Triathletes of all ages will compete in the Sprint triathlon this weekend.
The race, at Peach Orchard Beach, is considerably shorter than the Ironman Canada course.
For adults, there is a 750-metre swim, a 20-kilometre bicycling portion and a five-kilometre run. This is half the distance of an Olympic-level triathlon.
Children and teens will compete in shorter courses.
Geoff Goodman, race director for the event, said the racing will start at 8:25 a.m. for the six- and seven-year-old participants.
Once they have completed their course, around 9 a.m., the competitions will begin for older children, with start times 10 minutes apart.
For adults, the men’s start time is 10:05 and the women’s start time is 10:10.
Goodman said the flat lakeshore course is popular among beginning triathletes.
“Its not intimidating for the first-time participant,” he said. “It’s a good introduction if you’re a first-time triathlete.”
For those who have dreams of doing an Ironman-length course, he said the Sprint is a good way to build up to longer distances.
Participation has been strong in the Sprint Triathlon.
Last year, there were 360 participants, the biggest turnout to date.
This year, Goodman anticipates more will take part.
The event has been growing among children and teens.
In 2005, there were around 50 children registered. So far this year, there are 175 in the youth categories, with more registrations still coming in.
“If we could get 200 kids, it would be phenomenal,” Goodman said.
For those who do not feel comfortable with all three parts of the triathlon, teams are also welcome to compete.
In 2010, when teams were first allowed, two teams were registered. Last year, there were three and so far this year, eight teams have been registered.
The race is being held in partnership with Dirty Laundry Vineyard and with BCMI as a title sponsor.
Those interested in participating should visit orcaswimclub.net/sprint.html for more information and a link to online registration.