Subaru Ironman Canada Returns to Whistler
On July 30, Subaru Ironman Canada returns to Whistler for its fourth consecutive year, bringing thousands of strong-willed triathletes to test their endurance against British Columbia’s iconic mountain terrain. This year, forty competitors will earn qualifying slots for the Ironman World Championship in Hawaii, and an Ironman 70.3-kilometre will be held alongside the full-length race.
With a world-class destination playing host, it’s not too surprising that Whistler won the 2016 Ironman Athlete’s Choice Awards for Best Restaurants, Best Host City Experience, Overall Satisfaction, Overall Swim and Overall Bike.
“Whistler represents a quintessential venue for hosting IRONMAN Canada. The natural beauty combined with the enthusiastic community enables athletes to have a fantastic experience while racing, and after the event,” says Ironman Senior Regional Director Keats McGonigal.
On race day, competitors start early in the morning with two laps of Alta Lake, swimming 3.9-kilometres in distance. Upon exiting the water, racers transition onto their bikes for a unique single-loop cycling route that stretches 180 kilometres.
The cycling course takes racers south into the Callaghan Valley, then north through Pemberton before returning to Whistler Village. McGonigal says the varied terrain surrounding Whistler makes for a unique and enjoyable cycling route: “Having athletes be able to ride past Olympic venues and breathtaking glaciated peaks sets this course apart from any other.”
Passing through the village of Pemberton is a course highlight for many, as competitors traverse a long, flat segment that affords stunning views of snow-capped mountains all around. The 42-kilometre running course follows Whistler’s valley trail network, winding around Green Lake and Lost Lake. With the halfway point and finish line located next to Whistler’s Olympic Plaza, spectators can gather here to cheer on competitors and celebrate their completion of this gruelling race. The first racers should cross the finish line at around 4:15 p.m., and the awards ceremonies will be held the following morning at Olympic Plaza.
The Ironman Village is also set up at this location, offering athlete check-in and briefings, official merchandise, and the chance for anxious competitors to register for next year’s Ironman Canada race. For more information, visit whistler.com.