Over 1,000 participants swim, cycle and run at Ironman 70.3 west of Calgary
It might have been a little wet and chilly for the folkies on Sunday, but the weather was just right for the competitors in the Ironman 70.3.
Over one thousand people from around the world swam, cycled and ran Sunday at Lake Harmony, west of Calgary.
For event organizer Tom Bamford, it couldn't have been nicer.
'We're thrilled to be at the community here, just west of Calgary,' he said. 'Lake Harmony is a great venue, because we have open highways, we have vistas of the Rocky Mountains, (and) a beautiful lake to swim in.'
'We've got 1,100 athletes from around the world, (from) 16 countries,' he added, 'and it's a world championship qualifying race for (the Ironman event in) Nice, France next year.'
Bamford said being a world championship qualifying race is significant.
'Well, the race is part of a global series of Ironman events,' he said. 'The 70.3 level is a certain distance, and it has a world championships that athletes can qualify for -- 30 men, 30 women in their own age groups can qualify for the world championships.
Tom Bamford, July 27, 2025
Tom Bamford is the race manager of Ironman 70.3, which took place Sunday at Lake Harmony west of Calgary.
(Tyson Fedor, CTV Calgary)
'We also have hundreds of other athletes,' he added, 'that just really want to get the distance done. And we have relay teams too, enjoying the day.'
He said the wet, chilly weather conditions Sunday made for a tough cycle but by the time participants get to the running portion of the race, they feel better.
'When you're on the bicycle and the wind and the rain (come down), it is a challenging experience, and we're doing some modifications on the course just to make sure everybody gets home safe and sound,' he said.
'But once they hit the run, they start warming up, they get the blood flowing down to the feet -- and everybody kind of is in a better position, and they look forward to that finish line.'
For more about the Ironman 70.3, go here.
With files from CTV's Tyson Fedor
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
National Post
21 minutes ago
- National Post
Argonauts return quarterback Chad Kelly to the injured list
Nick Arbuckle will remain the Toronto Argonauts' starting quarterback for the next little while. Article content Toronto placed incumbent Chad Kelly on the six-game injured list Saturday before its 31-17 home win over the Winnipeg Blue Bombers. The Argos had put Kelly on the one-game list through each week of the season, allowing the CFL's 2023 outstanding player to practise with the team as he recovered from a serious leg injury suffered in last year's East Division final. Article content Article content With Kelly sidelined, Arbuckle led Toronto to its 41-24 Grey Cup win over Winnipeg at B.C. Place. He was named the game MVP after completing 26-of-37 passes for 252 yards with two touchdowns and two interceptions. Article content The Argos were hopeful Kelly might return following their bye week. However, Arbuckle — who has been the starter all season to this point — remained under centre for Toronto's 26-25 loss to Montreal on Thursday before leading the squad to its first home victory Saturday night. Article content And Arbuckle will remain under centre Friday night when Toronto (2-5) visits Winnipeg (3-3) to complete the home-and-home set. Article content 'I think it (placing Kelly on six-game list) is a smart decision,' Toronto coach Ryan Dinwiddie said following Saturday's game. 'We've got to look after Chad and the organization. Article content 'We just can't force his hand, 'Let's play,' when we're not sure yet. When we're fully sure of the situation collectively we'll make that decision. He's willing to play but at the same time we're going to put him on the field when he's ready to play.' Article content Kelly was on Toronto's sidelines Saturday night but Dinwiddie said there's no timeline regarding when the quarterback will make his '25 debut. Article content 'Who knows?' he said. 'That could be week to week but he's working at it. Article content 'He wants to be there for his brothers … he's always around and when he's around he makes us better, on or off the field. When the time comes we'll make that decision but it's got to be collectively … we have to make a decision when it's the right time and we won't make that decision until it is the right time.' Article content Kelly missed Toronto's first nine regular-season games in 2024 due to a CFL-imposed suspension. The six-foot-one, 216-pound American returned to the Argos, completing 175-of-258 passes (67.8 per cent) for 2,451 yards with 10 TDs and eight interceptions. Article content
CBC
21 minutes ago
- CBC
Summer McIntosh wins world title in 400m freestyle
Canadian Olympic medallist Summer McIntosh has added another world championship medal to her list of accomplishments, handily winning the 400-metre freestyle. McIntosh is aiming for five gold medals in individual events at the worlds in Singapore.
CBC
an hour ago
- CBC
Bay and Algoma Buskers Festival marks 10th year
While some intense weather caused some concern over the weekend, the 2025 Bay and Algoma Buskers Festival was a success, organizers said. The 10th annual festival ran Saturday and Sunday in the Bay and Algoma neighbourhood. It featured various food and merchandise vendors, and performers from Thunder Bay, and around the world, including: Steve Goodtime Seb and Fritzzz Fraser Hooper Skye the Guy Kasmir the Hungry The Kidd Creed Statuary Women in Silk Taiko Drummers Phineas Gauge, and the Bay Street Bastards. Things got underway later than planned on Sunday, due to a heavy downpour that hit the city late in the morning, said Uriel Lubuk, one of the event's coordinators. "It was awesome to see a lot of the arts and culture community come out," he said. "Awesome vendors, lots of smiley faces, lots of kids." "We've always wanted free family fun," Lubuk said. "People come down, tip the buskers, see something new and amazing that they haven't seen before." One of the local buskers was Zachary Ross, who performed both Saturday and Sunday. "I've started learning how to do folk music," he said. "I host open mics at Lakehead Beer Company, and yeah, just love the community and love going out to play." "I think it's a great time," he said of the festival. "I love seeing everyone out here." Lubuk said organizers are already turning their attention to next year's buskers festival "and just seeing how we could push through, do a little bit better next year, but just keep the vibes the same."
