Penticton taxpayers on the hook for Challenge losses

by Joe Fries - Penticton Western News posted Dec 17, 2013 at 6:00 PM
City taxpayers will be on the hook if the Challenge Penticton triathlon fails to emerge from red ink that’s expected to total $200,000 for the race’s inaugural year. The city owns the Challenge-brand licence, which it assigned to a non-profit society, so it is ultimately responsible for any debts incurred, confirmed Mayor Garry Litke. Sources with knowledge of the race’s finances have pegged the 2013 loss at $200,000. “I won’t confirm or deny that,” said Litke, who claimed some of the society’s records contain “proprietary information.” Penticton Triathlon Race Society president Paulette Rennie also declined to comment on the expected loss, noting year-end financial statements are still being prepared and such information could give competitors an advantage. She clarified, however, that the city is only acting as guarantor on a line of credit. “They’re not cutting us a cheque or anything,” Rennie said. “They’re not handing us over any money at all. “All they’re doing is backing us. “If things went sideways, they would be responsible.” Rennie would not discuss registration numbers for 2014 because that too could give competitors a leg up, she said, but allowed that the society expects it will take up to five years to make a profit, which would be disbursed to community groups, on what is essentially a new race. “For us, this year was extreme in the sense that we’re building from the ground up,” she said. Besides covering startup costs, she said the city agreed, prior to the formation of the society, to allow athletes until July to withdraw from the event and have their full $675 registration fee refunded. Rennie estimated upwards of 150 racers took advantage for a loss of revenue of about $100,000. Litke said the city knew the annual triathlon would struggle as it switched brands from Ironman to Challenge after the 2012 event, and will remain patient. “History has shown that the (Challenge) race in Roth, (Germany), has grown way beyond what the Ironman format could accommodate,” Litke said. “So we are expecting that same level of success here in Penticton, but we know it is not going to happen in the first or second or third year,” he said. Besides seeking help to cover its budget shortfall, Challenge Penticton has also asked the city to provide the 2014 race with in-kind donations worth $110,000, about the same amount Ironman Canada received. According to information supplied by the city, it provided in-kind services of just under $100,000 for the 2013 edition. The biggest cost was $26,000 for three days’ catering at Penticton Trade and Convention Centre. The next most expensive item was $12,400 in overtime for RCMP officers to provide traffic control. In addition, Challenge Penticton has requested a $25,000 cash grant for next year from the Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen. The RDOS board, however, agreed to just $12,000 because some directors for outlying areas were concerned they wouldn’t see a return on investment. (more)

Challenge Penticton closing in on 1,400 participants

By Joe Fries - Penticton Western News Published: April 21, 2013 8:00 AM Nearly 1,400 people have registered for the new Challenge Penticton triathlon, about half the number who participated in last year’s Ironman race.  Challenge Penticton executive director Barb Haynes told the board of the Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen on Thursday that 1,362 competitors had signed up as of that morning, and organizers are expecting the finally tally to range between 1,500 and 1,700. Haynes asked the RDOS for a $25,000 sponsorship in exchange for branding opportunities, but the board will deal with that request at a later date. The Challenge Penticton triathlon is scheduled for Aug. 25. Although much the same in form, it replaces the Ironman races that had been held annually for the previous 30 years. Challenge Penticton has a $960,000 budget for this year, $575,000 of which is expected to come from registration fees and another $255,000 from sponsorships, Haynes said, adding the event is being built from the ground up. “Everything that we’re doing with Challenge Penticton is from scratch, so nothing has held over from the previous race. There’s barely a paper clip,” she said. Haynes told RDOS directors that Challenge-related events are planned to begin Aug. 21 to provide a greater level of community involvement than Ironman did. Professional athletes, she added, will compete for a $75,000 prize purse and will be drug tested after the race since it will be a sanctioned event. Last year, Ironman attracted 2,700 competitors and Haynes said she’s confident its replacement will build back up to that level, but noted that two other Ironman events are planned in Whistler and Louisville for the same day as Challenge Penticton and that has likely hurt registrations for the new race. The City of Penticton cut ties with Ironman last summer and quickly partnered with the Challenge Family to keep a race here. To get the event, the city agreed to purchase a licence from the Challenge Family, and then assign that licence to the Penticton Triathlon Race Society. According to a memorandum of understanding obtained by the Western News, a final licensing agreement was expected to be in place by October 2012. However, the deal is still awaiting sign-off from Challenge Family, according to city spokesperson Simone Blais.
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General registration for IRONMAN Canada is now full. IRONMAN Foundation spots still available. http://www.ironman.com/triathlon-news/articles/2012/11/ironman-canada-filling-fast.aspx#axzz2R77pgISR

