Debbie Hornsby and Cliff Rigsbee get together for a speed workout at the University of Hawaii track Photo by Kathryn Bender, Star-Bulletin

In triathlons, the experts say, big money for fledging pros is simply not there.

Debbie Hornsby, 32, and boyfriend Cliff Rigsbee, 43, two nationally ranked triathletes living in Honolulu, understand better than most the woes of living off the sport.

''I'm a card-carrying professional (triathlete), probably ranked among the nation's top 15 women,'' Hornsby said. ''And I surely couldn't afford to live off my prize money earnings alone.''

The four-time defending woman's Tinman champion, going for her fifth title on Sunday, believes that being a professional in any sport is cool.

''But because of the lack of money available to me as a professional, I'm definitely keeping my career teaching position,'' she said.

Hornsby, an English teacher at the Academy of the Pacific, earned $15,000 in triathlon prize money last season. Two weeks ago in Japan, she pocketed $1,000 for finishing second in a race.

''I look to keep triathlon racing fun - without financial pressures,'' she said. ''Fortunately, I love teaching. I'd go out of my mind if all I did for a living was swim, bike and run.''

Hornsby, who holds the Tinman women's record of one-hour, 50 minutes and 53 seconds, says confidently that her best years are ahead.

Sunday's Tinman offers trophies for winners, not prize money. But lack of cash didn't deter Hornsby, Rigsbee and other top triathletes from entering.

''Tinman is Oahu's biggest, most competitive and most visible triathlon,'' Rigsbee said. ''Performing well here is important regardless of skill level.''

A race-maximum 1,200 people are expected. The Tinman begins with an Ala Moana Beach Park swim, continues with a bike ride to Hawaii Kai and back and concludes at Kapiolani Park after a run circling Diamond Head.

Rigsbee, a two-time Tinman men's winner who is looking for a strong finish on Sunday, never turned pro.

''I began triathlons in 1981 - during the sport's early years,'' he said. ''The prize money was not there for me then, nor is it there for me today as one of the nation's leading over-40 masters.''

Rigsbee, a Honolulu firefighter stationed at Aiea, enjoys his job.

''I'm still competitive, but triathlons are fun for me now,'' he said.

Both Rigsbee and Hornsby were named national amateur ''Triathlete of the Year'' - Cliff in 1991 and again as a master competitor three years later - and Debbie in 1994.

Who's making money in the sport?

''My guess,'' Rigsbee said, ''is the top 15 to 20 men nationally. And much of their respective earnings come from sponsors, not from prize money.''

Hornsby figures fewer than a dozen women are making a good living as full-time triathletes.

The sport is relatively young. The Tinman reaches its 16th birthday on Sunday, while the longer, tougher Ironman Triathlon on the Big Island celebrates its 20th race Oct. 26.

While Hornsby is in shape to better her Tinman women's mark, Rigsbee is focused on his 13th Ironman.

''My goal is a sub-nine-hour finish, which will be my fastest,'' he said.

Triathlons may be growing on the mainland, but in Hawaii the sport is on hold. The Tinman is an exception, however, with the race sold out each year.

''Its an attainable distance for almost everyone who has trained,'' said Tinman race director Olga Caldwell.

In addition to Hornsby and Rigsbee, Tinman favorites include Heather Matz Jorris and Autumn Johnson, among the women, and defending champ Brent Imonen and Chris Tang in the men's field.

Oahu lost two important events in recent years, the Waterfront Triathlon and the Windward Triathlon. Lack of sponsorship was thought to be the reason.

''Any loss becomes distressing,'' said Hornsby.

Rigsbee has no doubt that the sport will grow, locally and on the mainland.

''The triathlon will become an official sport at the 2000 Olympic Games (in Australia). That should give us exposure,'' he said.

Kapolei's Peter Bourne, regional coordinator of USA Triathlon, is also optimistic about the sport's future.

''What's emerging is a change in format,'' he said. ''from small, obscure events to short, fast races that are television- and spectator-friendly.''

More sponsors and better promotion are sorely needed. ''We're hoping that our new Waikiki sprint race on Sept. 28, followed by the Honolulu International Triathlon the next day, will provide a spark,'' he said.

When: Sunday
Challenge: Swim 800 meters, bike 40 kilometers, run 10 kilometers
Start: 5:45 a.m. Ala Moana Beach Park
Finish: Approximately 7:25 a.m. Kapiolani Park
Course records: Men: 1988, Ruben Chappins, 1:40:06. Women: 1993, Debbie Hornsby, 1:50:53
Information: 732-7311 or 596-0588.

When and where: Aug. 11, Barbers Point Naval Air Station, 7 a.m.
Challenge: Swim 800 meters, bike 20 kilometers, run 4 miles
Information: 395-5543

When and where: Aug. 24, Hickam Air Force Base, 6:15 a.m.
Challenge: Swim 500 meters, bike 20 kilometers, run 5 kilometers
Information: 422-2303, or 449-2276 extension 151

When and where: Sept. 28, Waikiki Beach, 9 a.m.
Challenge: Run, kayak, swim and paddleboard race. Total distance: 6.5 miles
Information: 521-4322

When and where: Sept. 28, Waikiki. Details to be announced

When and where: Sept. 29, Kaimana Beach, Waikiki, 6:30 a.m.
Challenge: Swim 1,500 meters, bike 55 kilometers, run 15 kilometers
Information: 737-2422

When and where: Nov. 17, Kualoa Ranch, 8 a.m.
Challenge: Swim 500 meters, bike 20 kilometers, run 5 kilometers
Information: 732-7227

When and where: Sept. 7, Wailea, 6:30 a.m.
Challenge: Swim 2.4 miles, bike 112 miles, run 26.2 miles.
Information: 572-5071

When and where: Oct. 26, Kailua-Kona, 7 a.m.
Challenge: Swim 2.4 miles, bike 112 miles, run 26.2 miles
Information: 329-0063

When and where: Nov. 29, Kailua-Kona, 8 a.m.
Challenge: Three-day stage race, includes swimming 6.2 miles, biking 261 miles and running 52 miles
Information: 322-2120