Triathletes of all ages will participate in the 15th annual Summerland Sprint and Kids of Steel Triathlon at the end of August.
The event, on Aug. 31 from 8:30 a.m. to noon, will be held at Peach Orchard Park. It includes the Sprint Triathlon for those 16 years of age and older and the Kids of Steel Triathlon for youths between six and 15 years of age.
Race director Delano Duchek said more than 250 people have already registered. He anticipates more than 400 participants this year.
The distances are considerably shorter than in the Challenge Penticton triathlon the weekend earlier.
For those competing in the Sprint Triathlon, the event includes a 750-metre swim, a 20-kilometre bike component and a five-kilometre run.
Duchek said each of the three segments in Challenge and Ironman events are eight to 10 times longer than in a Sprint competition.
Preparing for a Sprint event requires between 30 and 60 minutes a day of training, he said.
The Kids of Steel Triathlon competitors will have shorter distances, depending on their ages.
To register, visit orcaswimclub.net.
Duchek said the triathlon is the Summerland Orca Swim Club’s largest fundraiser of the year.
“It is such a positive local event that draws in athletes from out of province but also highlights many local athletes and families who enjoy participating in the experience,” he said.
Between 70 and 100 volunteers will assist with the triathlon on the day of the event.
Lakeshore Drive will be closed to motor vehicle traffic on Aug. 31 from 8 a.m. to noon because of the triathlon.
The awards presentation will begin at 1 p.m.