General entry for the 2013 IRONMAN Canada race in Whistler is now sold out. The event builds on the legacy of the 2010 Winter Olympics, while offering athletes a beautiful, challenging experience in a world-class venue. The 31^st running of the oldest IRONMAN qualifying event in North America will take place on Sunday, Aug. 25, 2013.

New road race coming to Kelowna

by  Wayne Moore - Castanet Jan 16, 2013 / 5:00 am
Kelowna may have lost out on hosting the grand-daddy of all races, the Ironman - but that doesn't mean event planners are shying away from the city.Destination Races announced it is bringing its unique half marathon to Kelowna in September. The inaugural 'Wine Country Half Marathon' will be held Saturday, September 7. The race is part of a series of 'boutique' destination running races held in scenic wine regions, complemented by wine, food and entertainment activities. The series began in Sonoma, CA in 2004 and includes events in wine regions of California, Oregon and West Virginia. Kelowna is the first destination outside the United States and is expected to attract runners and wine enthusiasts. The race will begin at the Vibrant Vine winery off KLO Road, winds its way past vineyards, farms, apple orchards and onto the Mission Greenway before continuing along Okanagan Lake and ending at Waterfront Park. "Kelowna, in BC's Okanagan Valley, offers a spectacular setting with its hillside vineyards and orchards leading down to this magnificent lake," says Destination Races President, Matt Dockstader.  "Waterfront Park is the ideal venue for our finish line and trademark Wine and Music Festival." Tourism Kelowna played a role in bringing the event to the city and will continue to plan and promote the event along with the city and other tourism partners. "From the moment Tourism Kelowna began discussions with Destination Races, we knew we had a great match for this strong brand uniting wine lovers and recreational athletes," says CEO, Nancy Cameron. The three day event will be hosted at the Delta Grand Okanagan Resort. Registrations will begin January 18. Event details are available at www.destinationraces.com/runbc.

Ironman Canada (Whistler) Website

http://beta.ironman.com/triathlon/events/ironman/canada.aspx#axzz29T18LKbV

World Triathlon Corporation (WTC) has announced Whistler, British Columbia as the new venue of the IRONMAN® Canada triathlon. IRONMAN Canada in Whistler builds on the legacy of the 2010 Winter Olympics, while offering athletes a beautiful, challenging experience in a world-class venue. The event is scheduled for Sunday, Aug. 25, 2013, and will be the 31st running of IRONMAN Canada.

2012 GENERAL ENTRY
General Entry Fee: $625.00 CAD + HST + Active.com Fees
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  Registration LINK
Priority registration will open on Tuesday, 10/16/12 at 11am PST. General registration will open on Thursday, 10/18/12 at 12 noon PST
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Is B.C. big enough for duelling triathlons on same day? By Gary Kingston, Vancouver Sun October 16, 2012 2:06 AM

Whistler confirmed for Ironman Canada

by Andrew Mitchell PICQUR:
  On Thursday afternoon, Oct. 11, The World Triathlon Corporation confirmed that Whistler has been selected to host Ironman Canada on Sunday, Aug. 25, 2013, as well as races next four years.

