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Triathletes from around the globe will gather in the Okanagan on Sunday for the 33rd edition of the Valley First Challenge Penticton.
The annual triathlon will welcome more than one thousand athletes from Canada, the United States, Asia-Pacific, and Europe to compete in the 3.8 kilometre swim, 180 kilometre bike ride, and 42 kilometre run.
Participants can also take part in the shorter Challenge Half race, or team relay events over both distances.
“There is a buzz around Penticton this year, as the city once again is the talk of the triathlon world due to our strong pro field and increased number of triathletes taking part,” said co-race director Michael Brown. “We’re looking forward to an exciting race and celebrating the achievements of each and every athlete who crosses the finish line.”
For the first time, the professional athletes will compete for prize money in the Challenge Half distance. The change has resulted in the professional field being the biggest and strongest in more than a decade.
This year’s professional field includes a total of 49 male and female athletes, including local Penticton resident Jen Annett, and Ironman Canada Champion Trevor Wurtele from Vernon.
Valley First Challenge Penticton is part of the worldwide Challenge Family series of triathlons. A staff and volunteer team of more than 1,000 people will be working on race day to support the athletes.
“We’re thrilled with the size and world-class caliber of this year’s field,” said Zibi Szlufcik, CEO of Challenge Family. “This is a result of the emphasis Challenge Family puts on the athletes’ experience, through larger pro prize purses, fairer races, top-quality athlete services, but most of all this is the result of the fantastic work delivered by the Valley First Challenge Penticton team. The support of the local community, City of Penticton, and volunteers is legendary and the race set up looks simply amazing.”
Spectators are encouraged to join in at the Peach to watch the start at 6:30 a.m., at Gyro Park from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. to watch the athletes and enjoy surrounding activities, and at the Finishers’ Stadium at Okanagan Lake Park from 11 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. where spectators can enjoy a high-energy party with music, prizes, food trucks, and a beer garden as they welcome athletes to the finish line.
For more information, visit the Valley First Challenge Penticton website.
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