PENTICTON — The City of Penticton’s reputation as a triathlon capital has earned it the opportunity to host the first-ever Multisport World Championships Festival in 2017.
The International Triathlon Union (I.T.U.) made the announcement Wednesday that it has picked Penticton to host the unique 10-day event.
“We believe Penticton is the perfect location to launch this new initiative by the I.T.U.,” says Michael Brown, a race director. “Penticton has a proven track record and we are ready to welcome the world.”
Athletes will have the opportunity to able to compete in more than one race. There are four major components: Duathlon, Aquathon, Cross Triathlon and the Long-Course Triathlon World Championships.
Marisol Casado, I.T.U.’s President and a member of the International Olympic Committee, calls this Multisport Festival “a truly innovative idea.”
“To date, age group athletes are often forced to choose between on multisport championship race over another, where as they are will now be able to combine both experiences in one family-friendly spectacular week of racing,” says Casado.
In the event’s proposal, athletes will start and finish the races in the heart of Penticton.
The events will utilize the region’s vistas, wineries and notable landmarks.
“Hosting four World Championships over a 10-day period is a coup for Penticton and falls into our sport tourism strategy to leverage and re-establish Penticton as the premiere triathlon destination for training, family fun and competition,” says Penticton Mayor Andrew Jakubeit.
It’s anticipated that the festival will take place in August of 2017.
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