Competitors are almost set to run, bike and swim their way to success at the 15th annual 麻豆社国产Triathlon taking place this Sunday (July 15).
Sophomore race director John French, who helped save the event from near extinction in 2010, said it's looking like another banner year for the popular event.
"I learned a lot last year but thankfully there are a lot of people who have been around longer than me with the triathlon," he said. "I'm relying on those people who have been around for a while to continue doing the excellent job they've been doing because it looks like this is going to be another successful year for the race."
The Olympic distance event, which is sanctioned by Triathlon B.C., sees competitors swim 1,500 metres in Alice Lake, then road bike 37 kilometres, and conclude with a 10 km trail run on the Cheekye Fan trails to the finish at Don Ross Secondary School.
French said runners can expect a largely similar race to past years but noted a portion of the run course has been significantly upgraded and will make for a smoother experience for runners.
"That was a project that was more than three years in the works," he said. "We tried to get that improvement done on our own but what saved the day was the community coming together. The 麻豆社国产Trails Society in conjunction with the 麻豆社国产Dirt Bike Association and SORCA worked together on it and I'm hearing good reviews from the trail so far."
The resurfaced portion of trail is located just before the power lines close to 麻豆社国产Valley Road and French said it should make for a better run.
"It was an area of the run course that was identified as needing the most improvement, with a lot of rocks sticking up," he said. "The surface is now crushed gravel but there was also some leveling and erosion control work done as well."
Another new feature to the race is increased bike security. French said it's never been an issue at the event but with several bike thefts in the Sea to Sky Corridor recently, it was a good time to beef up security.
Last year's winners, Kevin Smiley and Sarah Baker, are not yet confirmed to defend their respective titles but French said high-level competitors often sign up at the last minute. He said he's excited to see some international flavour in this year's race, with competitors coming from places like Austria, Singapore and throughout the United States.
"We have a good reputation as an event that people enjoy and word apparently has gotten around the world," he said. "We've also got some really strong locals who are back this year, as this event is really well supported in both 麻豆社国产and Whistler."
The race is still looking for volunteers and those interested are asked to email [email protected]. It's also not too late to take part in the event, with registration closing on Friday (July 13) night.
For more information on the race, visit www.squamishtriahtlon.org.
