Just got this in my email, not surprising considering the announcement of the ITU world championships in Vancouver in 2017. On twitter they hinted at a "Big Announcement" for 2016, and here it is.
I will say, I'm glad I pulled the trigger on the full distance this year, being my backyard ironman distance race my whole life!!
Most likely will only be 2 years then back to the old course, but if it goes well like this, then who knows right?
2016 Valley First Challenge Penticton race distance altered as Okanagan prepares for 2017 World Championships.
The 2016 Valley First Challenge Penticton will be run across one single distance; the world long-course championship distance of 3 km swim, 120 km bike and 30 km run. There remains both individual and relay events over the new format.
"Our 2016 race will be the ultimate preparation event for athletes looking to race the World Championships in Penticton just 12 months later," said Michael Brown, co-race director, Valley First Challenge Penticton. "It will be an exciting week as thousands of athletes descend upon the city to test themselves on the world championship course and race other athletes for spots on the national team."
The five-day 2016 Valley First Challenge Penticton will act as a test event for the 2017 ITU World Triathlon and Multisport Festival.
"Challenge Family's first commitment is to the athletes, and this requires flexibility according to changing environments and markets," said Zibi Szlufcik, CEO, Challenge Family. We're delighted to support the Valley First Challenge Penticton team and the wonderful Penticton community in delivering a successful ITU world championships in 2017."
I will say, I'm glad I pulled the trigger on the full distance this year, being my backyard ironman distance race my whole life!!
Most likely will only be 2 years then back to the old course, but if it goes well like this, then who knows right?
2016 Valley First Challenge Penticton race distance altered as Okanagan prepares for 2017 World Championships.
The 2016 Valley First Challenge Penticton will be run across one single distance; the world long-course championship distance of 3 km swim, 120 km bike and 30 km run. There remains both individual and relay events over the new format.
"Our 2016 race will be the ultimate preparation event for athletes looking to race the World Championships in Penticton just 12 months later," said Michael Brown, co-race director, Valley First Challenge Penticton. "It will be an exciting week as thousands of athletes descend upon the city to test themselves on the world championship course and race other athletes for spots on the national team."
The five-day 2016 Valley First Challenge Penticton will act as a test event for the 2017 ITU World Triathlon and Multisport Festival.
"Challenge Family's first commitment is to the athletes, and this requires flexibility according to changing environments and markets," said Zibi Szlufcik, CEO, Challenge Family. We're delighted to support the Valley First Challenge Penticton team and the wonderful Penticton community in delivering a successful ITU world championships in 2017."