The Aug. 25 date is the same as Challenge Penticton, the triathlon event that replaced Ironman Canada. This past year there were 3,000 athletes signed up for Ironman Canada, and just under 2,700 at the start line. It's unknown whether the two events will split the long-distance triathlon community down the middle, but plans are being made to host future Ironman Canada events — 2014, 2014, 2016 and 2017 — at the end of July to avoid conflict.

Whistler's contribution to the bid includes the use of facilities and services through the event, as well as a $100,000 fee that is being paid for from provincial Resort Municipality Initiative funds.
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• (Kamloops reported bid details)

As part of the bid, the city had agreed to commit $75,000 in cash and more than $100,000 in in-kind services to the triathlon — which Milobar had suggested could have delivered about $15 million in economic spinoffs to the Kamloops.

• Council Back Ironman Canada Bid (Huntsville reported bid details)

Council committed to spend up to $100,000 a year for 5 years to help bring Ironman Canada to Huntsville in 2013.  Rich Trenholm and Kyra Watters were before council yesterday to advise the town about an incredible opportunity bring the national race – which has been in Penticton for the last 30 years – to Huntsville.  Trenholm said that if successful, Huntsville would be the only place in the world to host the 5150, the Ironman 70.3 and Ironman Canada in the same area at the same time.

It's official, Whistler gets Ironman

Wayne Moore - Castanet Oct 11, 2012 / 1:05 pm
The 2013 Ironman Canada race will be held in Whistler.  The World Triathlon Corporation (WTC) made the announcement late Thursday afternoon, hours after Tourism Whistler apparently jumped the gun in making the announcement. Tourism Whistler posted a special web page announcing Whistler had been awarded the 2013 race, beating out bids from Kelowna and Hunstville, On. The page was taken down about an hour later as media from across BC attempted to verify the information. While a spokesperson with WTC indicated the announcement would be made official next week, the organization in charge of the Ironman event issued a news release Thursday confirming Whistler as the site. (more)
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 Whistler selected to host Ironman triathlon
 Kelowna loses out hosting Ironman to Whistler 
Official Press Release: WTC

Ironman decision pushed back

Question October 11, 2012

The World Triathlon Corporation (WTC) is now expected to announce Friday morning (Oct. 12) if Whistler will be awarded an Ironman triathlon event next year. The WTC, which operates Ironman-branded events, had originally said the winning community would be revealed Wednesday (Oct. 10), but Tourism Whistler officials confirmed Wednesday that the announcement is now scheduled for Friday. Whistler is one of three communities still in the running to host Canada’s next Ironman event, up against Kelowna and Huntsville, Ont. The new race will replace the one previously held annually in Penticton for 30 years. Check www.whistlerquestion.com on Friday to see if Whistler’s bid was selected.

