2011 Edmonton Winter Triathlon Results link: Click Here

History

Born in 1989 out of a desire for a race a "little different than the ordinary" the EWT brings together aspects of three common winter pursuits: skating, skiing and running. Historically the race was a “sprint” 5-5-5 km format starting with a skate and ending with a ski. In 2007 the race was changed to the longer and more challenging distance format of 10-10-5 km, Skate-Ski-Run. In 2012 we will host a race with 2 different distances.

What is a Triathlon?

Traditionally, a triathlon is a multi-sport endurance event that consists of three segments. These segements are consecutive and require the athlete to swim, bicycle and run.  The race is timed, and the the timing includes the transistion times as the athlete changes from one venue to the next.

For a general idea of the type of race that the athlete competes in are categorized as the following by the International Triathlon Union are: Sprint distance (750 m swim, 20 km bike, 5 km run), Intermediate distnace, commonly referred to as "Olympic distance" (1.5 km swim, 40 km bike and 10 km run), the Long Course (1.0 km swim, 90 km ride, 21.1 km run, such as the Half Ironman), and Ultra Distance (3.8 km swim, 180 km ride, and a marathon 42.2 km run).  In a world of fitness, a triathlon is one of the sports that demand the athletes to bwe in top shape to perform properly.  Unlike most sports, a triathlon requires an athlete to be very proficient in three sports.

The Winter Triathlon

In a winter triathlon, it is most common to have a combination of segments involving cross-country skiing, running and biking through snow.  Our Edmonton Winter Triathlon (EWT) requires athletes to ice skate, cross country ski and run during on of the coldest months of the Canadian Winter - February. 

The EWT

For 2012 the Silver Skate Festival will host a race with both SHORT course (10 km) and LONG course (25 km) winter triathlon format.  The challenges of last years low temperatures (-15C daytime high) and the necessity of keeping the race to under 3 hours means we have introduced a shorter race this year for those athletes novice in skating, skiing or running.  The race course will be the same for all particpants only the number of laps will vary depending on the distance chosen.

The EWT takes place in Hawrelak Park one of the premier outdoor recreation facilities in Edmonton.  The skating occurs on the pond, the skiing through the trees and open park land and the run on the road surroundign the park area.  It is a spectator friendly event with many opportunities to see the athletes as they compete and for friends and family to cheer on pariticipants The event will take place on Sunday, February 19th at 9:30 AM. 

Participation (Solo Challenges and Teams)

The race has both solo challenge and team relay categories. Teams can have as many as five people.  The team captain can split the race among the members as desired.  Teams can split any of the individual legs and can pass the relay baton as many times as the team captain thinks is feasible during the race.  There are categories for Men's, Women's, Mixed, Corporate, and Family Teams. (SHORT and LONG course).

Skate (LONG - 10 km or SHORT - 4 km)

The Skate is the first leg of the triathlon. The skate course is set up on the large manmade lake located in the center of Hawrelak Park.  Skaters are required to skate a 1km course (See course map).  The skate direction will be counter clockwise around the lake.

The race is a mass start across a long start line.  There is no seeding.  The race starts by a gun or horn.  Faster skaters normally form a lead group early in the race followed by the rest of the skaters in the field.  Drafting among skaters in any group, including the lead group is permissible. 

A lap count board is set up at the start line.  It indicates the laps remaining for the lead group only. You are responsible for keeping track of your own lap counts if you are not among the lead.  A skate referee is present to monitor the race.  Relay teams may pass baton after each lap or after any combination of laps as long as the team completes all laps.

The City of Edmonton ice crews have always done an excellent job of preparing the course for the skate race.  You can expect very good outdoor ice conditions based on our experience at this venue.  Historically the skate course has been around the outer perimeter established by the two small islands situated in the lake.  The exact distance of the loop is unknown but it almost always closely approaches 1000 m (1 km).

Ski (LONG - 10 km or SHORT - 4 km)

After skating, the participants are directed to the skate/ski transition zone.  This zone is located just off the ice at the extreme North shore of the lake.  The individual triathlete exchanges skates for skis within the zone.  For teams, the skater is only required to tag a team skier at the edge of the ice.

The ski course is set around the shore of the lake and with the park area adjacent to the lake.  Participants are required to do clockwise laps of a 2 km ski course.  The start and end of ski occur within the transition zone.  (See the course map).  LONG course teams are welcome to pass the relay baton with the zone, thus splitting the ski up into 2 km sprints.

Both free-style (skate skiing) and classic style (Nordic) skiing are permitted.  The track is groomed to accomodate both styles. This trail is flat with very little terrain.

After the ski solo participants exchange their ski boot for running shoes within the transition zone.  Teams pass their baton.  Participants then proceed on the run course.

Run (LONG - 5km or SHORT - 2km)

Running is the final leg.  The run course is set on the perimeter road around Hawrelak Park.  You are required to do one or tow laps of the 2 km along with a final 100 m section leading to the finish line near the park pavilition (See the course map).  LONG course temas may split the run into two segments. 

Post Race

There is water, food and refreshments available to athletes immediately following the race.  Race results are posted in the pavilion and to this website as soon as they are available.

Awards

Awards to team and individuals, along with prize draws will take place at 12:30 PM.

Click on the Photos below to enlarge