CANADIAN RACE
B.C.’s Dynamic Race Events
If athletes had to choose a word to describe 2020, it might be “cancelled.” It takes incredible resources to plan a race, and calling off a whole series is a tough decision. B.C.’s Dynamic Race Events went through a thorough and thoughtful evaluation process before they cancelled this year’s series, and they hope to make 2021 unique and special.
Dynamic is owned and operated by triathletes and, since 2002, they have hosted over 20,000 people in more than 60 races, including provincial and national championships. They produce sprint-, standard- and half-distance triathlons, along with aquabike and duathlon events in B.C.
On April 22, Dynamic announced this year’s races were cancelled: “This decision is incredibly difficult, but after many sleepless nights, endless phone calls, consultations, discussions and sourcing of the most reliable information we could find – it is important our team provides you with some context on how/ why this decision was made.”
That context is substantial, and it covers issues related to social responsibility, medical resources, athlete safety and athlete support. They analyzed everything from feeling irresponsible for expecting athletes to continue training or attend a large gathering, to having no assurances that first responders, water rescue or receiving hospitals would be available.
More concerns developed from a lack of available guidance on keeping people safe from virus transmission during a race – both in terms of social distancing or personal protective equipment. And, knowing that race volunteers might not be available, athletes would be missing vital support.
Looking ahead to 2021, Dynamic is planning for a full roster of events, and the dates have been confirmed with host communities.
“We are committed and excited to be hosting events again when it is responsible and safe to do so, for the community, our volunteers and for our athletes,” says Dynamic organizer and owner Angie Woodhead. “It’s
our hope to make it unique and special, especially after a year away.”
This year would have been the 17th anniversary of the Oliver events, the jewel of the Dynamic series.
“We have such year over year community support and amazing support from our athletes who come out again and again,” says Woodhead.
The Oliver events welcome both new triathletes and seasoned pros alike.
“The unique format of having the sprint/ standard on the Saturday and the half-Iron on the Sunday allows many families and training groups to come out and have participation across the events due to the range of distances and formats offered,” says Woodhead. “Year after year, Oliver continues to remind athletes when they come out why it is such a special place to visit, train and race.”
Dynamic’s cancellation announcement acknowledged their gratitude to racers: “Whether one of our 2020 triathlons was going to be your first or your 10th, we want to thank you for supporting us and choosing to be part of the triathlon community. You play a vital role in keeping events and the industry alive.”
And, mindful of the impact of COVID-19 on so many others in the industry, the Dynamic team added, “What we all can do right now is check in with our fellow athletes, other event organizers, your coaches, massage therapist, your pool and gym, your local bike shop.”
Here’s to looking ahead to 2021 as a brighter and better year.