Ironman flies into Kelowna

by Wayne Moore - Castanet  Oct 4, 2012 / 12:53 pm

Kelowna could not have ordered up a better day for a site visit from the World Ironman Corporation.
Keith McGonigal, Ironman's northwest region race director, was in Kelowna Wednesday to see what the city had to offer.  "Mayor Gray ordered the best day possible," says City Manager, Ron Mattiussi.
"The Okanagan put its best face on considering the day before was probably the worst day in the last two months." Kelowna is in the running to replace Penticton as the home to Ironman Canada, along with Whistler and Huntsville, Ont. The two BC communities are new to Ironman while the Huntsville/Muskoga region already host a 70.3 race, a half Ironman in early September. "We're optimistic because, when we made the decision to do this, we said, we're in it to win it, but let's do it right," says Mattiussi. "If we win it, we would like people to say this was a great Ironman. This was a great place to have it." Mattiussi says the city can't thank enough its neighbours to the north and south: Vernon, Lake Country, Westbank First Nation, and West Kelowna, who have all thrown their support behind Kelowna's bid. Recreational and Cultural services director Jim Gabriel toured McGonigal around Kelowna Wednesday. Gabriel says the visit was all about the logistics of holding the event in Kelowna. "Looking at where would you have the swim, where would you have the athlete's village, where would you have your run, what are some of the options within the bike route and the run route," says Gabriel. "That was the focus." While Gabriel says the city plan is to have the race and transition area centred around City Park, there are options available. "City Park was our proposal, but Waterfront Park is also pretty attractive." "We showed them City Park and how it could work, and now it is up to them to see if it fits and, if not, what else they would be looking for." Gabriel says there are several options for the bike and run routes as well. The final decision on courses for the swim, bike, and run portions are ultimately up to Ironman; however, Gabriel says those courses do need to work within the community. "They are very conscious about community impact. For us, when you bring in an event like this, you host a marathon, the Apple Triathlon, they all have community impact," adds Gabriel. "You try to understand what that is and you manage that the best you can." Each race, whether it's in Penticton, Kelowna, Whistler, Hunstville or any other race brings with it a different experience, and Gabriel says Ironman organizers look at what makes sense for them. He says Kelowna's edge is obvious. "The sheer beauty of the Okanagan Valley—it's gorgeous. You look at some of the run routes and the bikes routes, you're seeking lakes, you're seeing orchards and all different types of things that make it a beautiful place to be." A decision is expected sometime next week.

Kamloops loses out on Ironman bid

By Andrea Klassen - Kamloops This Week Published: October 01, 2012 4:00 PM
Kamloops will not be the new home to the Ironman Canada triathlon.  While a shortlist released by event organizers the World Triathlon Corporation includes two B.C. communities — Kelowna and Whistler, as well as Hunstville, Ont. — the Tournament Capital didn’t make the cut to succeed Penticton as host of the Canadian triathlon championships. Seven communities submitted bids to host the event, including Kelowna, Whistler, Kamloops, Vernon and Victoria in B.C. Penticton, which had long been host of the Canadian Ironman event, decided to go with another triathlon beginning next year. Last week, rather than attend the Union of B.C. Municipalities convention in Victoria, Kelowna Mayor Walter Gray led a delegation to Florida, to present the city’s proposal in person to the World Triathlon Corporation. Kamloops decided to submit its proposal electronically. When asked by KTW to comment on Kelowna’s aggressive approach, Tournament Capital co-ordinator Sean Smith said Kamloops opted to not make a promotional trip. “I don’t think a decision is going to be made on whether to host an event because the bid was delivered in person,” he said. According to the World Triathlon Corporation, the selection of the three Canadian finalists was based on criteria as stated in the bid process that closed on Sept. 24. Mayor Peter Milobar said it’s disappointing to be out of the running for the event, but added the city’s Ironman bid was serious and put together well. “Our bid didn’t really pan out,  but it wasn’t for lack or trying or seriousness or financial commitment or anything like that,” he said. “I think we were very serious. We were in the ball game. We weren’t just hoping our reputation carried the day.” As part of the bid, the city had agreed to commit $75,000 in cash and more than $100,000 in in-kind services to the triathlon — which Milobar had suggested could have delivered about $15 million in economic spinoffs to the Kamloops. (more)

