Although the Squamish Triathlon is only in its fifth year, you wouldn’t know it by the kind of response organizers are receiving. With more than six weeks to go before the race, the entries are still slowly trickling in, but judging by the distance those entries travelled it’s shaping up to be the biggest year ever for the event.
According to organizer Bob Brant, competitors have already registered from as far away as China, Mexico, England, and the western United States. From Canada, a number of B.C. athletes have already signed up, but there are also entries from as far away as Ontario.
"I think we’re getting a pretty good reputation as a good event to enter within the triathlon community, where we’re held in high regard," says Brant. "It’s an incredibly scenic course, starting with the swim at Alice Lake, then the ride up the Squamish Valley and back, then the run from Bob Ross Secondary around the Cheekye Fan Trail."
It’s a full triathlon, with a full 1.5 km swim around the lake, followed by a 40 km bike ride, and finishing with a 10 km run, mostly along wooded trails. The running course will likely be different if the Cheekye Trail is completed before the race.
"I think people prefer running on dirt, it’s not as hard on the body, and it’s a pleasant experience to run through the woods," Brant says.
Relay teams of three are also welcome, and gaining popularity every year. Squamish Fire Hall No. 1 has challenged Fire Hall No. 2, and other emergency services, including the RCMP, Search and Rescue, and the ambulance service.
"It’s a great way to particpate in a triathlon if you don’t want to do the full race, and a good community spirit and participation thing, too," Brant says.
You can register for the Squamish Triathlon online at www.squamishtriathlon.org, in Squamish at the Marketplace IGA or Sea to Sky Ocean Sports, or in Whistler at Sports Stop.
Volunteers are also welcome to participate. Contact 604-815-0715 if you are interested in taking part.
