 | Over 600 athletes are expected to lace up their running shoes this August 18th and 19th for the 10th Annual Cornwall Triathlon. The Cornwall Triathlon offers a unique experience that sets it apart from other triathlons in the area by offering traffic free courses along the scenic St. Lawrence River. | |
Cornwall - August 17, 2012 - Over 600 athletes are expected to lace up their running shoes this August 18th and 19th for the 10th Annual Cornwall Triathlon. The Cornwall Triathlon offers a unique experience that sets it apart from other triathlons in the area by offering traffic free courses along the scenic St. Lawrence River.
The Cornwall Triathlon has evolved into a highly competitive event attracting athletes from across Canada, the United States and beyond.
“The Cornwall Triathlon is in a class by itself when it comes to putting on a safe, classy race - every participant need, down to the smallest detail is considered,” said 2011 competitor John Cameron.
The Cornwall Triathlon offers a weekend of activity for athletes of any age and ability. Beginning with the "Kids Day" Race on Saturday, young budding triathletes can compete in Triathlon (swim, bike, run) or Duathlon (run, bike, run) in age grouped events. All youth events take place in and around the beautiful Cornwall Aquatic Centre.
On Sunday, the Adults move to École Secondaire L’Héritage as the home base for the event. Adults will swim in the St. Lawrence River, bike on a closed course through Le Village, and run on the Cornwall recreational path into the Greys Creek Conservation Area. Sunday includes events geared to any ability; starting from the introductory "Try-A-Tri" distance to the competitive Olympic distance.
Featured events over the two days include:
Olympic Triathlon
This event features a 1500m swim, a 40km bike and a 10 km run.
Sprint Triathlon
This event features a 750m swim, a 20km bike and a 5 km run.
Try-A-Tri
This indroductory event features a 200m swim, a 10km bike ride and a 2.5km run.
Sprint Duathlon
This event features a 2.5km run followed by a 20km bike and a 5 km run.
Returning to the event in 2012 is former Triathlon Canada team member Jamie Stephenson who triumphed in the Olympic race in 2010 and finished a close second in 2011. Boasting a prize purse of $3700, the Cornwall Triathlon has quickly become the jewel of the Eastern Ontario triathlon scene. A strong contingent of athletes from Cornwall is set to compete with visiting participants.
"We are trending to a slight increase in numbers again this year, a nice day will give us a walk up crowd," said Rob Allen, one of the event organizers. "We are very happy with the numbers this year and are expecting over 650 or the kids and adult days combined."
Over half of the expected participating athletes will be from outside of the Cornwall area.
“It is with great pleasure we welcome athletes from across Canada and the world to Cornwall and area for the 2012 Cornwall Triathlon,” said Fern Hamelin, Cornwall Triathlon Chair.
The Cornwall Triathlon, presented by Mazda, has partnered again with the Boys & Girls Club of Cornwall and SDG. Proceeds from the event will be provided to the Boys and Girls Club to further enhance programming and operations for the youth in the Cornwall area.
"The Cornwall Triathlon is an event for the athlete first," added Mr. Allen. "Our attention to detail has a number of athletes return each year showing that we are on the right track in attracting competitors. The Cornwall Triathlon also offers the largest prize purse of an open (no professional specific designation required) triathlon in Ontario and Quebec. We have a 5 year plan to become the best triathlon in the area. This year will be year 4 and we have made great strides to be there."
There is still an opportunity to register and participate in the various events. Visit the Cornwall Triathlon website at www.cornwalltriathlon.com for more information.
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