Dreams of Ironman glory cut short

By Richard Rolke - Vernon Morning Star Published: September 30, 2012 1:00 AM
Competitors had barely hit the course running when Vernon’s vision of victory stumbled. Just four days after submitting a bid, the City of Vernon learned late Friday that it was not short-listed to host Ironman Canada for 2013 to 2017. “We thought this fits Vernon,” said Kevin Poole, economic development manager, who is clearly disappointed with the outcome. “I had thought, let’s go big or let’s go home.” Poole spoke with Ironman officials in Tampa, Florida about their decision. “I was told we put in a fantastic bid and we could have hosted it. The route options worked,” he said. “But they were looking for the athlete experience. They said their athletes will be attracted to a resort community, which is why they are looking at Whistler and Huntsville, Ont., or a mid-major market, which Kelowna qualifies as.” The World Triathlon Corporation, which owns Ironman, is saying little about its decision. “We selected the three we did because they presented the three most compelling proposals,” said Steve Meckfessel, WTC’s global race operations managing director. “The Vernon community and those pulling together that bid did an amazing job.” The opportunity to host Ironman Canada opened up after Penticton severed its relationship with the event after 30 years. Seven communities submitted bids. The prospect of hosting an international sports event galvanized the North Okanagan community. “There’s never been anything like this where there was support from right across the region,” said Poole. About 722 letters of support from residents and adjacent jurisdictions were generated within a week, and triathlon enthusiasts spread out across the community to bring  residents on board. “We felt strongly about our bid and we still feel confident we could have hosted the event,” said Jade Kersey, who was part of a citizens’ group involved in the city’s bid process. While disappointed, Kersey admits the decision must be accepted. “World Triathlon Corporation has to do what’s best for them.” Among those who worked around-the-clock on the city’s bid was Mayor Rob Sawatzky, who ensured nearby municipalities would endorse the plans. “The realities of the world are a competitive one and the company had to make a decision but I thought we were competitive,” he said. “It’s disappointing for the community and for the city staff who put so much hard work into this bid.” With Vernon now on the sidelines, all eyes are on the finish line. “We want Ironman to stay in the Okanagan,” said Poole. “If Kelowna gets it, that’s good for our hotels and good for our athletes.” Poole isn’t sure if the City of Vernon would direct resources towards a Kelowna Ironman although one of Kelowna’s proposed routes goes to Predator Ridge. “There would have to be some discussions,” he said. The new host of Ironman Canada will be announced Oct. 10 in Hawaii.

Kelowna makes Ironman shortlist, Vernon doesn't

CHBC News : Friday, September 28, 2012 8:19 PM EST

The Ironman could be heading for the Central Okanagan.  Kelowna is on the shortlist of possible Ironman cities. The City of Vernon, which also submitted a bid, is not.  Kelowna is now going head-to-head with Whistler and Huntsville, Ontario to host the 2013 triathlon. The Ironman is looking for a new home after Penticton decided to have another company run its triathlon next year. Kelowna Mayor Walter Gray and some high-level city staff were in Florida this week presenting the city's bid to Ironman organizers. “I am disappointed that we are out of the running to host Ironman, but I’m proud of how well our Staff, Council and Community pulled together and showcased our community at its best. I thank our whole community for that,” said acting City of Vernon mayor Mary-Jo O’Keefe in a statement. The World Triathlon Corporation will announce the new host city for the Ironman on October 10.

WTC announces three finalists to host 2013 Ironman Canada

Triatholon Magazine:
September 28, 2012 By WTC

Today, World Triathlon Corporation (WTC, d/b/a IRONMAN) announces three finalists from the bid process to host the 2013 IRONMAN Canada: Kelowna, British Columbia (BC); Huntsville, Ontario and Whistler, BC.

The selection of the three Canadian communities was based on criteria as stated in the bid process that closed on Sept. 24.  There were seven communities in Canada that submitted bids. As part of the next phase in the selection process, IRONMAN staff will conduct in-depth visits to each finalist community.  IRONMAN expects to announce the host for the 2013 IRONMAN Canada, as well as additional event-related details, by mid-October.

