Beyond the fact that it is just downright cool, the Revolution3 Triathlon this weekend promises to showcase the natural beauty and hospitality of Sarasota and Charlotte counties in a way that should bring dividends down the road.

The half-Ironman triathlon will get under way Sunday at 7:50 a.m. at the Venice Fishing Pier (Sharky’s) on Harbor Drive, when the first wave of professionals and amateurs charge into the Gulf for a 1.2-mile swim. (Red tide has been playing here-and-gone along the coast in recent weeks, so keep your fingers crossed that it’s gone this weekend.)