Friday, June 13, 2008

Triathlon plans underway for Summerside event


Triathlon plans underway for Summerside event

JASON SIMMONDS
The Journal Pioneer


SUMMERSIDE -- A multi-sport event will be held in Summerside on Sunday morning, Aug. 3.
The Summerside Triathlon will feature a 750-metre swim in the Summerside Harbour, a 20-kilometre bike ride over a looped course and a five-kilometre run. The start and finish lines for each leg will be at the same location on Harbour Drive.
"That is called a sprint triathlon," said race director Cheryl Tanton. "It's a very young sport on the Island."
The triathlon is a "test event" for the 2009 Canada Summer Games, which will be held on P.E.I., and organizers need at least 50 volunteers.
"A volunteer could be anything from handing out water to road control," said Tanton, who adds she'll be "thrilled with 100" participants.
"You don't have to be an ironman or woman to try," said Tanton. "It's not your stumble-to-the-finish-line type of event that people see on television."
Tanton hopes to attract participants from throughout the Maritimes and possibly some Canada Games' athletes.
"I'm hoping Island people will come out," she said. "We'll be competing against ourselves. Age-group participants don't have to feel intimidated because we won't be competing against the junior national athletes."
Tanton expects the age groups to be 19-and-under and in all likelihood go in 10-year divisions.
The major challenge in attracting competitors for triathlons, says Tanton, is the swimming aspect.
"You can swim any stroke you want and can even flip over on your back and kick," said Tanton.
To volunteer or to obtain more information, contact Keith or Cheryl at tanton@eastlink.ca.

No comments: