41 years strong: Growing a community-based triathlon

Making decisions that fly in the face of a prevailing trend is often seen as unwise. But to paraphrase author James Baldwin, those who say it can’t be done may be interrupted by those who are doing it, and succeeding.

These days, triathlon headlines are dominated by big races, and even bigger series – like the Ironman Pro Series or the Professional Triathletes Organisation’s T100 Triathlon World Tour and, of course, the Olympics. But no one gets their start in the sport at these races.

Instead, it’s the community races, like the 41-year-old Peach Classic Triathlon in Penticton, BC that is often the starting place for future Olympians (true story – Jill Savege competed at the 2004 Olympics) and professional triathletes (also true – with a long list that includes Jeff Symonds, Jen Annett and Tom Evans).

In 2022 as community-based races were on the decline due to aging participation, a local group of passionate triathletes from the Penticton Triathlon Club took over the Peach Classic Triathlon, saving the long-running community event just before its former organizers were ready to close the chapter on one of the country’s oldest triathlons.

“We didn’t have full consensus of the membership – some people were worried about the risk and the amount of work – but we did have support from the majority of our members who had participated in the race for years,” said Drew Mitchell, president of the Penticton Triathlon Club.

“Maybe it was nostalgia, or maybe it was just hope, but we really felt like we could turn it around.”

Last year, a core group of volunteers, plus experienced race director Brad Sawa, leveraged the expertise of the former organizers, as well as their own experiences as athletes to host the 40th anniversary of the Peach Classic on the shores of Okanagan Lake. While the race isn’t drawing thousands, a few hundred participants gathered to complete the Olympic and sprint distances, followed by a party in park complete with food trucks and a live band.

“We learned a ton last year that we can apply this year,” said Mitchell. “Our biggest lesson was that community triathlon is not going anywhere.”

Due to the success of last year’s event, the organizers are already seeing an increase in registrants. In fact, with months to go, they have already surpassed last year’s registration.

“We are elated,” said David Michael, one of the volunteer organizers. “The support of the triathlon community, along with the support from sponsors, has been tremendous. We are optimistic that it will just keep growing.”

The 2024 edition of the Peach Classic Triathlon includes the addition of the “Try a Tri” – a super sprint that includes a 350 m swim, 10 km bike and 2.5 km run – as well as the opportunity to qualify for the 2025 World Championships for those competing in the standard Olympic distance.

“We want the event to be as inclusive as possible, for those want to do their very first event, as well as those who are looking to compete at the highest level,” said Michael, adding that the event will also continue to offer a party in the park after with a host of giveaways, food, beverages and music.

As a non-profit, proceeds from the event will be donated in the form of post-secondary bursaries to two local high schools.

For details or registration for the Peach Classic Triathlon, visit peachclassic.ca.