P.E.I. athletes shine
Trio competes at multi-sport world championships in B.C.
Three Prince Edward Island athletes recently competed in the International Triathlon Union multi-sport world championships in Penticton, B.C.
The weeklong event attracted more than 3,500 athletes from 26 countries around the world. In addition to the duathlon, various other triathlon events, which including swimming, biking and running, were part of the championships.
Summerside’s Kevin Farrell and Dan McCarthy as well as Charlottetown’s Kim Landry of Charlottetown participated in the sprint duathlon competition, which consisted of a fivekilometre run, 20-kilometre bike ride, and 2.5-kilometre run.
In her 35 to 39 age group, Landry finished first for Canada and fifth in the world on the bike. Overall, she was the top Canadian and 13th overall in the world in a time of 1:18:37 in the sprint duathlon.
The cycling course was especially challenging with steep climbs and descents, unlike the rolling hills of P.E.I. A wife, mother of three young boys and registered massage therapist, Landry fits her training into her busy schedule as best she can.
McCarthy was the first Canadian and fifth overall in the 5K run.
He was the second Canadian overall, and tied with an Australian competitor for seventh overall in the world, with a time of 1:21:01 in the 65-to-69 age group.
While he enjoys racing with younger competitors, McCarthy was pleased to have the opportunity to compete against athletes in his age group from other countries.
Farrell competed in the 70-to74 age group, where he placed 15th overall in the world. His time was 2:34:31. He has trained since last winter, with a regime of running, cycling, swimming and weights.
The senior member of Triathlon P.E.I., Farrell is respected for his dedication and determination.
Landry, McCarthy and Farrell all qualified to compete in the world-class event at the 2016 Tri-Lobster Duathlon in Summerside in July. All three were excited to represent P.E.I., and proud to be members of Team Canada.
A media release issued by Triathlon notes it was a very rewarding experience, and it was the first time competing at this level for all three.
The trio had been training on P.E.I. for the past five months, competing in various road races and three sprint duathlons organized by Triathlon P.E.I.