Posted: June 2, 2005

Multisport: Team triathlon entries eliminate fear factor for Ottawa competition

Relay interest allows participation from general athletes

By Tony Lofaro, the Ottawa Citizen

Thursday, June 02, 2005

More than 400 people are expected to swim, bike and run in the 23rd annual Ottawa Athletic Club Triathlon which gets underway next month at Gatineau Park.

For most people it may seem daunting to undertake a gruelling triathlon, but it's not necessary to participate in all three events, said Lisa Refausse, the race co-ordinator.

"Some people do a team entry and that's what we encourage the general population to try and do," said Refausse yesterday at a press conference at the Ottawa Athletic Club (OAC), where details of the 23rd annual triathlon were announced.

"We have a lot of relay-entry interest just because people want to participate and support the cause, but they can't do the whole thing."

The July 9 triathlon begins at 8:30 a.m. with a 1,200-metre swim at Meech Lake, followed by a 22-kilometre bike ride and then a seven-kilometre run. The triathlon is being staged to raise funds for the University of Ottawa Heart Institute.

She said the participation level in triathlon sports is growing and even the annual event being held at Gatineau Park is seeing an increase in the number of participants. Only about 50 people entered when the OAC staged its first triathlon and now the number tops more than 400, she added.

"It's a great sporting charity event for any fitness level. You can come out and cheer people on or try and recruit two other friends to each do a leg. Anybody, if they have an interest in either swimming, biking or running, could accomplish this event."

Lynne Bermel of Ottawa, a renowned triathlete competitor, said the OAC triathlon is considered one of the best on the circuit.

"It's mostly because of its location because there are no other races in the Gatineau Park like that and it's just an amazing and challenging course," said Bermel.

"It's kind of a do-able thing and very well organized, that's why people really like it."

She said there are different age and relay categories and the prizes being offered by the organizers are substantial.

"It's not just for the elite (athletes), it's a people's race."

The entry fee is $40 per person. For more information, the public can visit www.ottawaathleticclub.com.

© The Ottawa Citizen, Reprinted With Permission.