Apple Race Series continues to blossom as organizers turn focus to upcoming marathon

The dust has settled on the second edition of the revived Apple Triathlon and race organizers are thrilled with the continued growth of the event.

After returning last summer in the form of a much smaller event following a half-decade absence, the triathlon grew this year and used a similar course to its pre-pandemic years.

Alongside using its old footprint, the event saw a little more than 800 athletes compete in the various races over the weekend, more than double the number of people who participated last year.

“The growth of the event really shows that athletes themselves are excited and anxious to come back…we're gathering and listening to feedback, always growing, always refining and the plan is and hope is that next year will be even better, and an even better experience for the athletes,” said Jonathan Arkle, chair of the Apple Race Series society board.

A part of that growth was seeing the triathlon weekend host the 2025 Age Group National Championships for sprint, standard and aquabike disciplines, the Triathlon Canada development series and the America’s Triathlon Cup series, showcasing that national race bodies have confidence in the rebuilding of the Apple Triathlon.

“It was really good to see because I think it both reinforced what we already knew about Kelowna being a premier location for events like this, but I think it also showed the confidence of the national bodies of the sport that they still see Kelowna as being a desirable location for these events,” explained Arkle.

“And they see the Argus Apple triathlon as being an event that can host these sort of prestigious events, and even in our sort of return and building years, the fact that we have that confidence of the national body and the support of both Triathlon Canada and (Triathlon BC), for that matter, but so to have the support of those regulatory bodies is absolutely huge.”

With the triathlon weekend in the rearview mirror, organizers have now turned their attention to the upcoming Apple Marathon, which is expected to draw a couple of thousand athletes across its three different distances.

The marathon, which is a Boston Marathon qualifier, will follow a similar course to last year’s event, with a few changes because of construction around the city. Alongside the course looking a little different, the athlete's experience will also be different.

“I would say it'll look different in the sense that last year was also a soft return, to put the event back on the map, to put that date in the calendar, to be able to say it came back in 2024, that was kind of the main goal, to say that it has returned, whereas, this year we've been able to…bring on sponsors and partners and get that community engagement a little bit earlier,” explained Arkle.

“So hopefully it grows and we're able to enhance the athlete experience so it will look different in the sense that it will look a little bigger, there'll be more going on, the athlete expo will have a little bit more going on for athletes (to) experience across the finish line.”

While organizers of the Apple Race Series have their attention set on continuing the rebuild of the triathlon and marathon weekends, the future of the series and what it could transform into is also at the back of their minds.

“Our focus is fully on making the triathlon and the marathon, marathon for this year, and next year, both the triathlon and marathon, to be better experiences for everybody as they continue to grow, as we continue to bring on partners and sponsors, but it's definitely in the back of our mind,” said Arkle, adding it is up to anybody’s imagination and there could possibily be more events under the series banner.

“How can the series grow as a series, and what else can be added to it that athletes can look forward to?”

For now, Arkle and many others are glad to see the support and growth of the Apple Race Series.

“I'm very passionate about the Apple triathlon, particularly, it was the first triathlon that I ever did,” said Arkle.

“So now, to be a part of the organizing committee for it, I do have to admit that when we finished teardown on Sunday and we could officially say it's over, It definitely left me with a very warm feeling, a full circle, of having been able to help bring back an event that has meant so much to me in my life.”

The Apple Marathon, half-marathon and eight-kilometre race are scheduled for Sept. 28, and the day before will feature an event expo and family fun run at City Park.