The 29th annual Pushor Mitchell Kelowna Apple Triathlon goes August 19-21.
For the fourth consecutive year, the Apple Tri will host the Canadian National Championships and ITU Triathlon Pan American Cup. It is also a qualifier for the 2011 World Championships in New Zealand.
Last year, the event had a record 1,800 local, national and international competitors, and with a Fun Run scheduled for Friday, Aug. 19, another record-entry year is expected.
There are more than 1,200 volunteer positions.
“The Apple has a really big heart, with space for everyone, whether volunteering, competing or just watching. Every person has an opportunity to participate,” said Richard Montgomery, president of the Kelowna Apple Triathlon Society (KATS).
Canada’s triathlon sweetheart, and the world’s No. 1-ranked female, Paula Findlay is expected to participate again this year.
With her fifth victory over six races in the last 11 months, the 22-year-old Findlay ran into the history books, becoming the most-winning athlete ever on the world championship series, and only the third woman to win three straight races.
Said Findlay: “I competed in Kelowna at the nationals champs, which is one of my favorite races of the season. I’ve done this race for the past five years, ever since my first year in triathlon, so I’m always excited to go back to a familiar course.”
Volunteer positions are available including bike and run course marshals, set-up and take-down, security, body-marking, finish line duties and assistants to paratriathletes.
“We are also looking for Home stay families to host elite athletes. Please get your family, neighbours, colleagues or friends involved and help us make this a very special weekend to remember,” said Montgomery.
