Savary Island Fun Triathlon organizers are working to ensure the three elements of the race fit spaces and routes available on the island. Three endurance stages make up the 16th annual edition of the event: swimming, cycling and running.
“You only have so much island to work with,” said Louise Harding, race director for the past two years.
According to Harding, Savary’s fun race is close to a sprint triathlon, with the same 750-metre swim and five-kilometre run.
“The sprint bicycle is 20 kilometres, whereas ours is 13,” she said. “The lone road on the island for the bike race is sandy and there are lots of potholes, so that’s a fun element.”
Harding has been participating in triathlons recreationally for four years. She describes a fun triathlon as having more flexibility to open the event to competitive and recreational entrants.
Savary’s triathlon takes place the same day as Ironman Canada in Whistler. While none of the elite competitors will be on hand, according to organizers, this is the time to shine for many of the locals.
Money raised during the event is donated to Savary Island Volunteer Fire Department.
“We find it difficult sometimes to find the finances to help us buy what we need in terms of gear and there’s always upgrades that are needed,” said Savary fire chief Gareth Jones.
According to Jones, his department has a fleet of five trucks, including three the department has customized for the island.
“We have built our own firetrucks that are suitable for the island,” said Jones. “Most are bought from manufacturers and very expensive. These roads are so narrow and bumpy, we need to have quick response, so it has enabled us to create our own firetrucks built to specs.”
Savary is a tight-knit community and the fire department plays an important role, said Jones.
“We are basically the husbands, wives, brothers, sisters, boyfriends and girlfriends of the people who live here,” he said. “The triathlon is huge for us, it’s huge for the community and it’s a jolly old get-together.”
In summer months, Jones has a crew of 25 for a population he estimates to be approximately 1,500.
One of the highlights of summer on Savary, the triathlon on Sunday, July 24, includes an opening march of athletes, community brunch and pie prizes donated by Savary Island Pie Company.
Since its inception, the triathlon has been held each year except for 2014, the year the firehall was renovated. Previous organizers include Carole Rogers, who started it all in 2000, Janice Dalzell and Ken and Lisa Grunenberg.
Registration is $30 for individuals or, for anyone interested in entering as a relay, $70 for a team of two or three.
To register and for more information, go to savarytriathlon.com.
