Philip Raphael, editor
性视界传媒 North Delta Leader
If you are still in need of fulfilling a New Year's resolution to get fit, there is one goal this spring that can keep you in training.
It's the 12th annual Delta Triathlon on April 16 and registration is now open for the swim, bike and run event that is held on one of the flattest courses around.
If you're not keen to get into the event as a competitor, the triathlon is also a good way to lend your time as a volunteer.
The competition is split into two categories鈥攐ne for adults (16 and over) and the Kids of Steel for youths 12 to 15) and kids (eight to 11).
Those youngsters taking part in the eight to 11 year olds race are faced with a 100 metre swim, 3.75 km bike and 1 km run.
In the 12 to 15 group, the course features a 300 metre swim, 7.5 km bike and 2 km run.
For the adults, they have to complete 700 metre swim, 20 km bike ride and 5 km run.
All swims are done in the Ladner Leisure Centre pool.
Organizers advise you to sign up early since the event traditionally fills up quickly.
Volunteer organizer Lindsay Jamieson-Powel said the race requires just over 300 volunteers to make it run smoothly. That figure is up considerably from the early years when about half that number was needed.
"The numbers have risen along with the number of people taking part," she said.
Volunteers come from all over the community and some even end up suiting and lacing up in subsequent races.
"They get inspired about what they are seeing and become triathletes themselves," Jamieson-Powel said, adding some athletes who have suffered injuries close to race day, but still want to play a role, have become volunteers.
"It has worked both ways."
All volunteers receive training and jobs can range from food service to course marshaling.
"Probably the hardest job is at the pool where we get them to count the number of laps the swimmers complete," Jamieson-Powel said. "You've got to do that right, otherwise you can ruin a competitor's race time."
For more information, visit deltatriathlon.ca. If you'd like to register as a volunteer, visit volunteers@corp.delta.bc.ca or call 604-946-3288.
