Ironman event planned for Penticton in August

Triathletes from around the world will be facing off in Penticton again this summer — so long as the Ironman event isn't disrupted again.

When conditions are ideal, the South Okanagan is an attractive location for competitive swimming, cycling and running.

“Overall, our local landscapes are appealing to many different types of endurance athletes,” Kelsey Johnson, Penticton's director of community services, said in an email.

“The orchards, vineyards, lakes, desert grasslands and general geography of the South Okanagan are unique in Canada and provide a stunning backdrop. The natural assets we have available, from the lakes to the mountains provide for some very memorable courses.”

But the batting average has been pretty low. Ironman has been cancelled in Penticton three out of the last four years because of COVID -19 and then wildfires.

The 2024 event is scheduled again towards the end of August — a time of year when the province is prone to wildfires.

“The city and the organizers are aware of the risk and will continue to plan to host this year's race,” the email said.

“The organizers have contingency plans in place, such as course modifications, and are in direct contact with B.C. Wildfire and other emergency response teams which increases the likelihood of being able to continue the race in the event of a wildfire within the region.”

Triathletes had the chance to participate in similar events between 2013 and 2017 called Challenge Penticton — and there were no cancellations — but they were never well-attended.

“Ironman is the heritage brand of long-course triathlon and the Ironman Canada race has a long history in Penticton that people want to be a part of,” Johnson said.

The 2024 event is giving athletes the option of a shorter “Half-Iron” competition, which has resulted in a greater number of registrations, they said.

Ironman takes place in Penticton on Sunday, Aug. 25.