It's been a long wait but Kiwanis Nipissing will be hosting the 25th Annual North Bay Triathlon again this summer on Canada Day weekend, sanctioned by Triathlon Ontario.
The Triathlon starts with a 750 m. swim in Trout Lake, followed by a 20 km. bike ride to Northshore Road, and finally a 5 km. run along the shoreline of Trout Lake.
Mike Burke is helping organize the event and is a long-time participant in the Triathlon.
He tells BayToday that there is a lot of anticipation in the community about the event after the pandemic caused multiple cancellations.
"The last time we did it was 2019, 2020 was cancelled more or less at the last minute. People had already registered. Then we cancelled 2021. 2022 was iffy, but we decided to things weren't stabilized enough, and that year was cancelled too.
So it's the first one since 2019, and Burke feels an atmosphere of anticipation.
"I mean, I sense that the community is really glad to have it back. What this really is, is a chance for newbies to find out what triathlons are all about, and how to do it in a less intimidating environment."
Regular triathlons may attract up to a thousand people but for locals, this is more comfortable for people who haven't done one before, or people to use as a tune-up for the rest of the summer.
Relay teams are welcome if you prefer not to do the full Triathlon on your own. There will also be a Try-a-Tri on Sunday morning if you are just getting into Triathlons.
If you are looking for a good workout, without getting wet, the Duathlon features a 2.5 km. run, then a 20 km bike ride and finishes with a 5 km run.
A Canada Day highlight is the Kid’s Tri, for ages 6 to 15, including swim, run and bike courses. Streamers on their handlebars and bikes are encouraged.
"Right from the start, I think 17 years ago, we got the kid's event going but it was always a big objective," added Burke. "The kids are the best, it's so much fun to watch them and they try so hard, every single one of them."
The distances depend on your age group starting at 6 up to 15.
Volunteers are more than welcome and if you can help you can do so here.
Burke says they'll take whatever volunteer hours you can give.
"Some people can afford to help us out that day, some people can afford to help us up to the day or so before, and some people help all year, so it really depends on what kind of time people want to put in."
For details on this summer’s Triathlon, to register, or to volunteer, click here.
