Victoria takes run at Ironman Canada

By Cleve Dheensaw, timescolonist.comSeptember 24, 2012
 Victoria, no stranger to producing triathletes or hosting long-distance running and bike races, submitted a bid by Monday’s deadline to become the permanent home of the Ironman Canada race. The bid was prepared and entered by SportHost Victoria and Tourism Victoria. The World Triathlon Corporation, which owns the Ironman brand, is expected to make its decision Oct. 10. The deal would be for five years, with option to renew. Penticton, which has hosted Ironman Canada for three decades, became dissatisfied with the financial arrangement. It has now entered into an agreement to host an annual race in the rival European-based Challenge Brand. There is no shortage of communities wanting to associate themselves with the Ironman cachet. Other cities expected to bid for Ironman Canada are Whistler, Kelowna, Vernon, Kamloops and Calgary. The Greater Victoria route would involve 10 of the 13 municipalities. (more)