By Drew Wilson

Triathletes invade Waskesiu

Aug 5, 2011 | 7:42 AM

Over 150 competitors will converge on Waskesiu on Sunday for the 30th annual Frank Dunn Toyota/Power 99FM Triathlon.

Race Director Mark Nagy said he is excited about having one of the largest fields ever and says there is a new wrinkle added to the 1,500 metre swim to start the race.

“We have made it a two loop swim instead of the T we used to do,” Nagy said.

“Spectators will be able to see their racer come close to shore and head out on the second lap of the swim and hopefully it will be a beautiful day and we will have a great day of racing.”

It's quite a sight, Nagy said.

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“It's very exciting when the horn goes and you have 225 people heading 250 metres to the first turn boey,” he said.

“It's like a washing machine. It's just like throwing yourself in a washing machine and start swimming.”

The Prince Albert National Park setting is credited for the event's increasing popularity.

“It's just a beautiful place to hold this race,” Nagy said.

“We have a great volunteer base over the last 30 years and people just love coming here.”

It's a race that attracts everyone from elite competitors, who push themselves to the limit, to those whose goal is simply to finish.

It is a “bucket List” accomplishment for many participants, said race official Marty Houle, who has completed the famed Ironman Triathlon in Penticton.

“The feeling of redemption to finish with the crowd pushing you, it really is amazing.”

The 1,500 metre swim is followed by a 62 kilometre bike ride through the national park and wraps up with a 13 kilometre run along the lake.

Curtis Earle of Saskatoon who has won the last three races in Waskesiu is back to try to a four-peat, said Nagy.

dwilson@rawlco.com