Written by Peter McIntyre 107.5 KISSFM Wednesday, 29 August 2012 13:01
Vernon could be one of the BC cities in the running to become the new host of the Canada Ironman race. Mayor Rob Sawatzky says the race organizer, World Triathlon Corporation, has asked the city to submit a request for proposals by September 24th, if they are interested. The request came from Steve Meckfessel, managing director of WTC. Sawatzky tells Kiss FM, "I think it's a very interesting concept. It could very well fit with our niche and image of ourselves, but it's also very complex and expensive, and we need to do a lot more research. There have to be very good reasons why Penticton is changing and giving it up after all the number of years they've had it." Sawatzky says it's a short timeline, but city staff will prepare a report on the pros and cons of the event for council's September 10th meeting. Kelowna and Whistler are other cities said to be under consideration. Sawatzky says Kelowna may not be able to host Ironman, as its late August date would be just a couple of weeks after the Apple Triathlon. "That would be logistically very difficult when you consider all the volunteers a community needs for this. "Penticton hosted Canada Ironman for 30 years, but will change to the Challenge Family triathlon next year, citing a better deal. This year's event, last Sunday, had 2,600 participants. The race had an economic impact of around 10 million dollars to Penticton, according to a study. The Ironman features a 3.8 km swim, 180 km of cycling, and a 42 km run.
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