Ottawa -- More than 900 participants are expected this Saturday for the 28th annual National Capital Triathlon staged by Somersault Promotions and hosted at the Terry Fox Athletic Facility in Ottawa. The day will be filled with exciting events including and Olympic and Sprint distance triathlon and duathlon, a 5 & 10 km run, and the ever popular Wylie Ryan Surf ‘n Turf for kids 11 & under.
"This is quickly becoming one of the region's largest multi-sport events," said Katherine Calder-Becker, Co-Race Director, along with her husband, Kevin Becker. "We're expecting another record year."
The Olympic distance triathlon and duathlon and the National Capital 5 km & 10 km Runs start off the day at 8:30 a.m., while the signature event, the Sprint Triathlon, begins at 10:00 a.m. The 'Surf 'n Turf' for kids begins at 11:00 a.m.
Following the horrifying cycling accident on March Road last week, event organizers Terry and Christine McKinty of Somersault Promotions quickly realised that four of the five injured riders were to have competed in this year's National Capital Triathlon. "This accident really shocked many of us, especially in the triathlon and cycling communities", says Calder-Becker. "We were all touched very deeply as we all realised that not only that this could easily have happened to any of us, but that the victims ARE one of us."
Julie Hakim, the sixth member of the training group, is registered to compete in the triathlon and will honour her teammates by wearing their racing bibs (numbered 1 - 5) for Rob Wein., Mark White, Rob Harland., Cathy Anderson, and Hilary McNamee. Julie will compete with #6 and will receive finishers' medals for all of her training partners.
Somersault has also decided to honour the injured riders, by launching an appeal for bicycle safety equipment to benefit deserving children in Ottawa. "In partnership the Ottawa Boys and Girls Club, organisers will be accepting cycling related safety equipment at the event site on both Friday during race kit pick up and at the event on Saturday. We hope that both Julie's ride and donations of gently used cycling helmets, lights, vests, and even bikes will put a positive spin on this very sad event", says Calder--Becker. "It's our small way of letting these injured athletes know, we're thinking about them, and praying for expedient recovery."
The public is invited to come out, cheer on Julie, and bring new or gently-used items for the Boys and Girls Club on behalf of the injured riders. There will also be a book dedicated to each of the cyclists that anyone may sign with their well wishes.
In order to provide a safe environment for both participants and volunteers, Colonel By Drive and Hogs Back Road will be closed from 6 a.m. to 1 p.m. in both directions. We appreciate the cooperation and the patience of local residents and visitors.
Race Schedule / Photo Opportunities (Mooney's Bay Beach -- Terry Fox Athletic Facility -- West Field)
Olympic Triathlon/Duathlon & Relay (8:30 a.m)
National Capital 5 km Run (8:30 a.m.)
Super Sprint Triathlon (10:00 a.m)
Try A Tri (10:05 a.m)
Sprint Triathlon/Duathlon & Relay (10:15 a.m.)
Canoe/Kayak Triathlon (10:15 a.m.)
To register for the National Capital Triathlon, visit: Somersault.ca.
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