They ran, swam and biked their way to triathlon glory along the streets of Innisfail.
More than 200 athletes competed individually, or as part of a team on bike, on foot and in the water on Sept. 13 in the 13th Annual Innisfail Triathlon on a day that threatened rain but still promised sunshine.
“We had a very successful event that keeps getting better every year,” said Dorene Loughlin, the event's race director. “The weather cooperated and our volunteer base was the best it has ever been with more than 100 showing up to help.”
The 2014 Innisfail Triathlon ran from 8:30 a.m. to mid-afternoon, with events starting in waves for the athletes to allow for a smooth flow for the day.
“One group would bike while another is on the running section of the triathlon,” said Narsh Ramrattan, triathlon volunteer.
Loughlin noted the event attracted participants from all over Alberta, British Columbia and Saskatchewan. “There were 245 registered but close to 220 showed up which is what we expected,” said Loughlin.
Triathletes had the chance to participate in the Sprint, which includes a 750-metre swim, a 20-kilometre bike ride and a five-kilometre run, while the Tri-it had a 300-metre swim, five-kilometre bike ride and two-kilometre run.
“The mix of triathletes was good, with 78 women and 42 men in the Sprint along with 16 teams and 46 people went through the Tri-it,” said Loughlin. “There were even a couple of nine-year-olds who signed up. As far as we can tell, close to 12 Innisfailians did the course including Devin Chambers and Alex Ramrattan.”
Olds' Tony Martinez was impressed with the organization of the triathlon.
“The triathlon was really good,” said Martinez. “I have done a few events before but today I found the running the hardest, probably because it was after the swim and I signed up as an individual instead of being part of a team.”
First-time triathlete Andrew Ducey of Calgary enjoyed his day, adding he only trained “a bit” for the event.
“Next year, I think I'll take this a little more serious and want to do this again, perhaps as a team with my wife who is more of a runner,” said Ducey.
For Calgarian Jamily Fyith, this was her first triathlon in Innisfail.
“The day was fantastic,” said Fyith. “I have been training for three months but when I was younger, I participated in a few events. For me, this was about finishing the day, not where I placed.”
For runners, the day started at the pool, and ended as they crossed the finish line amidst cheers from spectators and a shout-out from the announcer who encouraged the runners over the loudspeaker.
“It really is remarkable how much support we got for the athletes,” said Loughlin. “Next year will be better than this year, and we look forward to that already.”
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