They did it! Sold-out TriMuskokan an “incredible experience”, say participants

It was a beautiful day for a triathlon. The 2018 TriMuskokan, Huntsville’s homegrown triathlon, was a sold-out event with 300 individual athletes and 20 relay teams swimming, biking and running their way to the finish line at the Canada Summit Centre.

The TriMuskokan is all about support: from families and friends on the sidelines cheering their loved ones on to athletes high-fiving each other all along the course, there were lots of good vibes to go around. Spectators made good use of poster-making supplies to create signs of encouragement.

More than 60 volunteers helped to make it a great day for the participants, including serving up a free—and well-deserved—BBQ for the athletes.

Mother-daughter duo, Joanne McLeod and Sierra Johnson, appreciated the support. “Even though my daughter and I didn’t compete in the same event, the way the course is laid out, we were able to give each other words of encourage on the bike route and high-fives on the running course. Lots of happy faces on the racers, spectators and volunteers from start to finish,” said McLeod.

“The pre, during and post-race atmosphere was so very family friendly and the race had people of ages and fitness levels,” added Johnson.

It’s a great event for newbies, like Martina Kruger, who signed up thanks to a bet with organizer Rich Trenholm. “He would come to yoga if I signed up for the TriMuskokan, but I also wanted to prove to myself that I could do it. That I could have a goal in mind and train hard for it. And I did!” said Kruger. “It was exciting, exhilarating, nerve-wracking and a whole lot of fun. So amazing to be doing it, and to be a part of a community that supports another’s goals!”

Kate Pellerin was another first-timer and said it was an incredible experience. “Exceptionally well organized, most notable was the enthusiasm from the organizers. The energy was motivating. Everyone, regardless of ability or experience was treated like champions. This event brought the community together, motivated people to train and then pushed many well beyond their comfort zones. Proud to say this is a Muskoka event!” she said. “You can always do more than you think you can.”

Pellerin is a local teacher and in September her students challenged her to learn something new. She chose swimming and, with the help of coach Jane Wolfe, quickly fell in love with the sport. “Surrounded by triathletes in swim class made me begin to consider trying a triathlon. If I was going to do a triathlon though, I needed to embark on yet another new adventure, riding a road bike. In June that became my new mission. Here we are, ten months after the challenge from my students, and I’ve learned to swim, bike, and finished my first triathlon. A lot can happen when you put your mind to something. It’s not just students, but adults, too, that need to keep learning and pushing themselves!”

Heather Mason was back for the second time and enjoyed it just as much. “I was talked into doing it last year and quickly realized how FUN it is!!! Now I am hooked and have a goal of completing the short course next year 2019,” she said.

The best thing about this race, organization, and club is that they welcome, encourage, and celebrate everyone regardless of age, athletic ability, or experience level. It’s really all about getting outside and doing a fun sport.
Second time participant Heather Mason

Peter Yungblut and Gregory Pitts were there for the third time around, competing in the try-a-tri and the short course respectively.

“The event is always well run with great atmosphere and yummy food,” said Yungblut. “Rich Trenholm was at the finish line giving everyone high fives and making you feel awesome!”

Pitts likes the community spirit of the event, too. “There was a lot of talking between competitors as well as a lot of good will being passed on throughout the race by the racers themselves,” he said, adding that he participated because “I love the race venue – it’s right at home and an amazing course, but also because many of my friends were also doing it, some for the first time and that spurred me on.”

Leigh Fettes, a first-time TriMuskokan who competed in triathlons many years ago, said she apprectiated the emphasis on fun, and not on competition beyond personal goals. She participated to have “a purpose/commitment for fitness. Otherwise, it might be a bit easier to not. This incredible event is right in our backyard. It’s so nice to see and hear people that you know cheering for you.”

The SportLab were both sponsors and participants in the event, entering a team in the corporate challenge. “The SportLab was excited to be sponsors and participants in this community event that supports healthy living. Being athletes ourselves, the TriMuskokan Corporate Challenge was a perfect opportunity for our clinicians to participate. The greatest reward was to share in the experiences had by over 100 athletes who were new to the sport of triathlon.”

Check out photos from the event below!

Swim

Bike

Run

They did it!

Volunteers, spectators and supporters

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