Fewer participants will be swimming, running and cycling in the 13th annual 麻豆社国产Triathlon - A Memorial to Bob McIntosh, but there's no stopping the event from moving ahead on Sunday (July 11).
Just about 200 athletes signed up this year, which race director Peter Hotston says is the break even point - a far cry from past triathlon events which sold out with nearly 500 participants. The 2009 麻豆社国产Triathlon had about 350 racers.
"Over the last four or five years there have been way more events in the province and so there's a lot more competition. People can only go to a certain number of events," said Hotston. "So the entries are coming in but we're still lagging behind last year."
Hotston said the unusually chilly weather is also to blame for the lower turnout.
"It was slow initially, which I think is common with a lot of events in the province at this time just because it's been such a cold spring and the lakes have been colder. They're fine now, I think Alice Lake is around 18C."
Since 麻豆社国产Triathlon is one of 10 provincially sanctioned races Hotston said provincial series racers help keep the attendance numbers up.
With declining volunteer support, the future of the Bob McIntosh memorial triathlon looked grim a few months back but Hotston said that concern is all but forgotten.
"Volunteers are great. We've had quite a lot come in so I think we're OK right now."
Two volunteers in particular - Jennifer Schorz and Mike Enders - stepped up to the helm and took charge of sponsorship, volunteers and prizing while a few more people like Linda Belanger and Shelley Cottle have lent their support in smaller capacities.
Since Hotston expressed his intention to vacate the seat as race director next year, a few people have come forward showing interest in the position but no one has formally been selected.
"[It] hasn't happened yet, but I'm hoping that that will happen."
Regardless, Hotston is confidant the memorial triathlon will continue on in future years.
"I'm really encouraged. The event will certainly go next year."
This year's course will be identical to the 2009 course, which starts with a 1,500 metre lake swim at Alice Lake, followed by a 37-kilometre bike ride and a 10-kilometre trail run in the Cheekeye Fan before wrapping up at Don Ross Secondary School.
The triathlon starts at 9:30 a.m. with check-in between 6:30 a.m. and 8 a.m.
Registration costs $85 for adults with discounts available for youth and TriBC members. Athletes can register until the day of the event on line at squamishtriathlon.org
The top three male and female competitors will receive $500 for first place, $300 for second and $200 for third place.
The triathlon also helps fund the Robert W. McIntosh Fund which has provided $48,000 to 24 Howe Sound Secondary School graduates since 1998, including this year's recipients, Samantha Mee and Alison McKellar.
Hotston said McKellar and Mee are being recognized for their academic and athletic contributions to the community of Squamish.
Mee said she was thrilled to find out she was one of the recipients of the $2,500 scholarship at the annual awards banquet in June.
"I was thrilled I couldn't believe it," said the 18-year-old. "I'm really happy and honoured."
Mee plans to study science at the University of British Columbia and work with children in the future.
