Barry Wright
One of the longest-running summer sporting events in the area is fast approaching.
The 34th edition of the Bluewater Triathlon and Duathlon and Ironkid Triathlon is set for Saturday, July 25 and Sunday, July 26 in and around Lake Huron.
The Olympic Distance Triathlon, consisting of a 1.5-km swim, a 40-km bike ride and a 10-km run, begins at 8:30 a.m. on Saturday, and the Duathlon 40 minutes later.
The first day also includes sprint and relay events.
Awards will be handed out at 12:30 p.m.
The Sunday Ironkid event is broken into two categories; one for kids nine and under and a second for 10 and over. It is sold out at 120 athletes, said race organizer Ken Walker.
It begins at 1 p.m. and will be followed by an awards ceremony and all-you-can-eat barbeque.
“Our main goal is to put on a safe, fun event where the athletes have a good experience,” said Walker.
Saturday’s events are broken into 10 age categories and will be capped at 350 athletes. Typically, about 60% of participants are from Sarnia-Lambton and the rest from across the province.
“There are a lot of good athletes around here,” said Walker. “It's very competitive.”
Walker is hoping for good weather and for the temperature of Lake Huron to warm up a bit. Otherwise, the event “pretty much runs itself,” he said.
More information and registration can be found at www.bluewatertriathlon.ca, or participants can register at a pasta dinner on Friday, July 24 at 5 p.m. at St. John in the Wilderness Church on Old Lakeshore Road in Bright's Grove.
The race can raise up to $10,000 for church outreach programs.