Organizers of the Qualicum Beach Triathlon are busy preparing for the popular annual event, this year set for June 23.
It will be the 25th anniversary of the summer event that will feature 400-metre swim, a 20.5-kilometre bike ride, and five kilometre run. There is also a duathlon that is held at the same time that involves a 5K run, a 20.5K bike ride, and a 2.5K run.
New this year is the Aquathlon, which features a 400-metre swim and a 5K run.
One of the organizers of the competition, Jim Powell, indicated that registration is filling up, with already more than 300 competitors.
Some children’s categories are basically full, he said, but he added there are plenty of openings for the youth (ages 14 and 15); juniors (ages 16 and 17) and for adults 18 years and up. There’s still time to register but Powell advised to do so as soon as possible.
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One of the organizers’ biggest challenges every year is recruiting volunteers, who are key to the success of the triathlon. Powell said there are many roles to fill in the swimming pool, bike course, run course and the transition area.
“We need approximately 60 volunteers to run the race smoothly and we are a long way from that number,” said Powell. “Volunteering is a way of giving back to your community as we are a family or local based triathlon open to all age groups from four years on upward to seniors. This triathlon is the 25th running of the event. It has endured this long due to the hard work of many volunteers over the last 25 years.”
Anyone interested in volunteering for a few hours can visit www.qualicumbeachtriathlon.com and press the volunteer button. It will take your name and contact number. One of the event committee will be in touch with you regarding the task you will perform.
