Ironman Canada took place on Sunday. And after the smoke and fire of last year Penticton turned out to be almost perfect this year, a mix of sun and cloud and a high of 25C! The overall winners where Tom Evans from nearby Naramata and Lisa Bentley with her 2nd IMC victory and 7th in total!!! There where 4 NRG PT athletes racing. Seanna Robinson had a phenomenal day in her first Ironman, she finished in a time of 10:38, she was second in her age group by 7seconds!! And most impressively she ran a 3:15 marathon and was only out split by 2 other women (one of them being Lisa Bentley!). Seanna has a very bright future in triathlon!!! Maurice Harapiak also had a very strong day with a solid swim, bike and run. Marian Ollila also had great day, especially considering her bumpy race week (lets just say don’t ever stay at the Crown in Penticton, as a reservation from 12months in advance is no guarantee of a room!!!) Head coach Nigel Gray was also racing and after a summer of less than ideal training (long run=60min, definitely not recommended!!) Nigel was still able to put together a decent (and painful) effort for 13th overall in 9:14. This was followed up with some finish line announcing from 9:30pm to midnight! Look for some pictures from the race next week
For Tim Rowley, Melinda Lehman and Sylvie Dansereau who where racing the Provincial long course championships in Parry Sound they where not so lucky with the weather. The rain had decide to follow Sylvie across the country. After getting rained out at the Nationals in Kelowna last weekend I am sure Sylvie was just glad they didn’t cancel the race in Parry Sound! Tim Rowley, in his second triathlon ever and first HIM, finished in 6th place in his age-group with a time just over 5hours. Melinda Lehman’s preparation for the new Ironman Arizona next spring is right on track with a 60min improvement in her time from her last HIM. Sylvie Dansereau also racing in her first HIM is now the Provincial Champion in her age group after her 30min win!
Congratulations to all of the athletes who raced over the weekend, it was a great success all around!!!