Those taking part will now be in the final stages of training and nerves and excitement will be creeping in. Whistler is expecting even more visitors this year and hopes to continue delivering a wonderful spectacle of strength and endurance.
About Ironman
Ironman is a triathlon unlike no other, incorporating a 2.4 mile swim, 112 mile bike ride and a 26.2 mile run.
In isolation any of those activities would be a hugely daunting task, but put together and it seems like madness! The athletes taking part in the race deserve huge credit, which explains why there is always a great turnout for the event.
For the past two years Ironman Canada has been coming to Whistler and has been a huge success. The course is as beautiful as it is long and the support by families/friends, locals and tourists has been incredible.
Events like these sum up the spirit of Whistler and it’s great to see a community coming together.
Competitors
Those taking part in the race will most likely have booked their accommodation and made the necessary preparations for the trip to Whistler.
Preparation has begun on the course with highway sweeping completed on June 8. Once they arrive, speaking to former competitors, it is strongly advised that competitors practice running, biking and swimming parts of the course.
Taking on the unknown is a daunting prospect and it always helps to know the route. Alta Lake is the venue for the swimming course, a calm shallow lake with lukewarm temperatures.
From the lake the Ironmen and women will jump on their bikes for the next part of the course, heading south to the Olympic Park at Callaghan. This is one of the steepest and toughest sections of the race. They will then bike north up to the Pemberton Meadows, before returning back to Whistler for another tough steep section.
For the marathon course, competitors will loop Lost Lake and Green Lake before returning to the finish line.
Find more competitor information HERE.
Spectators
Spectators line most sections of the course, cheering on those taking part. It’s not just family and friends that get involved, the whole community comes together to cheer on these inspirational athletes.
Every little cheer matters to the competitors and many choose to leave motivating messages in chalk on the route. So, head out on the 26th and get involved! It is truly incredible to cheer the athletes over the line and wonder at the fact that they have just completed a massive feat of endurance and in some cases barely even look tired!
Watch last year’s video below:
