The Qualicum Beach Triathlon has enjoyed great success in the last two decades.
It is organized by Tri Athletics Society, a non-profit group, but they indicated they couldn’t have done it without the support of volunteers from the community.
The society is concerned the event may not be held next year unless they find new people to replace some of their key board members who left the group.
The triathlon takes place annually on the last Sunday of June.
It uses the Ravensong Aquatic Centre for the swim and the surrounding roads and trail for the bike and run course. It is classified as a modified sprint triathlon with distances most weekend or wanna-be athletes can handle either individually or on a three-member team.
“Tri Athletics has been hosting this event for 21 years and it would be a shame for our local community to see this very successful event go by the wayside,” said society vice-president Jim Powell.
“Every year there are approximately 500 participants – from the age of four up to seniors in their seventies. Our triathlon is definitely a community and family event with many local children, students, and budding adult athletes taking part and enjoying the thrill of completing a triathlon. For some of the athletes it is their first triathlon and their success motivates them to keep up the training and even compete in other events.”
Powell pointed out that the event garners strong support from local sponsors such as Quality Foods, small businesses and also from the Town of Qualicum Beach.
“What a shame it would be to not have sufficient support from the Oceanside community to run the 22nd version this June,” Powell lamented.
The society is looking for volunteers, not necessarily current or former athletes but community members who will step up and contribute to this year’s race.
“We do need at least three more board members who will take on an area of responsibility for planning and organizing plus a couple more people who will just help with the tasks that need completing leading up to the race,” said Powell. “We are usually fine with race day volunteers as many locals come out every year to assist with the race – some have helped for many, many years which we are very grateful for.”
Financially, the triathlon is in good shape said Powell but stressed the need to have more board members to help with the organization of the event.
“If you have enjoyed participating or watching the triathlon in the past, or have a passion for our community, please consider volunteering and getting involved this year,” said Powell.
“None of us longtime organizers want to see this event go by the wayside, like the QB Fire and Ice, but want to keep the event alive for years to come. It is a very friendly, family event, that our local athletes look forward to every year.”
A planning and organizing meeting will be held mid- January.
Anyone interested in helping out and need more information can call Powell at 250-248-8341 or email at trijim@shaw.ca.