Strathmore Triathlon continues to grow

Times Reporter

 

The third annual Tri-Smore Triathlon will gather athletes and families to compete on June 22. Registration has grown every year, and is up 40 per cent from this time of last year’s event. 

Nikola Johnson began the initiative to host the Tri-Smore after seeing similar exhibitions around small towns in Alberta; she wondered why Strathmore didn’t have something similar, as a fair sized community always looking to support.

“I just believe you got to be active, and create opportunities for your kids to be active,” Johnson said.  “The atmosphere is have fun, and it’s as competitive as you want it to be.”

Though long-time triathloners train in the Tri-Smore – including Team Canada’s Kevin Mertz – everyone is strongly encouraged to finish on their own time. Walk the run portion, or wear a life jacket in the pool; you can’t know if you finish last until the results are in, because of the race’s staggered start times. Johnson also promotes anyone with mental or physical challenges to rise to the challenge.

“We’re just trying to remove all those barriers just to get people moving, and for families too,” Johnson said. 

There are categories for every age group, with contestants ranging from ages two to 65. The Full Smore is 20 swim lengths, 20 km on the bike, and a 5 km run, with the Half Smore exactly half of all those lengths. The Quarter Smore for under 13 year-olds is four pool lengths, a 5 km ride, and a 1.5 km run. 2 Bite Smores (8 and under) complete one length of the pool, pedal for 0.8 km, and sprint 0.25 km to the finish.

If racing doesn’t appeal to you, Johnson is always looking for volunteers; around 75-100 helpers are needed to pull off the event. All volunteers are entered for a draw to win a prize hotel weekend in Banff, if you need a little encouragement. 

The racers will complete the swim portion in the Aquatic Centre, then cycle up Hwy. 817 (for the full and half triathlon), followed by the run through Gray Park. The race begins at 8:30 a.m., and the finish line will be at Strathmore High School’s parking lot.  Spectators’ best views are either in Gray Park or along Brent Boulevard. You can also follow along on racepro.ca, as timing chips are attached to each competitor.

Photographers, as well as first-aid if needed, will be standing by — and yes, there are s’mores at the finish line.

If interested in racing or volunteering, contact Nikola Johnson at 403-480-1218, or visit www.tri-smore.com by June 1. Registration fees are $60 for adults, $20 for youth, and $15 for ages eight and under. Fees include a swim cap, a shirt, post-race nourishment, and the fantastic feeling of “I did it!”