Canada Day early-birds at Fairmont Hot Springs Resort got a taste of adventure and recreation before hitting the barbecue stands.
The fourth annual Fairmont Fantastic 3 triathlon kicked off just after 9 a.m. on July 1, featuring 29 participants.
Proceeds raised from the event went to the Fairmont Business Association to support other recreation activities and similar events at Fairmont throughout the summer and winter seasons.
Fairmont and District Lions Club members were on-hand to volunteer with registration services and other general help.
Lions Club members have been volunteering with every Fairmont Fantastic 3 since the event was first launched.
The triathlon featured a wilderness sprint, with fir trees and other spectacular sights to behold along the way.
Participants began in the all-natural mineral waters of the Fairmont Hot Springs (600m), then moved onto two mountain-biking loops (12km).
A trail run back to the Fairmont grounds completed the course (4.5k).
After times were tallied, the participants and winners were applauded by the Canada Day crowd at the Fairmont Hot Springs Resort Base Camp.
Jakub Sumbera won the men’s single race, and Tanis Tomlin won the women’s single race.
Team “Old School,” featuring Niels Kunze, Tyson McCarthy and Kris Weller won the team race.
Triathlon organizer Lucas Rosmau acknowledged the hard work of each participant before handing out awards.
Winners recieved a commemorative shirt, as well as free admission into next year’s triathlon.
Door prizes for all participants were drawn after the main awards.
Participants then went on to enjoy cold drinks and a delicious barbecue lunch as other Canada Day events took place on the Base Camp grounds.
“We really stress and make an effort to acknowledge every athlete,” said Rosmau.
As for feedback from the competitors, it seems the mountain bike loops had perked some positive responses.
“Those who could ride the loops said that it was awesome,” said Rosmau. “Everyone has said they had a little adventure today.”
Each participant’s times will be posted online for personal review. To check the scores of the July 1 competitors, or learn more about the event, visit fairmontlife.org.