As you may have read here on ST, I'm organizing a little gathering of like-minded triathletes. The last time I posted an update on this, I had about 8 people commit to doing it.

In organizing this non-event, I contacted a local race director. He kindly provided me with the following "agreement" that I will be having the folks who show up sign off on.

"I am aware that this is not an organized race/event but a recreational

gathering and that as such am aware that there will be no support of any
kind provided and that I'm responsible for my own safety and well being
if I attend"

If this is the first you have heard of the IronSoul, read the info below. Also, search the ST threads, I have details on the course there.

Ironvets getting back to their roots
IronSoul 2018


The first ever IronSoul is being held in Penticton, BC on Sunday August 26. It is described as “A long training day with new friends and old friends.” The event is primarily targeted toward athletes who already have closets full of Ironman finishers t-shirts and drawers full of finishers medals and don't need the external validation of their athletic credentials. Although there will be the usual 3.8 kilometre swim, 180 kilometre bike, and 42 kilometer run, there will be no entry fees, finisher's medals or Kona slots. Participants are welcome to do the whole distance on their own or as a part of a relay.

The idea for the IronSoul originated after the demise of Challenge Penticton. Looking at the race schedule, organizer Kevin Heinze noticed a 2018 would have been the first time in 35 years that ere would be no long-distance triathlon in the south Okanagan the last weekend in August. Heinze came up with the IronSoul to fill that void and to keep that tradition going.

For many people in the Canadian multisport community, having a race at the end of August was appealing as it gave athletes to have the whole summer to train outdoors and get in those critical long bike rides and open water swims. The date was also popular as it was a way of capping off the triathlon season and for many, their summer vacations.

The fact that the cycling portion of the IronSoul retraces the route of the original Ironman Canada bike course will also give participants an opportunity to test themselves on that storied course for the first time in years. Richter Pass, Yellow Lake, and the epic downhill back into Penticton will all be there to challenge the legs and inspire memories from three decades of racing that has seen the likes of Thomas Helriegel, Peter Reid, Lisa Bentley, Scott Tinley, and Erin Baker.

Although the day is officially being called unsupported, Heinze has been approached by many people offering to volunteer. “I was worried the long stretch of the run course between Skaha Beach and Okanagan Falls might be difficult, especially if it was a hot day, but a number of people have already said they will provide aid stations there. Participants should be able to get through the day with a minimum of logistical issues. Don't be surprised if Jeff Symonds hands you a cup of F2C Glyco-Durance on your way back from Okanagan Falls.

If you have the motivation and the training to be able to take on the challenge of an Ironman Distance training day the IronSoul could be a great way to end of your 2018 triathlon season. E-mail kknnheinze@yahoo.com[/url] for more information or to be added to the list.