Early season triathlons across Canada

It’s been a long winter this year, you’ve been grinding it out in the pain cave, but now as the days get longer and the temperatures are on rise, it is time for a new triathlon season!

Whether you’re looking to build towards your peak race or take on your first triathlon here are some early season events across Canada.

Quebec

On June 2nd, Ste – Foy hosts the first of many triathlons in Quebec this summer, with Triathlon de Quebec. The event offers both Olympic and Sprint distances, as well as a Sprint duathlon. The course is spectator friendly; swimming in Lacs Laberge. Followed by multiple laps of the 5km bike course and 2.5km run course.

The S:Triman held in Sherbrooke, is back for another year and offers a variety of races for all abilities. From a Try-A-Tri to the Olympic and Sprint Triathlon distances, the S;Triman has it. Occurring over the June 16th/17th weekend in the beautiful eastern townships, the venue offers a mostly flat and scenic bike/run course. As well as a great open water swim venue.

Ontario

In Ontario, like many of the eastern provinces, June marks the beginning of the triathlon season. Come June 3rd, the Subaru Triathlon series begins with its first race of the season at the Kelso Conservation Area. Just an hour’s drive outside of Toronto, this race offers Try-A-Tri, Sprint Triathlon and Duathlon races, as well as a Swim/Bike race. The Try-A-Tri course offers a great intro to triathlon. While the sprint course provides a challenging early season test with the Sixth Lane climb on the bike, and a very hilly run course.

Over the June 23rd/24th weekend, the Multisport Canada series kicks off in Welland with the Rose City Triathlon. This two day event offers a variety of races, from the Long Course and Sprint Triathlons to aquathlon, aquabike and duathlon events. This is a great event; swimming in the rowing basin, and then motoring along a very flat and fast bike/run course to test the legs.

Manitoba

The Triple Threat Triathlon, held in Birds Hill Provincial Park, is celebrating 22 years of hosting the first race of the season in Manitoba. The race weekend is held over the 2nd weekend of June (June 9-10), and provides a variety of races for all abilities; Olympic triathlon and aquabike, Sprint triathlon, duathlon and aquabike, as well as a Try-A-Tri. Athletes begin on East Beach with a swim in the calm waters of the man-made lake, before taking on a bike course that offers some rolling hills. The race finishes off with a run in the trails surrounding the East Beach area.

Following the Triple Threat Triathlon, St. Malo Provincial Park hosts the 2nd event of the Manitoba Grand Prix Series on June 23rd. Just 70km south of Winnipeg this event offers a wider range of races for all abilities; with the Olympic, Sprint and Try-A-Tri triathlons, as well as the aqua bike and duathlon disciplines. The swim takes place in the calm waters of the park, while the bike gets you out onto the wide open roads of southern Manitoba. You then finish off with a run through the forested campground roads, before breaking the tape at the finish.

Alberta

Looking for a fun early season triathlon for the whole family, consider the 7th Annual Drayton Valley Triathlon. Just outside of Edmonton, this race is the first in Alberta for the season. The event offers a Sprint Triathlon (relay option included), Duathlon, and a Kids of Steel.

If you’re looking for something a bit more challenging, then the Chinook Triathlon Festival is your race. The festival offers both a ½ Ironman and Olympic distance race, as well as an Olympic duathlon (new this year). Held in Calgary at Midnapore Lake, you’ll enjoy the scenic course in the foothills of the Rockies, while pushing your limits.

British Columbia

British Columbia, due to its warmer temperatures, offers many triathlons throughout May, some even taking part in the open water! One such event is the Westwood Lake Triathlon, held in Nanaimo on May 20th. The race offers both Sprint and Olympic distances at an epic venue just minutes from downtown Nanaimo. For those of you looking to do Ironman 70.3 Victoria come June 3rd, this event is a great early season test of the legs.

Ironman 70.3 Victoria is the earliest Ironman event of the season here in Canada; offering a scenic course, as well as lots of tourist options in Victoria and around the island. Its also is a great testing ground for those looking to take on Ironman Canada in Whistler, BC on July 29th.

Here’s to warmer temperatures and getting back outdoors. Happy training!