Canadian Triathlon and Run stresses inclusivity and challenges

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Thousands of runners took a scenic route on Saturday at the Canadian Triathlon and Run, one of the country oldest, with its first event in 1982.

Race director Adam Kourakis was pumped not only about the numbers, but the overall “inclusivity” of the event.

“It’s so cool to see 1,200 athletes, (approximately) 3,000 spectators and almost 200 volunteers and staff,” he said.

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“We have some people that have done it since the (event began) in the 80s” but there were also more than “30 per cent” of our athletes have never done a race ever before.”

He noted the sold-out event also offered swim-cycles, duathlons and other challenging events.

In all, there were 16 races scheduled Saturday, “depending on your ability and the sports you’re interested in, or just what you’re kind of up for.”

His hope was that newcomers would find the events “completely accessible.”

He noted the event had “athletes from Peru, Colombia, France and Australia today.”

The scenic route went along Colonel By Drive and through Mooney’s Bay Park, culminating at the Terry Fox Athletic Facility on Riverside Drive.

The Ottawa event, dubbed The Canadian, is the premier event of the Somersault Tri/Du Series.

-With files from Ashley Fraser

Photos from the Canadian Triathlon and Run

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