What do Mark Allen and the tall ship Providence have in common? They’ll both be on hand for the inaugural Vineyard Warrior Triathlon in September. Race director Matt Brackman says he is pulling out all the stops to make this one of the most memorable races in the country, and, he hopes, an annual stop for beginner and elite racers alike.

Mark Allen is one of the most famous triathletes in the sport’s history. His domination began with the epic 1989 battle at Kona’s Ironman World Championship. After 2.4 miles in the rough Hawaiian waters, 112 miles cycling through the blustery wind, and 26.2 miles running through searing heat, Allen edged Dave Scott by less than one minute. This propelled Mr. Allen to six Ironman World Championship victories in six tries. From 1988 to 1990 he won 20 consecutive races, earning him triathlete of the year six times and the title of the world’s fittest man by Outside Magazine.

Currently Mr. Allen works for NBC Sports as an analyst, coaches online and is coauthor of Fit Soul, Fit Body: 9 Keys to a Healthier, Happier You. When he joins Vineyard Warrior, he will be conducting several prerace clinics. He will also be on hand for the prerace dinner and the awards ceremony.

The tall ship Providence will be making the short sail over from Rhode Island to become a viewing spot and turn buoy along the swim course. This will be one of the ship’s first ventures into the sea after several years ashore. The 110-foot vessel is a replica of America’s first warship captained by the legendary John Paul Jones.