As race day nears for the 31st Investors.ca Peach Classic Triathlon, participant numbers improve.
As of Monday morning, co-race director Dave Bullock said they had 300 triathletes registered for Sunday’s event. Of the 300, 188 are competing in the sprint race for the championship. The numbers are pleasing for Bullock after seeing them drop for a few years.
“They are 70 per cent up on the sprint distance race simply because it’s the B.C. Sprint championship this year,” he said. “That makes it a little bit more special. Have the $5,000 for the race record on the Olympic distance (for the Peach Classic), that makes it a little bit more exciting too.”
Online registration is still open to athletes until midnight Wednesday. People can also register in person at Peach City Runners through the rest of the week and Saturday. There will be no day of race registration.
Among the notable locals competing are defending champion Jeff Symonds, who has won the last four years, and Jen Annett, who Bullock said finished second during the Barebones duathlon in May. The sprint races begin at 6:45 a.m., while the Olympic men start at 7:05 a.m. and the women five minutes later.
Roads will be closed along Lakeshore Drive, which will be open by 8:30 a.m. The area from Winnipeg Street to Front Street will be closed until noon.
On Saturday, the 27th annual Boston Pizza Junior Triathlon will be held with the swim starting in Okanagan Lake. Race director Troyce Beglow said there are 140 participants aged six to 16 competing. Registration is online only and closes midnight Wednesday. Beglow said he’s hoping for good weather and calm winds.
“I’m getting excited for it,” said Beglow. “I like to see the smiles on kids’ faces when they cross the finish line. Sometimes there are even tears from the younger kids.”
Beglow, who thanked all the volunteers and sponsors for their support, said everyone has a lot of fun with the event.
“This event is more competitive and provides more competitive and focused kids,” he said.
The B.C. Junior Elite provincial championship race will not take place this year. To register, go to www.pentictontriathlonclub.com.
