Escape the Cape Voted Best Triathlon in the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast Regions, 1,750 Compete

On June 12, competitors from 41 different states and three countries spent their days swimming, biking and running during the Escape the Cape Triathlon.

In its fourth year, Escape the Cape Triathlon has been voted the Best Triathlon in the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast Regions by Competitor. We asked Stephen Del Monte, owner and CEO of DelMoSports and creator of Escape the Cape, how he came up with the idea for such an unique event. Del Monte says, “It’s complicated.”

“It started with me wanting to do a race in the lower township and one of the local officials said ‘Hey, why don’t you think about the ferry property?’ I looked at it, thought this is amazing and I’d love to have an event here. At first, it was a beach swim. I told my wife about it, we put the two kids in the car and took a drive. My wife said ‘Yeah, this is great and everything but it’s pretty boring…don’t you people like boats?'”

Del Monte could not believe he hadn’t thought of the idea himself. After going to the ferry officials and pitching his idea, the answer was yes.

The triathlon starts with competitors jumping off of the Cape May-Lewes Ferry into the Delaware Bay, swimming to shore, hopping on their bikes and then finishing it up with a run.

Escape the Cape is extremely unique to any triathlon on the East Coast, only comparing to one of the most popular races in the United States, Escape From Alcatraz Triathlon in San Fransico.

“I always knew there was nothing like this anywhere other than San Francisco and I thought this could be something special,” Del Monte said. “I always envisioned 2,000 people competing.”

full-sized-promo-1 — Escape the Cape (Photo: J. Lautenberger for Gameface Media)
By DelmarvaLife Staff

Escape the Cape (Photo: J. Lautenberger for Gameface Media)
By DelmarvaLife Staff

The first year the event was held, there were 1,000 participants. Year two saw 1,500 participants. In years three and four, there was a total of 1,750 competitors. In 2017, the group aims for 2,000.

Del Monte says at this years triathlon, out of 1,750 people there were 400 first time triathletes, which is almost unheard of.

“The goal of this triathlon is to be really successful,” Del Monte said. “Everything about this race is world class from the moment you sign up to the moment you get your finishing medal.”

Del Monte says this years race lived up to all expectations and the company is already setting the bar higher for next year.