Langford, Colwood and Metchosin are going to see a lot of swimming, biking and running this weekend.
The race gun for the second annual Langford Triathlon cracks early Sunday (July 17) for more than 130 athletes ranging from 16 to 64 and organizer Stephanie Lewis says there isn’t a better place to be a triathlete than here.
“We have every facility possible we need to train in the West Shore, we never really have to leave,” she said. “We have beautiful trails, we have Esquimalt Lagoon, there is no reason as a triathlete you would have to leave. We have everything we need and all three municipalities and communities are super supportive of (sporting activities) and being active in the community.”
The Langford resident, who oversees the triathlon with her husband, said their shared passion for the sport led to starting the race after opening up the West Shore Triathlon Club.
“(My husband and I) met through tri and both love tri and coach tri. It seemed like a natural progression for us to put on a race event … It seems like the right thing to do,” Lewis said. “There had never been an event in Langford Lake before. Langford has built such an amazing venue and because we live here and love the community, we wanted to bring something to our community.”
The race starts at 6:50 a.m. with a deep water start at the Langford Lake entrance along Langford Parkway.
“I have been a triathlete for three years now, and feel so blessed to have a venue so close to home to participate in,” said triathlete Johanne Kenney.
“Langford Lake is beautiful to swim in and run around. The bike course is along clean and clear roads, and the community is supportive and respectful of athletes. I will have the chance to race with Ironman distance finishers and new triathletes alike, and I’m very excited to come full circle to my first triathlon in British Columbia.”
The Langford resident moved over from Ottawa in 2015 and participated in the first event last year. She looks forward to another opportunity to try her hand at the same course.
“It’s such an interesting feeling if you’ve never done it before. I hope to see some new triathletes out there on July 17. There is nothing more exciting than that smile of accomplishment when they round the corner to the finish line,” she said.
“I may have been doing triathlons for three years, but every race is different and special. I’m 54 years old and I feel like I finally found the perfect way to honour my health!”
Road closure, delays expected on Sunday
Langford Parkway will be closed from the roundabout at Eagle Ridge Community Centre up to Langford Lake Road on Sunday until the race is over. The awards ceremony is expected at approximately 11 a.m. Drivers heading in both directions on Langford Lake Road can expect delays, while Westhills residents and YM-YMCA visitors have access via Alouette Drive and Belmont secondary.
alim@goldstreamgazette.com