The annual Innisfail Triathlon took place under sunny skies and near perfect temperatures on Saturday.
More than 150 athletes participated in the event on Sept. 10, including 116 individuals in the sprint triathlon, 23 individuals in the try-it triathlon, 14 participants from Innisfail and a total of five teams.
“The transition area was bustling by 6:30 a.m. The first swimmer hit the water at 8:30 a.m. and we were pretty much wrapped up by noon,” said Dorene Loughlin, race director for the Innisfail Triathlon. “The weather held for us, which was awesome.”
Participants from across the province completed swimming, biking and running components that began and finished at the Innisfail Aquatic Centre.
“All of our racers this year were from Alberta,” said Loughlin, noting that the sprint triathlon included a 750-metre swim, a 20-kilometre bike ride and a five-kilometre run, while the try-it race, an entry-level event for children and families, included a 300-metre swim, five-kilometre bike ride and a two- kilometre run.
“We had lots of first-time racers so it was great to see people out there pushing themselves out of their comfort zone. We had lots of success stories and people overcoming adversity to be there,” she added.
The sprint triathlon was open to athletes 16 years and older and the try-it race was open to athletes 12 years of age and up. The oldest racer participating this year was a 69-year-old man from Innisfail.
Another reason for this year's success, noted Loughlin, included the 85 volunteers from the triathlon committee and a number of local organizations.
“Many racers commented on how great the volunteers were out there,” she said, noting that organizers are already looking to next year's event.
“Planning has already begun for next year and we're looking for volunteers for the committee,” said Loughlin. “If anybody is interested in volunteering they are more than welcome.”
For more information visit www.innisfailtriathlon.com
