The Rotary Club of Melbourne Beach is preparing for its 40th Pineapple Man Triathlon, a milestone event that has become Florida’s oldest U.S.A. Triathlon sanctioned race. The race will take place Sunday, June 7, starting at 7 a.m. at Ryckman Park and the Melbourne Beach Pier. Organizers expect 550 athletes to compete, including about 80 first-time participants. Proceeds from the event, which last year raised $40,000 for local charities, will again support community causes this year.
Carlton Ray, a member of the Rotary Club of Melbourne Beach, said volunteers are finalizing preparations at Ryckman Park and ensuring the Melbourne Beach Pier is ready for athletes. "We put carpet down for all the athletes getting out of the water," Ray said. "It’s pretty exciting." The event has grown alongside Brevard County, which now has a population more than double what it was when the first Pineapple Man Triathlon was held in the 1980s.
The race has endured for four decades, Ray said, thanks to community service and volunteerism. "Lots of races have come and gone and this one has continued to endure and grow," he said. "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." The event has become a tribute to the dedication of volunteers who have maintained it through the years.
Ray emphasized the lasting impact of the Pineapple Man Triathlon on the community. "A great deal of money has been raised," he said. "We gave around $40,000 last year." The funds support numerous charities and causes in the area. As the Rotary Club prepares for the 40th edition, the focus remains on ensuring a smooth experience for athletes and continuing the event’s tradition of community support.