Registration for 2018 Qualicum Beach Triathlon is now open.
The annual sporting event will be held June 24 starting at the Ravensong Aquatic Centre with the first heat set for 8 a.m. sharp.
Online registration is mandatory at www.qualicumbeachtriathlon.com. Paper registration is only accepted from school groups, and they can send their applications to Tri-Athletics Society c/o #10-2164 Ridgemont Place, Nanaimo, V9T 0C8, or drop them off at the Ravensong Aquatic Centre.
This is going to be the 21st anniversary of the triathlon. This year, however, the order of athlete start times have been changed.
The adults, ages 18 and over will go first and the tiny triathlon will be held later in the day.
The “Tiny Tri” athletes, ages 4-7 years old, will begin one at a time, swim across the pool, ride a short distance around the transition area, through the forest and into the finish chute.
Organizers feel this will give adults the chance to watch their children compete and provide children with a positive triathlon experience.
The triathlon for adults will consist of a 400-m swim, 20.5-k bike and a 5-k run. For youth ages 12-17 years old, it will be a 200-m swim, 12.3-k bike and 2.5-k run. For minor ages 8-11 years old, it will be a 100-m swim, 4.1-k bike and 1-k run.
Last year the event drew about 450 participants. Organizers advise those wishing to enter to register early as the race fills up quickly.
Triathletes may enter as individual participants or can be part of a team, with each member completing one of the three events.
