The Kelowna Apple Triathlon was a smashing success despite the smoky skies in Southern British Columbia.
All in all, only nine of the 650 athletes registered to run on day two didn’t start, and only a handful of those who started the race didn’t complete it.
“There was some concern, obviously, from participants and even race officials about how the smoke would impact the day,” said Apple Triathlon spokesperson Jessica Samuels. “In total we had nine competitors who did not start. . . . Anecdotally, I do have confirmation that at least a few of them did not start because of the smoke; and then we also did have a few individuals who did not complete. . . . Aside from the smoke [though], it has been amazing.”
Jason Britton finished first in the M 35-39 age category for the Olympic Distance and 10th overall with a time of 02:10:05. (Photo Credit: KelownaNow.com)
Considering the scale of the Apple Triathlon, an event which encompasses B.C.’s Provincial Championship in the sport's Olympic distance, the impact of the smoke was very small. Some athletes were even heard to say that they were grateful for conditions because they reduced the heat.
"Things went very smoothly," Samuels said. "I think that triathletes who have done a few races know that these things may happen, and it really is up to them and their own personal respiratory health whether or not they’re going to proceed.”
Carmelle Guidi-Swan of Kelowna finished first in the Female 40-44 age category and second overall with a time of 02:19:02 for the Olympic distance. (Photo Credit: KelownaNow.com)
In total, 1200 athletes from across Canada and the United States took part in this three-day-long event in Kelowna’s downtown core.
Sunday’s races included the Sprint distance for separated age groups as well as the BC Provincial Championship for the Standard (Olympic) distance.
Based on their results, one athlete per age group will qualify for the the 2016 International Triathlon Union (ITU) World Championships in Mexico.
In addition, the Olympic distance event is an official qualifying race for competitors who wish to apply to be part of Team Canada at the 2016 World Championships.
Sunday August 23, 2015 Results
Olympic Distance:
Top 3 Males
1. Carlos Lesser (25-29) Victoria, BC 1:58:09 *Provincial Champion
2. Carsten Lapointe (20-24) Vancouver, BC 2:01:01
3. Douglas Wickware (25-29) Calgary, AB 2:01:08
Top 3 Females
1. Sarah MacArthur (25-29) Calgary, AB 2:07:01
2. Carmelle Guidi-Swan (40-44) Kelowna, BC 2:19:02 *Provincial Champion
3. Rebecca Sherlock (40-44) Vancouver, BC 2:20:17
Sprint Distance:
Top 3 Males
1. Jack Van Allen (25-29) Kelowna, BC 1:01:56
2. Dylan Zrobek (20-24) Edmonton, AB 1:02:26
3. Chad Reid (40-44) Kelowna, BC 1:02:30
Top 3 Females
1. Tamasin Reno (35-39) Vancouver, BC 1:09:01
2. Adeline Maunder (20-24) St. Albert, AB 1:09:33
3. Amanda Kosmerly (40-44) Sudbury, ON 1:12:05
For Kelowna Apple Triathlon official race times please go to: www.startlinetiming.com/appletri
Bruce Butcher finished 338/344 but was first overall in the M 80+ Sprint category. (Photo Credit: KelownaNow.com)
Grant Boeckx, A.K.A. Spiderman, finished 11th in the Male 45-49 Olympic distance category and 107th overall with a time of 02:36:50. (Photo Credit: KelownaNow.com)
Brad Lee finished first in the Olympic distance M 55-59 age category and 48th overall with a time of 02:25:53. (Photo Credit: KelownaNow.com)
Click here for many more pictures from day two of the Kelowna Apple Triathlon.
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