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Athletes across the world ventured to Kelowna for this weekend's 36th edition of the Apple Triathlon, crossing the line Sunday afternoon beside some of the Okanagan's own local talent.
The event was also hosted in coordination with the CAMTRI Continental Cup and the Sprint Championships/ Triathlon Canada National Championships.
Brock Hoel, a local 18-year-old product with racing notoriety, has been racing in this triathlon since he was nine-years-old. Hoel said that he had his heart set on first place entering the race on Sunday following a fourth place finish during qualifiers on Saturday.
The Women's CAMTRI A heat started the CAMTRI race day at 10 a.m. with Hannah Knighton from Cambridge, New Zealand, being the first CAMTRI contestant to bolt across the finish line near Kerry Park at 58:22. She was followed by Marissa Ferrante (USA), Hiraku Fukuoka (JPN) and Eva Goodisson (NZL).
Fifth place Karol-Ann Roy was the first Canadian to cross the line, at 59:02, and earn the National Champion Title. Ellen Pennock from Victoria would be the first BC woman to cross the line from the CAMTRI Women's A heat, earning seventh place at 59:12.
The Men's CAMTRI A grouping were saddling the bikes at around the same time Knighton earned her CAMTRI victory.
It was Jeremy Briand, the Quebec racer who earned first place in the qualifying round, that took first place in the men's grouping on Sunday at 52:11.
He was followed immediately across the finish line by Canadians Russell Pennock (Alta.) and Charles Paquet (Que.).
Kelowna's Brock Hoel wasn't able to secure the first place finish, ending the race as the fifth of 30 competitors, but that didn't dampen his spirits for the upcoming World's Triathlon that he'll be suiting up for in just over a month.
"I did my best so I hope [Kelowna] is proud of me."
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