Fleck wrote:
Great news.
This has been rumored for some time.
For newer people to the sport it's worth knowing that, IMC was one of the original 4 or 5 IM races around the world started up just after Ironman Hawaii got going. (& was also an "Iron Distance" race prior to the branding)
It was also the template and the model that Graham Fraser used when he launched the expansion of IM races around North America in 1999 and 2000. (indeed, for better or for worse, in hindsight, I'd say... for better)
The original single loop swim/bike/run courses were challenging and epic taking in the best of the Okanagan Valley and surrounding areas. (great views all day regardless of the weather that mother nature threw at us). Single loop courses are a luxury most IM races can not afford, partly I suspect because of VOLUNTEERS. Penticton is the home of the original IRON-ARMY. I still see senior citizens at the Cherry Lane Mall sporting their volunteer t-shirts from the 1990s!
Back in the late '80's and for the next 10+ years, the very best triathletes in the world - Professionals and Age-Groupers, came to Penticton to race at IMC! (this used to be a regular stop for Tinley, Erin Baker won here, Thomas Helriegel, CHUCKY V!)
What other host IRONMAN city and race location honored all it's race winners (women & men) with prominent bronze plaques in the park that serves as the Transition Area! Not even IRONMAN Hawaii, the World Championships does that!! (I think there's room for a few more plaques in the park!!)
It's also a place for world class wines! :-) (now that is a compliment, coming from someone from Ontario!!)
On a personal note it's where both my wife and I had a few of our absolute best races ever as triathletes. It's a race that I had close business ties to working in the sport for a leading brand in the business. It's where I got my start Race Announcing alongside the legendary Steve King (Thanks, Steve), and Live Stream Commentary work. (talked to Steve last night, of course he's hyped about this development, it's only fitting that if the race "comes home" Steve brings us home)
http://www.fitspeek.com the Fraser Valley's fitness, wellness, and endurance sports podcast