7:30 a.m. with the Meek & Mighty Triathlon supported by Bank of America at North Shore Pool. A field capacity of 1,000 applications will be accepted for the Meek & Mighty Triathlon, a shorter-distance race for youths ages 7-10 (swim: 100 yards, bike: 3.6 miles, run: .5 miles), youths ages 11-14 and novice adults (swim: 200 yards, bike: 5.6 miles, run: 1 mile).

The events wrap up Sunday, April 25 with St. Anthony's Triathlon beginning at 6:50 a.m., followed by a post-race party at 9:30 a.m. and an awards ceremony at 12:30 p.m. A professional category of more than 60 triathletes carries a $65,000-prize purse and more than $10,000 in prizes will be awarded to the top male and female competitors in the Elite Amateur division. Awards go to the top 10 athletes in each division.

Area residents can be part of this world-class event by becoming a volunteer to assist with registration, distribute water to athletes, assist at the finish line, or serve in a number of other important roles. Volunteers are needed April 23-25 and receive a commemorative race T-shirt, access to the volunteer hospitality tent, and an opportunity to interact with world-class athletes. To volunteer, call (727) 825-1271 or register online at satriathlon.com.

About St. Anthony's Hospital

St. Anthony's Hospital is a 395-bed hospital founded in 1931 as a ministry of the Franciscan Sisters of Allegany and is the first and only faith-based hospital in Pinellas County. In 1997, St. Anthony's became part of BayCare Health System, a joint operating agreement between the Tampa Bay area's leading not-for-profit hospitals. St. Anthony's has a rich history dedicated to improving the health of the community by providing high-quality, innovative and compassionate care. St. Anthony's also is comprised of the following health care facilities: St. Anthony's Imaging Center and St. Anthony's Outpatient Center.

About BayCare Health System

BayCare Health System is the largest community-based health system in the region, providing expert medical care for a patient's lifetime. Composed of hospitals and numerous affiliated services, the system connects patients to a complete range of services throughout the Tampa Bay area. Together, BayCare organizations seek to advance the health of their patients and their communities.

Member hospitals are Mease Countryside, Mease Dunedin, Morton Plant, Morton Plant North Bay, St. Anthony's, St. Joseph's, St. Joseph's Children's, St. Joseph's Women's, St. Joseph's Hospital North (opening 2010) and South Florida Baptist. On the Web: BayCare.org.

SOURCE St. Anthony's Hospital