It’s a triathlon with a twist.
On Jan. 19 athletes of all shapes, sizes and abilities will hit the trails of Thunder Bay, a cross-country ski race kicking off the first Thunderwolves Triathlon.
The event, in support of the Thunderbolts swim team, will also include the traditional swimming and running categories, though both will take place inside the C.J. Sanders Fieldhouse and the Hangar.
Christine Gottardo helped come up with the idea, looking for an idea that was different to help raise funds for the Thunderbolts swim program.
She said they considered using stationary bikes to meet the cycling component, but then dared to be a little different instead.
“It’s Thunder Bay and the idea is to have it in winter, so skiing was added to the mix. Of course we’re going to have to ski first and then swim, so we’re not pulling everyone out of the water and then sending them out probably on the coldest day of the year,” Gottardo said Tuesday at the triathlon kick-off launch.
The event has been designed to appeal to people of different abilities, from the hard core athlete to someone simply looking for a fund way to spend a Sunday morning.
The short course will be 8.25 kilometres in distance and feature a five-kilometre ski, a 250-metre swim and a three-kilometre run. The long course will have a 10-kilometre ski race, a 500-metre swim and a five-kilometre run.
“We’re just trying to promote the club, trying to promote community and trying to promote athletics in Thunder Bay, and also give the community an event for the middle of winter. It’s not the busiest time of year for a lot of people in the community and it’s just nice to get out and be athletic,” Gottardo said.
The all-ages event costs $35 per person, or $25 per person as part of a relay team.
Lakehead athletic director Tom Warden said he was intrigued from the start.
“I think that uniqueness is what will kind of make it,” Warden said. “We have the indoor marathon here which has completely taken off and is a huge event in the diary of your runner. They will do it. Hopefully this becomes this way for runners, swimmers and skiers.”
To register, visit www.thunderwolves.ca.
