Posted: June 6, 2005

Athletics: Somersault Enters 8th Year As Pre-Eminent Triathlon, Duathlon And Run Organizer In Eastern Canada

By Louise Rachlis

"Our growth has come from first-timers and women which means we are living up to our credo of offering something for everyone." Terry McKinty, Somersault Promotions.

Running and More: Brought to you by New Balance Ottawa

"Is this your first triathlon?"

My friend Kristin and I got that question frequently as we did the Somersault Early Bird Spring Triathlon at Carleton University for the third time just over two weeks ago.

Ironic, because although we may be slow, this year we did know what we were doing, and what to expect.

We can't blame fellow competitors for not knowing what to make of two 58-year-old women with their race numbers and age printed in black marker on their cellulite arms and legs. We had promoted ourselves to the Sprint distance - 500 metre swim/22K bike/ 5K run - after getting our feet wet in the Somersault Early Bird Try a Tri for two years.

We've also done Somersault's Smiths Falls Triathlon as a team, and their Graham Beasley Triathlon in Carleton Place. We are grateful to Somersault for putting on such a welcoming and well organized set of races so that all abilities can participate comfortably.

"Last year we hosted 5,400 participants, involved 1,000 volunteers in, and drew approximately 7,500 spectators to the events," says Terry McKinty of Somersault Promotions. "We anticipate 7,000 participants in 2005 and are now the second largest triathlon and duathlon event series in Canada."

Two major regional and Canadian events are part of the Series - the "Ottawa Fall Colours Marathon" and the "Canadian Iron Distance Triathlon." Both have participant fields of well over 1,500 participants.

"We are really pleased that our events have opened doors for those who may not have considered doing a triathlon," says Terry with pride. "Our growth has come from first-timers and women which means we are living up to our credo of offering something for everyone."

Although Somersault's nine events are organized for the participants, the Somersault Series supports many charitable causes through its event program, including Candlelighters Childhood Support Program, the overall series charity.

New Balance Ottawa is pleased to be a sponsor of the Somersault Series.

Check out the Somersault website at www.somersault.ca.

This article originally appeared in the Ottawa Citizen and is reprinted with permission