Ironman triathlon returning to Penticton after eight years

PENTICTON – The iconic Ironman triathlon race is returning to Penticton after an eight year absence.

City Council voted enthusiastically today, May 7, to have city staff negotiate a five-year agreement to host Ironman Canada on the last weekend in August, for the period 2020 to 2024.

A large gallery applauded the unanimous decision of council to bring the event back to the city at tonight's meeting.

The city has worked out costs of $410,000, which includes $299,000 cash and $111,000 of in-kind contributions for the Ironman race, which consists of a 2.4 mile open water swim, a 112 mile bike race and a 26.22 mile run.

City staff said in a report prepared for council negotiations have been ongoing in secret with Ironman Canada for several months, both parties bound by a non-disclosure agreement as they looked at ways to bring the race back to the Peach City.

The race had been part of the city’s annual summer late summer events from 1983 to 2012, when a parting of ways over financial matters between the city and Ironman Canada saw the popular race pull up stakes and move to Whistler, B.C.

The city spent the following years trying a number of different triathlon options and organizers, including the Challenge Penticton race and several different triathlon events in partnership with Michael Brown. With his five year contract ending this year, the city was at a crossroads as to what to do next in terms of bringing a major triathlon event to the city.

The city also recently conducted a public survey that found many residents saw advantages to the race for its economic impact, tourism, international exposure and the healthy lifestyle it promoted.

The largest detractors to the race involved traffic disruptions and the need for taxpayer funding.

Staff recommendations included a direction from council to explore opportunities for hosting a future multi-sports event in the city, which was also passed unanimously by council.

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