Interview With the Niagara Falls Half Iron Race Director
JohnSalt, founder and president of MultiSport Canada, is the race director for the new Niagara Falls Half Iron set to take place on Sunday Sept. 21, 2014. We caught up with Salt to find out more about this inaugural race. TMC: So why this race, in this area and this time of the year? John Salt: The first is the availability of the Niagara Parkway. The city centre and Niagara Parkway are extremely busy during the summer months and it would not be safe for athletes or pedestrians to hold the race from June to August. Niagara Falls, Ont. is in its own little micro- climate and the weather in September is beautiful. The historical data tells us the air temperature should be around 24 C with rain being unlikely. We have been looking for a destination race for a number of years because we wanted to create a special race for athletes and their families. Niagara Falls is an internationally known destination with plenty of hotels, attractions for children and adults and an absolutely beautiful location. TMC: What are the standout features of this race? JS: I think a lot of athletes are thinking f lat and fast, but there are a number of features that they will love. We have designed this race so that athletes will finish the race, have a great post-race party in Kingsbridge Park and then only have to walk 800 m to their car. Water conditions should be perfect. With the swim being in the Welland Recreational Waterway we are virtually guaranteed calm and warm water in September. The Waterway also affords many opportunities for family and friends to follow the entire swim along the shoreline, or from above on the bridges that cross the canal. The bike course is relatively f lat and there are some great views along the Lake Erie section. The real standout is the run course. The course has two significant climbs and two quad burning descents. The start of both descents will give athletes a panoramic view of the American and Canadian Falls. TMC: Will there be any big names racing in this inaugural event? JS: As you know our Recharge With Milk Triathlon Series has had a Development Team for the past three years and some of the best young triathletes have been racing with us, including: Lionel Sanders (first at Ironman 70.3 Muskoka), Cody Beals, Alexander VanderLinden, Derek Quick, Angela Quick, Kristen Marchant and Leanna Lee. We have just completed discussions with a production team and the plan is to produce a national television show. The focus of that TV program will be what we are calling the Prospects Challenge, but we’ll also be reaching out to other professional athletes, too.
Get more details about the race at niagarafallstriathlon. com.– RH