In a bittersweet day for the Kal RATS organization (the North Okanagan based non-profit sports society), the final sprint triathlon in its 30-year history took place on Sunday, June 23.
The sprint triathlon, which is a 750 metre swim, 18.5 kilometre bike and five km run, was on the shores of Kin Beach.
The race was well-attended, with 82 racers from across the province (and even an Australian), suiting up.
Samuel Lazar, the Salmon Arm native, claimed victory by just 14 seconds over Castlegar’s Casey Robinson. Lazar’s time was a blazing one hour, six minutes and 48 seconds.
Kirsten Vern, Summerland local, was the first woman to cross the line, after one hour, 12 minutes and 59 seconds. She finished the race in 11th overall position.
Mike Robertson was the first Vernonite to cross the line, 19th overall.
Despite this being the last race sponsored by Kal RATS, it was announced that Endurance Health and Fitness will be taking over the rights to it, keeping the tradition of the sprint triathlon alive.
Darlene Wood, president of Kal RATS, was overjoyed with the responses, and turnout of the race.
"It has been lovely, the weather is great, and I am so happy so many people are here."
The full results can be found here.