For 35 years, the Prince George Triathlon has given people a reason to stretch their muscles, ligaments and tendons, fill up their lungs, and spike their heart rates in an all-out test of swimming, biking and running endurance.
Race director Craig Somerville sees that continuing as an annual event at West Lake provincial park but there's no question he'd like to see more people enter the race.
Entries for Sunday's Pomeroy Suites and Inns P.G. Triathlon are down about 25 per cent from last year, from 95 to 70 and officially the deadline to enter has come and gone, but it's not too late.
"The numbers are down and it was tough to get volunteers -- I knew it was going to be a lower year," said Somerville. "You've got SummerFest happening (Sunday) and the Party in the Park is today and there are a number of events in the province happening. But lots of people are leaving messages seeing if they can register, and we will take late entries."
Somerville says last-minute triathletes won't be turned away. All they have to do is show up today between noon and 4 p.m. at Evolve Bike Board & Ski at 2609 Vance Rd., where race packages are being picked up. Provided they pay the $83 entry fee they'll be registered.
Mike Buchanan of Prince George is back to try to dethrone Rob Millar as men's Olympic distance champion, which starts with a plunge into West Lake Sunday at 9 a.m. After 1.5 kilometres of swimming, a 40 km bike leg follows, and the race ends with a 10 km run. The sprint race is a 750 metre swim, 20 km bike ride and 10 km run.
"We revamped the run course (three years ago) and it's a lot more scenic and you run through the park along the beach so people can watch, it's a spectator-friendly race now," said Somerville.
Marika Jurgens of Prince George, the women's Olympic distance champion in 2014, was not on the triathlon entry list as of Friday afternoon. Jurgens, a cycling specialist, won the GranFondo Axel Merckx Okanagan road bike race in Penticton on Sunday and finished 13th overall.
All racers will be eligible to win a $700 gift certificate from Evolve, as well as other prizes from race sponsors. A catered barbecue will follow the race.
Somerville said he still need volunteers to help set up the course and they will meet today at 3:30 p.m. at the West Lake site. Help is also needed on race day, starting at 6 a.m.
