Ironman announced today that Whistler, British Columbia has been selected to host the 96th race in the Ironman 70.3 Series.
The inaugural Subaru Ironman 70.3 Canada triathlon will take place on Sunday, July 24, 2016 coinciding with the Subaru Ironman Canada triathlon.
Providing Ironman and Ironman 70.3 races on the same day in the same venue has been well received at previous events and offers athletes of varying fitness levels and goals more race locations to choose from.
“As Ironman expands throughout Canada, there is a desire to allow a broader range of triathletes experience the beauty of the course in Whistler,” said Jeff Edwards, Vice President, North American Operations. “With the addition of Subaru Ironman 70.3 Canada, athletes with different athletic ambitions can challenge their own potential in this majestic landscape.”
Subaru Ironman 70.3 Canada leads athletes through a 1.9-kilometer (1.2-mile) swim, 90-kilometer (56-mile) bike and 21.1-kilometer (26.2-mile) run on the same terrain as Subaru Ironman Canada. The race will start with a single-loop swim in the pristine waters of Alta Lake. Athletes will then enjoy a lakeside transition before starting a one-loop bike course that travels south to the Callaghan Valley, north through Whistler where crowds usually line Highway 99 to Rutherford Creek, before returning to the heart of Whistler. Athletes will complete the bike course adjacent to Whistler Olympic Plaza. Runners will proceed along the Valley Trail around Lost Lake and along Green Lake before a short loop through Whistler Village and finishing down Blackcomb Way.
“We are pleased to expand our relationship with Ironman with the inclusion of Subaru Ironman 70.3 Canada,” said Mike Furey, Chief Administrative Officer, Resort Municipality of Whistler. “The opportunity to showcase our region to athletes from around the globe fits perfectly with our year round outdoor lifestyle”, he said. “In three short years Whistler has cemented itself as a premier triathlon destination. Adding Subaru Ironman 70.3 Canada allows even more athletes to experience this world class location.”
The race will offer 30 age group slots to the 2017 Ironman 70.3 World Championship taking place on September 9 and 10, 2017 in Chattanooga, Tennessee. General registration for Subaru Ironman 70.3 Canada will open Thursday, March 10, 2016 at www.ironman.com/canada70.3.
The addition of Ironman 70.3 Canada provides athletes with two options to race in Canada on July 24, 2016. This new event in Whistler will share the date with the longstanding Ironman 70.3 Calgary event. Athletes interested in racing in Calgary should plan on registering in the near future at www.ironman.com/calgary70.3 as the event historically sells out.
