Organizers of the 2015 Best Body Fitness Sprint Triathlon on Sunday are calling the event a success, despite having to deal with a forced swimming cancellation, route changes and a medal shortage.
Athletes were supposed to start the race with a swim at the Aquatic Centre, but with the pool still out of service, the triathlon was turned into a duathlon.
Having athletes swim in the lake was considered, but ultimately decided against by race director Steve Miller and co-race director Scott McDermott, who deemed water temperatures to be too frigid.
Even though participation numbers were down by about 35 from the previous year, there were still around 68 volunteers who helped with the event.
A total of 126 adults took part, while 77 children participated in the Splash and Dash event that followed.
McDermott said participating athletes were understanding and upbeat, despite the setbacks.
“The weather was perfect and everything went really well,” McDermott said. “A few flat tires on the bike course, but no real challenges, and most of the local traffic was courteous and kind.”
Medals were awarded at the end of the race, but due to delays in shipping, there was a shortage. The issue became evident as medals ran low when the children came in, McDermott said.
The disapointment at the prospect of not receiving a medal was evident on the faces of some children, he added. And that’s when some of the adult racers showed their generosity, resulting in one of the day’s more poignant moments.
“They were coming up to me in droves handing over their own finisher medals for the kids,” McDermott said. “I must admit, I choked up and my eyes got a little moist. Every kid got a medal. Many of the adult athletes gave up their winning gold, silver or bronze medals. It was amazing.”