Gray Makes Personal Ironman Pitch

Written by Kim Calloway  107.5 KISSFM  Thursday, 27 September 2012 12:22  
Kelowna's mayor thought it was important enough to make a case for his city hosting the Ironman Canada event, that he went to Florida this week to make that pitch directly. Walter Gray, instead of attending the annual UBCM sessions in Victoria, led a four-person delegation to Tampa to make Kelowna's case to the World Triathlon Corporation That group will make a decision October 10th, on who hosts the next Ironman Canada for the next five years. Kelowna is one of seven cities officially in the running along with Vernon, Kamloops, Victoria, Whistler, Huntsville Ontario and one other unknown community. Media reports indicate the WTC will narrow the list down to three next week

Mayor makes case for Kelowna Ironman directly to race officials

By Alistair Waters - Kelowna Capital News Published: September 26, 2012 5:00 PM

Kelowna officials made their case for the city to become the new host of Ironman Canada directly to the World Triathlon Corporation in Tampa, Florida earlier this week.  Instead of of going to the annual Union of B.C. Municipalities convention in Victoria, Kelowna Mayor Walter Gray lead a four-person delegation to make the city's pitch for the international triathlon event in his city starting next year. "We made the presentation, so now we just have to wait," said Gray on Wednesday. The WTC, which owns the event that called Penticton home for 30 years, is expected to make its decision about where it will go next on Oct. 10. Earlier this month, Gray announced that Kelowna would make a bid for the Ironman Canada event, one of only two Ironman events held in this country.
At the time, he said that any bid would not be made at the expense of the existing Apple Triathlon, which has been held here for 32 years. And Gray reiterated that the city wants to not only keep the Apple Triathlon but also to help strengthen it. Traditionally, the Apple goes on the weekend before the Ironman, at the start of September. Gray said part of the presentation in Tampa included an aerial photograph of downtown Kelowna showing City Park, where the Ironman would be centred. It would serve as the starting point for the race and the transition area between the swim, bike and run portions. The swim would be in Okanagan Lake off City Park and the bike route would take riders over the Bennett Bridge to the Westside, as well as back into the city, down into the Mission and then as far north as Predator Ridge, near Vernon, and back. Gray said unlike the challenging hill climbs riders used to face in the south Okanagan, on a course where there were few spectators, the bike course here would not only offer spectacular scenery but also more opportunities for the public to watch. When the city announced it would make a bid for the Ironman, officials at City Hall said two of the biggest challenges would be the bike course and getting enough volunteers. Part of the city's strategy is to build on what it calls its "existing active living infrastructure  and culture" by creating a multi-sport centre of excellence and a volunteer recruitment and retention strategy that will benefit all future events in the city that require volunteers. As part of its preparation for the bid, the city  conducted a survey. It showed strong support for Kelowna bidding for the Ironman Canada event. Other cities believed to be considering a bid include Vernon, Victoria, Whistler, Kamloops and Calgary. Gray said he felt it was important to keep the race in the Okanagan because of the amount of people it brings to town. "We know because we see them arrive at our airport every year," he said.

Council commits $100,000 to Ironman bid

• Alison Brownlee Sep 26, 2012 - 9:53 AM Cottage Country Now.com

HUNTSVILLE – Huntsville is in the running for a full Ironman triathlon.  Dr. Rich Trenholm and Krya Watters made a pitch to Huntsville council on Sept. 18 in an attempt to convince it to commit $100,000 in cash and in kind donations as part of a bid for a larger, more prestigious triathlon than the town already hosts.  “We’re here about four years earlier than we expected to be here,” said Trenholm. “We’re coming to you to get your commitment in helping us be the only place in the world to host all three Ironman events.”  The town now hosts several triathlons, including Ironman 70.3, Muskoka Grind, 5150 Triathlon and the Muskoka Kids Tri. The new bid is for Ironman Canada.
Former Ironman Canada host Penticton, BC, held the race for the past 30 years, but officials there have decided to go with a different race provider.  Huntsville’s bid was submitted Monday, Sept. 24, but it needed some support to back it up. That support came in part from the town.  Trenholm told council triathlon advocate TriMuskoka needed the town to commit to signing a contract with the World Triathlon Corporation as a step toward hosting Ironman Canada from 2013 to 2017.   It also needed a commitment of $100,000 – half in cash and half in in-kind donations – to help cover licensing fees and the race. Trenholm noted that if the town did host the event, Ironman Canada’s foundation would give $50,000 to the town to be used on local active-living projects. (more)
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http://vimeo.com/50021192   (Muskoka Video Submission)

