Naples Fitness Challenge Triathlon at Naples Beach Hotel

It was not supposed to happen but on Sunday, June 5, 2022, the 36th Naples Fitness Challenge Triathlon was held at the Naples Beach Club – on the golf side of the property.

This gave over 350 triathletes the chance to enjoy a favorite racing venue. The Naples Fitness Challenge held its 36th year of Sprint Reverse Triathlon and a Duathlon. Last year triathletes said goodbye to this location thinking it was going to be demolished. But you can never say never. 

The beach side is currently under demolition and crews are tearing the buildings to make room for the future Naples Beach Club, a Four Seasons Resort schedule to be completed in late 2024.

Earlier in 2021, the former Naples Beach Hotel and Golf Club agreed to sell this family-owned business to the Athens Group for $362 million. That sale was held up due to various legal challenges. 

When completed in 2024, it will be back as a luxury Four Seasons Resort with 216 rooms and 185 residential condos. Various organizations in the area were the recipients of the furniture at the former Naples Beach and Golf Club before the demolition started, re-purposed to Habitat for Humanity, St. Matthews House and other charitable organizations.

The weekend rainy weather also provided a bit of anxiety for the participants but clear skies came back late Saturday and the run, bike and swim events were as held as scheduled. Thanks to Linda Gregory and her staff along with countless volunteers who made this happen.

Marco residents came to run, bike and swim. Congratulations to all the participants and their support teams: Nicole Cholka, Christian Tateo, Emily Williams, Tara Snyder, Lauren Schram, Rebecca Dowd, Chad Snyder, Ali Gaskill, Ali Tisdall, Bethany Torrence, Patricia Poling with daughters Eileen and Margaret, Charles Lamb, Ann Daly, Paul Tateo, Dawn Snyder, Paul Nussbaum and Team Mastrangelo. 

How about next year? Let’s hope Lady Luck will look favorably on a 37th year and Naples Fitness Challenge will be back on this beautiful venue once more.