Ironman Canada to be replaced with Challenge Penticton

[colby]

Apparently Challenge races also allow even more athletes, even after considering Canada was already one of Ironman's largest races. I read on another site that the Roth Challenge course isn't well-measured at 140.6, which might be a little disappointing.

I also heard from various locals and volunteers that more of Challenge's money stays in the community, so it should be really good for Penticton if they can keep the audience.

Mixed reaction from volunteers, lots of people upset with Ironman Canada for not announcing it in advance, but just as many or more that love it for the race, not for the name. A lot of locals spectating had the "what does that mean?" question more than anything. Athletes... many will do Challenge, many are trying to either qualify for Kona or rack up their legacy finishes (after 12, with 3 years in a row, you can be eligible for a Kona entry), some will never do it again anyway

Lastly, I heard a rumor they are looking at changing the course, even though previously we'd heard they were keeping it the same. The current course does disrupt a lot of major roads, but they've been doing it for so long people seem to be used to it.

I guess we'll see More choice can't be a bad thing!

[Pika]

After spending the weekend in Penticton I must say I am happy about the Challenge Race. A number of us signed up for next year . There was a very good vibe around the whole thing, the sign up was a snap, they actually thanked us for our support, provided water juice snacks etc for those of us waiting in line, it took all of 3 minutes rather than the dauntless task of form fillling with IMC, and best of all I didn't get the feeling I should be thanking them for the honour ..IMC always made me feel like I should just feel super duper lucky that an average person like me can wait 3 hrs in the blazing sun to hand over 800.CND.

A few of the other bonuses are a great refund policy...up to 6weeks before all but 150.00 back rather than the opposite with IMC and I think the first 2 months you can get it all back, not the 2 day rule with IMC.

From the Challenge website they are keeping the route the same and heck it was less expensive- 600.00 all in.
I am looking forward to supporting the new game in town and the town of Penticton. Let the Challenge begin

[Wahine]

Thanks for the info Pika!

I'm happy to hear that Challenge is getting a good response in general.