Nearly 50 residents from Pelican Preserve, WCI Communities’ 55 and better lifestyle community in Fort Myers, participated in the community’s annual sprint triathlon. Residents and guests completed a two-mile walk/run, an eighth of a mile swim and six-mile bike ride.

The event, open to residents and renters, attracted triathletes ages 40 to 80, including 85-year-old Ken Martin, who bested his 2010 time, and Gloria and Al Bass, whose combined 170 years proved inspirational to younger participants and drew a rousing round of applause when they crossed the finish line.

“The triathlon challenges us to do things we did not think possible,” said 63-year-old Ted Crawford, who posted the fastest time at only 40 minutes. “Just like last year, it was another tremendous event.”

Crawford credits Terri Lollio, Pelican Preserve’s fitness and activities director, the staff and a team of volunteers for inspiring participants.

“The support and encouragement provided by Terri and her crew, both in the weeks prior to the event and the day of the event, spurs on us triathletes, something I never, ever thought I would call myself,” Crawford said. “It was great to have them at the start line, along the routes and at the finish to support and cheer us on.”

“The annual triathlon continues to grow,” Lollio said. Forty-nine participated in the March 26 triathlon, with swim, bike and run venues staged within the indoor pool at Pelican Preserve’s Plaza del Sol town center and throughout the community.

“The emphasis is on completing, not competing,” Lollio said. “We had three residents in their 80s as well as some in their 40s. We covered several decades of ages.”