BillBone Olympic Triathlon Launches with Strong Turnout in West Palm Beach
West Palm Beach, FL — April 6, 2025
Hundreds of athletes from across South Florida gathered at Okeeheelee Park this weekend for the first-ever Bill Bone Olympic Triathlon, an event that blended elite competition with strong community spirit.
Covered by major local TV stations including WPTV (NBC), WPBF (ABC), WPEC (CBS), and WFLX (FOX), the triathlon was a showcase of endurance, inclusivity, and heart.
Founded by trial lawyer and cycling advocate Bill Bone, the triathlon was designed not just as a competitive challenge but as a celebration of local athleticism and community values.
Bone emphasized the event’s inclusive nature:
“Olympians are the best of the best, but this race is really about everyday people. People who work, play, and live here in Palm Beach County,” he told WPTV during their live coverage.
Participants swam, biked, and ran through an Olympic-distance course that began with a swim at Water Ski Park, followed by a police-escorted bike ride, and concluded with a run through the scenic trails of Okeeheelee Park.
What made this race particularly special was the rare opportunity to compete alongside professional Olympians Kirsten Kasper and Matthew Sharpe, both of whom took part in the full course.
The presence of these elite athletes brought inspiration and energy to the field, which included both seasoned triathletes and enthusiastic first-timers.
WPBF 25 News, which featured the event in multiple broadcasts throughout the day, highlighted the inclusive format and community impact. Reporters noted that all proceeds from the triathlon will benefit programs affiliated with the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office, aligning the event with broader public service efforts.
Even local broadcast teams got in on the action—WPEC (CBS 12) meteorologist Jennifer Collins not only reported on the race but also competed in and won her age group in the sprint triathlon.
“It was a beautiful morning,” Collins said on air. “Mild weather with just a bit of wind made for an exciting ride, and I’m thrilled to have placed first in my category.”
Coverage by WFLX (FOX 29) emphasized the core message of the triathlon: while the Olympians added prestige, the real heart of the event was the community.
“This race is about the everyday warriors, the weekend athletes chasing their goals,” FOX 29 reported.
With over 29,000 local viewers tuning in to WPTV’s morning segment alone, the triathlon generated significant regional buzz. Total viewership across all stations exceeded 160,000, and the combined publicity value topped $13,000, reflecting widespread interest and support for this new local tradition.
As race organizers look ahead to the next event, the inaugural Bill Bone Olympic Triathlon has already cemented itself as a staple of Palm Beach County’s athletic calendar, one that mixes world-class talent with grassroots enthusiasm.