PERSEVERING THROUGH COVID

Says Turnbull, “Our partners at Somersault who have been organizing the race couldn’t hold the larger event, but we wanted to show support for the athletes with a simple message: ‘We will continue. We can find a way, even in tough times, and we won’t let this little gem lose its shine.’”

Given the importance of the event to the Smiths Falls, Ont., area and not wanting to tarnish the name of the longest-running triathlon in the country, Turnbull pushed on and determined to host some form of modified competition, albeit with greatly reduced numbers, well aware of the need to stay within the rules of public health and the municipality.

“The benefit of the small group in a triathlon is that physical distancing occurs naturally with the different disciplines,” Turnbull says. “It all made sense.”

After some quick correspondence with Somersault and his circle of multisport friends, Turnbull decided to offer a grassroots event abiding by the following protocols – a simple, non-complicated outing, no official timing, physical distancing at all times and strict adherence to all public health and municipal rules.

On race day, seven dedicated triathletes kept the tradition of the event alive and completed the sprint distance event consisting of a 500-m swim, a 21-km cycle and a 5-km run. Each of the participants was presented a special finisher’s shirt as a memento of this unique race.

Origins

Rewind to 1980. The Smiths Falls Classic Triathlon was the brainchild of two high-school friends, Andrew Comstock and Bernie Merkley, who attended Smiths Falls High School and decided that they wanted to host a triathlon event. It became the first-ever triathlon with the standard swim, bike, run format to take place on Canadian soil.

Since that year, there has been an event every year, earning this event the title of Canada’s oldest triathlon. Adds Turnbull, “The Smiths Falls Triathlon is an event near and dear to many people. It contributes socially, culturally and economically to the identity of Smiths Falls. It was important we continued this year, even if

it was a modified version of what it normally is. Smiths Falls has always been known as a town that admires athletic accomplishments and this is yet another example of that.”

The swim is held in the Rideau Canal, followed by a bike course that is a rural, flat, time-trial dream. The road runs out of Smiths Falls beside the Rideau Canal to a small township, which acts as the hallway point. The road has alternative routes that cars tend to use, so there is typically not much traffic along the route.

The scenic run course meanders along the canal and the streets of Smiths Falls. Almost always in sight of the start and finish lines, runners witness a contrast of heritage and modernization that has become part of Smiths Falls.

The vibe this year, according to Turnbull, was exuberant and full of joy and appreciation.

“These small glimpses of normality during COVID times give us something to look forward to and allow us to realize that life goes on. We can find ways to do what we love, even if it means modifying it just a little bit,” he says.

Turnbull mused that the 2020 iteration was almost like a throwback to the first years of the event. Returning full circle, in times like these, is no small feat and is further testament to the power of sport.

Kerry Hale is based in Comox Valley, B.C.

TRAINING

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