The outdoor sport of Triathlon has grown exponentially in popularity in recent years, locally and globally. Olympic medalist Simon Whitfield who lives and trains near Victoria, has been a source of inspiration for many Canadians, especially people who are living in Victoria.
The origins of the modern sport of Triathlon are thought to stem from a race held in France from the 1920’s to 1930’s that was called variously “Les trois sports”, “La Course des Débrouillards”, and “La course des Touche à Tout”.
Triathlons vary in length, the standard international distances are:
- Sprint distance – 750 m swim, 20 km bike, 5km run);
- Standard (Olympic) distance – 1.5 km swim, 40 km bike, 10 km run;
- Long Course (Half Ironman) – 1.9 km swim, 90 km bike, 21.1 km run, and
- Ultra Distance (Ironman) – 3.8 km swim, 180 km bike, (42.2 km run).
Victoria hosts several Triathlons over the calendar year, you can find a race schedule on the Triathlon BC website. You can also find links to the 10 affiliated Triathlon clubs in the Greater Victoria area on this site, as well as links to all BC Tri clubs.
If your kids are interested in this endurance sport, check out the Kids of Steel program. Aimed at athletes 7 (and younger) to 19, KOS is Triathlon Canada’s National Youth Development Program.
KOS supports youth development in triathlon and related multi-sport events through delivery of a standardized program across Canada. The program includes:
- Specific age to distance competitions;
- Clinics and camps, and
- Expos and events that raise awareness of participation in Triathlon, Duathlon and Aquathlon.
Triathlon, in all its forms, is an exciting outdoor sport that people who are living in Victoria can train for and participate in throughout the year, thanks to the mild climate in this beautiful city.
