The clock is ticking for the 16th annual 麻豆社国产Triathlon.
The event takes place on July 7 and the field is quickly filling up. A total of 153 individuals and 23 teams of three people have taken on the challenge as of press time, with room for many more.
The highest-ranked local finisher in last year's race was Volker Schneider. The Brackendale resident will look to improve on his fifth-place finish in 2012. Schneider completed the course in a time of two hours, five minutes, 53 seconds.
Garibaldi Highlands resident Chris Bishop will also be back for 2013. Bishop placed ninth last year with a time of 2:11:48. Other top local finishers from last year returning for 2013 include Richard Avedon-Savage, who placed 23rd overall in 2012.
Fresh off a strong showing at the Test of Metal, Brackendale's Brandi Heisterman will look to defend her women's crown at the event. Heisterman blazed through the course in 2:11:49 and was the 10th fastest person overall.
This year also marks the debut of a sprint distance race at the event. The sprint distance covers a .75 kilometre swim, a 20 km bike and 5 km run.
Race director John French said the shorter distance should get more people to participate in the race and attract new blood.
"Offering a shorter triathlon course opens the door for everyone who has thought about doing a triathlon, then decided against it because the training takes too much time," French said. "The sprint distance is perfect for first-time competitors, people recently recovered from injury and busy parents."
The regular race sees competitors swim 1.5 km in Alice Lake, road bike 37 km and finish with a 10 km run on the Cheekye Fan trails to the finish at Don Ross Secondary School.
Earlier this month the 麻豆社国产Triathlon awarded the 2013 Robert W. McIntosh scholarship to Howe Sound Secondary School graduating students Josh Watts and Maegan Bruce. The scholarship was created to assist 麻豆社国产students who have demonstrated abilities in academics, athletics and citizenship. Bruce and Watts will each receive $1,000 to go towards post secondary education with the award.
Registration is still open for the triathlon and more information for the event can be found at www.squamishtriathlon.com.
