Cornwall Triathlon Attracts Largest Field Ever
August 20, 2013Cornwall Ontario – Over 650 athletes are expected to lace up their running shoes this weekend to participate in the Cornwall Triathlon, making it the biggest year yet in the event’s 11-year history.
Organizers are expecting 150 youth to take part in the Young Champions Day on Saturday, August 24th and upwards of 500 athletes for the Adult Race Day on Sunday, August 25th.
The Triathlon has grown to become a highly-competitive event attracting athletes from across Canada and the United States, and this year is no exception. The 2013 list of participants includes athletes from as far away as British Columbia, Alberta and California along with many others from across Eastern Ontario, Quebec and New York State.
That increased reach is bringing additional economic spin-offs with it.
“This year we’ve had a lot more requests (from participants) about staying the weekend,” said Race Director Rob Allen. “Some people are deciding to bring the kids and do the kids’ event on Saturday and do the adult event the following day.”
The continued growth of the event is due in large part to the athletes themselves.
“The biggest thing is word of mouth,” said Mr. Allen. “It’s starting to grow its name further and further.”
There are other factors involved in the event’s overall success – a strong organizing committee, continued support from the local business community and a unique course that sets the Cornwall Triathlon apart from other triathlons in the area.
“That’s really the big thing that people find interesting,” said Mr. Allen of the traffic-free course along the picturesque St. Lawrence River. “It’s a really good course for spectators.”
Beyond the course, another big draw is the prize purse. The Cornwall Triathlon offers a $3,700 purse, making it the biggest prize race in Ontario outside of those organized by the World Triathlon Corporation (WTC), the owners of the Ironman brand.
The prize purse adds another level of competitiveness to events such as the Olympic Triathlon, which will boast some big-name athletes like Ottawa’s Ryan Cain – fresh off a 5th place finish at Ironman Lake Placid – and Oakville’s Andrew Bysice, a member of the Canadian Development Team.
While there may be some competitive classes, the Cornwall Triathlon also provides a weekend of fun activity for athletes of any age and ability. Beginning with the “Kids Day” Race on Saturday, young budding triathletes can compete in Triathlon (swim, bike, run) or Duathlon (run, bike, run) events in age grouped events. All youth events take place in and around the beautiful Cornwall Aquatic Centre.
On Sunday, the Adults move to École Secondaire L’Héritage as the home base for the event. Adults will swim in the St. Lawrence River, bike on a closed course through Le Village, and run on the Cornwall recreational path into the Gray’s Creek Conservation Area.
Sunday includes events geared to any ability; starting from the introductory “Try-A-Tri” distance to the competitive Olympic distance.
There is still an opportunity to register and participate in the various events. Featured events over the two days include:
Olympic Triathlon
This event features a 1500m swim, a 40km bike and a 10 km run.
Sprint Triathlon
This event features a 750m swim, a 20km bike and a 5 km run.
Try-A-Tri
This indroductory event features a 200m swim, a 10km bike ride and a 2.5km run.
Sprint Duathlon
This event features a 2.5km run followed by a 20km bike and a 5 km run.
The Cornwall Triathlon, presented by Cornwall Mazda, has partnered again with the Boys & Girls Club of Cornwall and SDG. Proceeds from the event will be provided to the Boys and Girls Club to further enhance programming and operations for the youth in the Cornwall area.
The Cornwall Triathlon relies on over 200 volunteers to make our weekend triathlon a gem in Eastern Ontario and Western Quebec.
For additional information, check out the Cornwall Triathlon website at www.cornwalltriathlon.com.