Triathlon in Newfoundland and Labrador  

Simon Whitfield winning gold in Sydney. Simon competed in the Corner Brook ITU Race 2003.

Unless you are a triathlete, or are married to one, you probably don't know
much about the TRI scene here in our province.

In fact I bet you didn’t know that the history of Triathlon in
Newfoundland goes back almost 25 years, and that there are now 7 races
Scattered across the province.

And in case you wanted to know, or maybe even wanted to tri one, a list of races are as follows, starting on the west coast and moving east.

1. Stephenville
2. Corner Brook
3. Gander
4. Carbonear
5. Paradise
6. St. John's
7. Torbay

Here is a brief description of these events, in my own words, in order
of their starts.

Paradise Triathlon.
WHERE: Octagon Pond Paradise
WHEN: Usually mid to late June
THE GOOD: Kicks off the busy Newfoundland and Labrador Triathlon Season.
THE BAD: Early season start means a cold swim. The 2011 event was
changed to a duathlon on race morning because of cold water
temperatures.

Stephenville Triathlon.
WHERE: 2011 event started at the Regional Aquatic Centre pool. Hoping
to move to an outdoor venue for 2012
WHEN: Early to mid July. 2011 was the weekend prior Carbonear
THE GOOD: The resurgence of an old event. Once a popular event on
everyones calendar, the race stopped after 2006, but has resurfaced.
THE BAD: Timing. So many events coming up one after the other, may
make it difficult to fit into a busy schedule.

Carbonear Triathlon.
WHERE: Swim and bike starts in Freshwater, The run starts and ends at
the Recreation Centre in Carbonear.
WHEN: Mid July, however organizers in the past have been flexible with
the date so as to not interfere with too many other events. Also,
traditionally the race has been a late morning start allowing athletes
to travel from St. John’s, about an hour and a half away.
THE GOOD: The coastal cycling route through Freshwater is one of the
most scenic bike courses you will find anywhere.
THE BAD: That same scenic cycling route is also on some of the worst
roads you will find in any race that’s not an Xterra.

Corner Brook Triathlon.
WHERE: Glynmill Inn Pond Corner Brook.
WHEN: Late July.
THE GOOD: Tradition and experience. Corner Brook is where it all
started, almost 25 years ago. It’s seen Olympic and Ironman Champions
on its course.
THE BAD: One of the toughest run courses you will ever do.

ST. John’s Triathlon.
WHERE: Rotary Sunshine Park just outside St. John’s
WHEN: Early August, usually the first Sunday following Regatta.
THE GOOD: Short swim, 1000m for the standard distance, 500m for the
sprint. Ideal for new athletes who are not strong swimmers.
THE BAD: The weather. Consistantly inconsistent, especially the wind.
Rarely is there no headwind on the outer ring road.

Gander Triathlon.
WHERE: Cobbs Pond Rotary Park, Gander
WHEN: Mid to late August.
THE GOOD: Flat course.
THE BAD: They always schedule it when I have other plans. I want to do
this race badly next year.

Torbay Tri for Health.
WHERE: Whiteaway’s Pond Torbay
WHEN: End of August, Last race of the year
THE GOOD: Fundraiser. The 2011 event raised $28,810 for Mental Health.
TH BAD: Fundraiser. After Girl Guides/Sparks, Basketball, Curling,
Gymnastics, not to mention School, I really don’t have the motivation
to raise the $100 minimum for the race entry. Hats off to those who
did.