When an Ironman isn’t enough … there’s Ultraman Canada
One of the sport's oldest Ultra events takes place this weekend in Penticton

While one group of international athletes heads to Paris for the start of the Summer Olympics this weekend, another group is gathering for a different international competition: the three-day Ultraman Canada. This event, which has been held off and on for decades, is set to begin in Naramata on Friday morning.
The athletes will kick off the event on Friday with a 10 km swim, followed by a 144 km bike ride through the South Okanagan, passing through the communities of Oliver, Osoyoos and Keremeos. After recovering in Penticton on Friday night, they will face their longest day on Saturday: a 276 km bike ride with almost 2,500 m of climbing. One of the toughest climbs takes riders out of Okanagan Falls over the infamous “Wall,” which features new pavement on 10 to 16 per cent grades. The cyclists will finish this grueling leg in Princeton.
If the first two days don’t exhaust the athletes, the third day surely will. It consists of a double marathon on a mix of paved and gravel roads. The distance, combined with the challenging elevation and the heat forecasted for the weekend, will test the athletes’ preparation and endurance as they strive to complete the event.
One of the athletes competing for the first time is local pro, Jen Annett. She has wanted to participate in this event for years and is pleased to align it with her schedule, which also includes Ironman Canada-Penticton at the end of August.
From Malibu, California, 57-year-old Steven Bono is also taking on his first ultra-distance race. He sees it not as a mere athletic competition but as an opportunity to challenge himself and show his children what can be achieved with a positive attitude and strong commitment.
A unique aspect of Ultraman Canada is the requirement for each athlete to have a support crew. The crew handles a wide range of tasks, from logistical support to meeting nutritional needs, and providing emotional rescues during the inevitable tough moments of the three-day journey. Grace Brannon traveled from Arlington, Texas, to support her friend Caroline Bloom. While being a crew member is largely a selfless endeavor, Brannon says she gains a lot from the experience, witnessing just how far athletes can push themselves. She also hopes to compete in an Ultraman someday.
Triathlon Magazine will provide a race recap when the event concludes on Sunday.