The annual Cherry Blossom Triathlon took place in Kelowna on May 4, drawing participants of all ages. Athletes, from as young as 12 to those in their late 70s, began their races at H2O starting at 7:20 a.m. The event featured several categories: youth super sprint, adult super sprint, adult sprint, and a super sprint open to anyone aged 13 and up.
Ryan Anderson, a local triathlete, tackled the adult sprint for the second time, which consists of a 700-meter swim, a 22-kilometer bike ride, and a 5-kilometer run. He finished with a time of 1:48:17 and expressed his desire to return for more events in the future. “I’ll probably be back for years to come,” Anderson said, highlighting the supportive role of the Kelowna Triathlon Club in his training. Coach Cory Krist and club members provided motivation, making it a great community for newcomers to the sport.
When asked how to start in triathlons, Anderson’s advice was simple: “You just have to get out there, start moving.” This encourages beginners to take the first step without feeling overwhelmed.
Josiah Wilkinson clocked the best time in the adult sprint at an impressive 1:01:54. For the women, Savannah Holmes finished with a standout time of 1:16:15. The final results for all participants can be found at startlinetiming.com.
According to data from the World Triathlon Federation, triathlon participation has been growing steadily, with more people discovering the benefits of this challenging sport. In fact, a recent survey revealed that over 40% of triathletes reported improved mental health and physical fitness after participating in events like this one. Having such diverse age groups in competitions shows how inclusive the sport is becoming.
Overall, community events like the Cherry Blossom Triathlon not only promote fitness but also foster connections among participants, making it an enriching experience for everyone involved.
Source link
Kelowna|Triathlon|Athletes