On Sunday, August 26, more than 2,800 athletes will compete in the 30th anniversary edition of Subaru Ironman Canada. The large field is comprised of athletes representing each of the Canadian provinces, 44 U.S. states and more than 25 countries.
Locally, contestants will come from Okanagan Falls and Kaleden this year, with perennnial Ironman Scott Tremblay hoping to improve on his top ten performance last year.
Others returning to the grueling event for another try is Milton Guignon, also of Kaleden. This will be Guignon’s 15th appearance in the Canadian Ironman.
Okanagan Falls residents Steve and Karen LaPointe are also repeating the event. Heather Carter of Kaleden, and Philip MacDonald of Okanagan Falls round out the entrants from Kaleden and Okanagan Falls respectively.
Cawston resident Caolin Hogeweide is also participating in Sunday’s race.
There are no entrants from Keremeos listed this year.
Ironman Triathlon is one of the most grueling events in the world of sport, and also one of the most inspiring. Ironman features a 2.4-mile swim, a 112-mile bike and a complete marathon (26.2 miles) all in succession. Athletes have 17 hours to complete the event (from the 7 a.m. start until midnight).
Celebrating its 30th anniversary this year, Subaru Ironman Canada is the oldest Ironman race in continental North America and continues to be regarded as one of the best due to its classic course, history and incredible support from the community.