After Canada’s national-parks administration initially rejected a request to hold a major international triathlon in Alberta’s Banff National Park, a revised application to host the Subaru International Triathlon event in the famous National Park has won approval.
Registration for the much anticipated September 11, 2010 race opened on February 25.
Parks Canada initially rejected the triathlon due to concerns over the race swim site and the proposed race date, which was scheduled to take place on a date that is typically already busy in the National Park. On the advice of Parks Canada a revised proposal was submitted with a new date and a less environmentally sensitive swimming venue, which proved instrumental in receiving the approval.
“We are very excited with this decision by Banff National Park to allow the event to proceed,” says Cathy Noel, general manager of the Subaru Western Triathlon Series. “This process has been long and required perseverance, but in the end it has made for a better event that will have the highest degree of environmental sensitivity.”
Two triathlon distances will be offered: the Olympic distance, capped at 500 participants; and the shorter “Sprint”, capped at 250. A great deal of excitement exists about the event in the local community and around Canada so both races are expected to sell out very quickly, according to Banff Lake Louise Tourism, the official destination-marketing organization for the Town of Banff, Community of Lake Louise and Banff National Park.
After an initial application was rebuffed, a revised application by the organizers of the Subaru Western Triathlon Series to hold a major international triathlon in Banff National Park, Alberta was approved by Parks Canada. In this photograph, hikers explore the trails around Moraine Lake near Lake Louise in the National Park. Photo courtesy of Banff Lake Louise Tourism
The event has already been recognized by one of the most-read triathlon magazines in the world, Triathlete Magazine. The February 2010 issue of the magazine awarded the Banff Triathlon a ranking as one of the “Top 10 Most Anticipated Races in the World for 2010″.
“Banff Lake Louise Tourism is ecstatic to be partnering on this outstanding new event,” says Stuart Back, director, In Resort Services for Banff Lake Louise Tourism. “This triathlon allows us to welcome athletes to discover the splendour of enjoying sports in Banff National Park. The course takes in some of the finest, world class views of the Park and they are sure to leave all participants breathless.”
The Banff Triathlon is the only event in the Subaru series taking place in a National Park and UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visit www.triseries.ca/banff to register for the Subaru Banff International Triathlon.
Banff Lake Louise Tourism supports more than 800 businesses, its mission being to engage visitors in unrivalled, remarkable experiences with its membership. For more information, visit www.banfflakelouise.com.
The Subaru Western Triathlon Series (formerly the Subaru West Coast Triathlon Series) is operated by LifeSport Coaching and Events, a Canadian-based company utilizing a team of certified coaches, experienced athletes and skilled mentors that work with all levels of athletes in the pursuit of sports and personal excellence. The Subaru Banff Triathlon is the fifth race in the Series, which includes Shawnigan Lake, New Balance Half Iron in Victoria, Vancouver and Sooke.
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