By Drew Wilson

Triathletes to descend on Waskesiu Sunday

Aug 4, 2016 | 12:00 PM

Waskesiu will become the triathlon capital of Western Canada this weekend.

About 300 particpants will challenge the water, cycle and run courses in Waskesiu on Sunday in the 35th annual Frank Dunn Toyota triathlon. The field includes about 130 individual racers and 50 teams.

Organizer Mark Nagy said the event remains popular because of the venue.

“We probably have one of the nicer lakes in Waskesiu in the province. The trees, the rolling hills, the wildlife, it’s just a beautiful place to hold an event”, Nagy said.

Christina Charles of Prince Albert has won three consecutive women’s titles while defending men’s champion and three time winner Curtis Earl of Saskatoon will be pushed by 2014 champion and fellow bridge city triathlete Tim Pearce.

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While many of the top competitors from across Western Canada will be pushing for personal best results, Nagy said there are many rookie triathletes who will be testing their mental and physical limits for the first time.

“We have a few past winners in the field and a whole bunch of first timers, so it’s going to be quite a stretch from first to last”, he said.

In addition to a large and diverse range of participants, Nagy said the event wouldn’t be possible without a large dedicated group of volunteers.

“We have about 85 returning volunteers mostly, so we can run the race with 85, so it’s almost one volunteer for every two participants.”     

The triathlon attracts large crowds on the beach and along the running  and cycling routes where competitors leave and return to the town site.

The course remains the same as previous years but Nagy is hoping to incorporate the newly paved old highway in the future.

As for this year, the course is set, the participants and volunteers will be ready and Nagy said the final factor will be the conditions.

“I hope the weather will be good and we’ll have a great field and hopefully a great day,” he said.

dwilson@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @RaidersVoice