The long-standing Heart of the Rockies is back once again to test the mettle of valley triathletes.

The race has been around in various guises and on different courses for 32 years now, and this time, for the first time ever, will use chip timing.

“We cater to beginner and novices. A lot of people use Heart of the Rockies as their first triathlon, since it’s not intimidating,” said organizer Bruce Stroud, speaking about the race’s popularity. “There’s not a lot of hype and there are not a lot of egos, even though we do get some professionals coming down to vie for the cash prizes.”

This year’s edition of the adult’s race is slated for Sunday, July 13th while the Young Hearts triathlon for kids aged 4 to 14 will take place the day before on Saturday, July 12th.

On Sunday, there will be the normal Olympic distance race and the Spring distance (half the Olympic distance) as well as the ever-popular relay, which allows participants to compete as a team.

“We have the full range when it comes to participants, everybody from four year olds right up to people in their seventies,” said Mr. Stroud. “It’s often a family affair, with kids racing one day and their parents racing the next.”

There is a loyal following of participants — many of them have been doing the race for years, according to Mr. Stroud.

Discounted early bird rates end this Saturday, on May 31st. To learn more about the race or to sign up, check out heartoftherockiestri.ca.