Edmonton Winter Triathlon Results

Edmonton’s Jonathan Wood and Kim Bowerman earned victories yesterday at the Edmonton Winter Triathlon, part of the Silver Skate Festival at Hawrelak Park.

Wood completed the 10 km skate in 21:48, cross-country skied 10 km in 42:20, and ran the final 5km in 23:24 to finish first in 1:27:31, 1:14 ahead of Bjorn Morisbak. Bowerman skated 28:23, skied 48:54, and ran 22:55 to finish just 23 seconds in front of Emily Lynes (1:40:33).

Men

1. Jonathan WOOD (Edmonton)  1:27:31 – 21:48 (10km skate), 42:20 (10km Ski), 23:24 (5km run)

2. Bjorn MORISBAK (Edmonton)  1:28:45 – 22:52, 42:58, 22:55

3. Peter TOTH (Edmonton)  1:32:18 – 22:59, 46:25, 22:55

4. Joel GERVAIS (Camrose)  1:33:34 – 28:52, 40:01, 24:43

5. Russell GOTTSCHALK (Edmonton)  1:36:46 – 25:27, 49:16, 22:05

Women

1. Kim BOWERMAN (Edmonton)  1:40:10 – 28:23, 48:54, 22:55

2. Emily LYNES (Edmonton)  1:40:33 – 26:46, 47:39, 26:09

3. Mia ATIENZA (Edmonton)  1:56:35 – 23:59, 1:05:50, 26:46

4. Suzanne FULLER (Edmonton)  1:57:21 – 28:26, 58:32, 30:25

5. Samantha MILLER (Strathmore)  2:18:35 – 38:10, 58:14, 42:12

Complete results.

History of the Event

Born in 1989 out of a desire for a race a “little different than the ordinary” the EWT brings together aspects of three common winter pursuits: skating, skiing and running. Historically the race was a “sprint” 5-5-5 km format starting with a skate and ending with a ski. In 2007 the race was changed to the longer and more challenging distance format of 10-10-5 km, Skate-Ski-Run.

Participation

The EWT is directed at both the competitive athlete and the novice participant. Don’t let the length or the distances deter you from entering. It has always been the SSF Society’s goal to stage a well-organized race promoting friendly competition. As well, we are committed to creating a fun and memorable winter’s day for all competitors. Skaters, skiers and runners of any age, strength, and ability are encouraged to come out and participate.

The race has both a solo and team relay categories. Teams can have as many as five people. The team captain can spit the race among the members as desired. Teams can split any of the individual legs and can pass the relay baton as many times as the team captain thinks is feasible during the race. There are categories for Men’s, Women’s, Mixed, Corporate, and Family Teams.

Skate (10 km)

The skate is the first leg of the triathlon. The skate course is set up on the large manmade lake located in the center of Hawrelak Park. Skaters are required to skate a 1 km course 10 times. (See the course map). The skate direction will be counter clockwise around the lake.

The race is a mass start across a long start line. There is no seeding. The race starts by a gun or horn. Faster skaters normally form a lead group early in the race followed by the rest of the skaters in the field. Drafting among skaters in any group, including the lead group is permitted.

A lap count board is set up at the start line. It indicates the laps remaining for the leader(s) only. You are responsible for keeping track of your own lap counts if you are not among the lead. A skate referee is present to monitor the race. Relay teams may pass baton after each lap or after any combination of laps as long as the team completes all 10 laps.

The City of Edmonton ice crews do an excellent job of preparing the course for the skate race. You can expect very good outdoor ice conditions based on our experience at this venue. Historically the skate course has been around the outer perimeter established by the two small islands situated in the lake. The exact distance of the loop is unknown but it very closely approaches 1000 m (1 km).

Ski (10 km)

After skating, the participants are directed to the skate/ski transition zone. This zone is located just off the ice at the extreme North shore of the lake. The individual triathletes exchange skates for skis within the zone. For teams, the skater is required to tag a team skier at the edge of the ice. For skaters using ‘clip-on’ speed skates it is a quick transition from skates to skis.

The ski course is set around shore of the lake and within the park area adjacent to the lake. Participants are required to do five (5) clockwise laps of a 2 km ski course (=10 km). The start and end of ski occur within the transition zone. (See the course map). Team skiers are welcome to pass the relay baton within the zone, thus splitting the ski up into 2 km sprints.

Both free-style (skate skiing) and classic style (Nordic) skiing are permitted. The track is groomed to accommodate both styles. This trail is predominantly flat, but does have some slight inclines.

After the ski solo participants exchange their ski boot for running shoes within the transition zone. Teams pass their baton. Participants then proceed on to the run course.

Run (5km)

Running is the final leg. The run course is set on the perimeter road around Hawrelak Park. You are required to do two clockwise laps of 2.4 km along with a final 100 m section leading to the finish line near the park pavilion. (See the course map). Teams may split the run into two segments.

The run course is flat with one minor incline. The road is graded and sanded prior to the race.