Milehigh Tri set to kick off

By Peggy Revell on August 2, 2017.

prevell@medicinehatnews.com @MHNprevell

It’s time once again for people to test their mettle against the Cypress Hills, as the Elkwater Milehigh Tri takes place next weekend.

“It’s just a challenging piece of country, and it’s a beauty,” said race director Jack Ward, about the annual event that takes place on the Alberta side of the Cypress Hills on Aug. 12.

While the course has changed from year to year, Ward said that they’ve decided to stick with the same one as last year as they were happy with it, and how challenging it is.

Now in its seventh year, people come from all over Western Canada to participate, said Ward.

The race kicks off at 8:30 a.m. on the Saturday, with a 500 metre swim. Participants then will complete a 17.2 kilometre section by bike, followed by a seven kilometre run on the trails. Unlike many other triathlons, the Milehigh Tri is off-road.

It’s a challenging event, said Ward, calling it a “catalyst to get in shape and keep in shape.”

For those who aren’t quite ready to take on the whole triathlon, there is the option of signing up with a team to split up the course.

Last year they were just below 80 participants, this year they’re approaching 40 people registered. They’re expecting the numbers to be a bit down this year — in part because there’s so many options for events in the Cypress Hills, said Ward.

Also returning on the Sunday after is the Kids Tri Milehigh for the younger crowd.

The sponsors year after year are a big part of making the event possible, Ward

“And the volunteers are really an integral part of the triathlon,” he said, with at least 80 volunteer positions. This amount is needed to ensure that all participants stay safe.

Registration closes on Aug. 6. For more information, visit http://www.milehightri.org.

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