Penticton finalizing deal for new Challenge triathlon

By Steve Kidd - Penticton Western News Published: September 25, 2012 3:00 PM

Negotiations to finalize a deal with the Challenge Family to bring their long-distance triathlon to Penticton should be complete within the month.  According to city manager Annette Antoniak, the city is in the final stages of sealing the deal with the Challenge Family, based on the binding letter of intent they negotiated last month. “What we are finalizing now with the society is the licensing agreement, all the little operational details of putting on the race and how the Challenge Family does things,” said Antoniak, adding that while the course is the same, Challenge puts on a festival as well as having certain expectations for pro athletes and the prize money. (more)
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Whistler makes bid to host Ironman

Whistler Question September 25, 2012 Tanya Foubert 
 Officials in Whistler have confirmed the resort has put in a proposal to host the next Ironman triathlon competition.  After hosting the event for 30 years, the City of Penticton decided not to invite the triathlon back next summer, prompting organizers to look for a new location. Those efforts saw a Request for Proposal (RFP) being sent to select B.C. and Alberta cities including Whistler. Mayor Nancy Wilhelm-Morden said Tuesday (Sept. 25) the decision was made with stakeholders to put forward a bid to host the event for the next five years. "It is a five year proposal and we will know by the end of the week whether we have made a short list," Wilhelm-Morden said. "We discussed this with Pemberton and the SLRD (Squamish and Lillooet Regional District) and have the support of the communities in the corridor." 
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From http://triathlonmagazine.ca :Whistler bids to host Ironman Canada September 25, 2012By Timothy Moore:
excerpt: We’ve also received confirmation from Tourism Calgary, that they did not submit a bid. 

Seven Bids For Ironman Host

Written by Peter McIntyre  107.5KISSFM  Tuesday, 25 September 2012 15:14 
Vernon will be up against six other cities to become the new host of Ironman Canada.  Steve Meckfessel, managing director of the World Triathlon Corporation, tells Kiss FM, they received seven bids before Monday's deadline, but he's not prepared to name the other contenders. "We'll probably be in a position to give more information out in ten days, two weeks time." It's known from media and council reports, that Kelowna, Kamloops and Victoria also submitted bids for the hosting rights from 2013 to 2017. Meckfessel says the winning city will be named October 10th. "We are going through them right now, and will have some follow-up questions. We need to run through the process." Penticton hosted the race for 30 years, but will change to the Challenge event next August, citing a better deal.

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)

Ironman Canada 2013 - The Muskoka Bid Story

 http://www.xtri.com/features/detail/284-itemId.511714680.html
 Ironman Canada has a rich 30 year history in Penticton. Aug 2012 saw the final running of Ironman Canada in Penticton after 30 editions. Next year, the Challenge Series moves into town. The World Triathlon Corporation is now looking to a number of communities to host a "new round of Ironman Canada". But which community will be able to do the event justice and live up to the amazing legacy of Ironman Canada in Penticton. As athletes, we can actually thank the community of Penticton for showing the rest of North America how continental Ironman events should be run. It was back in 1999, that Graham Fraser took the Ironman Canada model and dropped it into Lake Placid, then Panama City, then Madison and so on. Before we knew it, there was an Ironman series event in every region of the United States providing athletes the Kona experience close to home, often in driving distance. Most recently, the Ironman series expanded to the Eastern half of Canada with amazingly successful events at both the 140.6 and 70.3 distances in Mont Tremblant. Now a number of communities are vying and bidding to be the home of the new Ironman Canada. WTC will take bids from various communities until the third week of September and will converge on a decision on their selected choice sometime in October. (more)