Apple Triathlon returning in 2018

Kelowna’s Apple Triathlon has been awarded the 2018 and 2019 Triathlon Canada National Championships.

The 2018 competitions will take place on Aug. 18-19.

Canada’s elite triathletes will join age-group athletes from across the country to compete in a variety of events throughout the weekend for the honour of being crowned the national champion.

Along with the National Championships in the Elite, Para, Sprint and Standard Distance races, athletes will have the chance to earn highly sought-after spots to represent Canada at the 2019 ITU Triathlon Grand Finale in Lausanne, Switzerland.

In addition to the National Championships designation, the Apple will also host an ITU CAMTRI Continental Cup event — adding an international flair to the 2018 event.

Elite athletes from North, South and Central America will compete over two days to earn valuable ITU points, which will allow them to qualify for events like the World Championships.

“We look forward to welcoming athletes, spectators and fans from across the country to compete in Kelowna this summer. The Apple has been a staple event in our community for over 30 years and we look forward to watching the athletes race as they vie for the National Championships,” said City of Kelowna Sport and Event Services Manager, Doug Nicholas.

Apple Triathlon race director Susie Ernsting echoed those sentiments.

“We are thrilled to have been awarded the 2018 and 2019 National Championships and CAMTRI Continental Cup,” she said. “With 35 years of history, the Apple has seen some of the best triathletes in the world race along the streets of Kelowna. We look forward to continuing on the legacy of the event and welcoming athletes back to Kelowna.”

The Apple Triathlon will continue its tradition of offering a race for everyone — with Kids, Youth, Junior and Adult Try-a-Tri races on Saturday, along with the CAMTRI Super Sprint heats.

Sunday’s races will feature the Age Group Sprint and Standard Distance, as well as the CAMTRI Final.

Registration is now open and early pricing is available until Jan. 1, 2018.

For more information, visit Appletriathlon.com.