Triathlon Update

The first meeting for the upcoming (August 7) Subaru Triathlon was held last night as preparations get underway for the 5th version of this popular event. For those not familiar with this, the triathlon involves a swim in the lake at Camp Barnard, 4 laps on a bicycle from Camp Barnard and down Otter Point Road to West Coast Road to Otter Point Road and around again and again and again (about 80km) and then the final segment which begins at the municipal hall and consists of a half marathon run from City Hall to the end of Whiffin Spit and back (twice). Many, many volunteers are needed to help make this a success. This a fun, family activity with many additional plans being added this year including a free fitness trade show at the Prestige Hotel open to everyone on the preceeding Friday night and Saturday, kids events, a chance to meet some Olympic Gold Medal athletes and more that is still being worked on. Help is needed for some traffic control, parking attendants, working in the food area to supply the participants with a food break, operating water stations along the routes, ham radio operators for emergency communications, first aid people, set up and take down crews. Friends and family members are all welcome. You can register as a volunteer on line (I will supply the link shortly) or sign up on the board in the fire hall. Now if you are in a fitness mode, you could also compete as they are now offering a category just for emergency responders. If you don't want to do the entire event, there are shorter Olympic and Sprint versions which have less laps to do, or you can even enter as a relay team where one person does the swim, one bikes and the other runs. As an added incentive, the FD will cover the entry fee cost of the first relay team (and/or individual) to come forward and agree to enter the race. Also this year, it appears that a full one hour television production will be made of the race and will include features on Sooke and surrounding areas throughout the show. Last year the Vancouver Race was featured and the show was broadcast 21 times across the country where 1.7 million people watched the program. What a great opportunity for this community. This is all leading up to our hopes of gaining Ironman Status for the 2012 race. Wouldn't that be something? So, if you are interested in any part of this, please let me know. The more the merrier so don't be afraid to twist a few arms to encourage others to help. How about operating a FD Water Station along the route where members can decorate the area, dress up in costumes, maybe even spray water to cool down the runners. All ideas are welcome.