The Kelowna Apple Triathlon has been cancelled for this year.
Organizers announced Friday on the event’s webpage that they are taking what they called a “sabbatical year,” in order to allow athletes, volunteers and members the ability to fully support the tri-community and the International Triathlon Union Multisport World Championship Festival, which runs Aug. 18 to 27 in Penticton, B.C.
Ernie Lalonde, Kelowna Apple Triathlon board chairman said suspending the event this year was the right thing to do in support of the ITU Worlds in Penticton, anti will give organizers time to refresh the local race for 2018.
“(The) Kelowna Apple Triathlon has a history of support from the community, volunteers, and athletes and we fully expect the 2018 race will continue this legacy promoting the Okanagan as a destination location for healthy lifestyle events,” he said.
Kelowna Mayor Colin Basran said while the race will be missed this year, the city likes the direction organizers are taking to make what he called “this elite event” even bigger and better for next season and for years to come.
In addition to announcing the suspension of the race this year, the KAT board also announced that M1 Sports Management Inc. has been hired to run the Apple Triathlon in 2018
The race is scheduled for the weekend of Aug. 18 and 19 in downtown Kelowna.
“Taking on a race as iconic as the Apple is such a wonderful opportunity for M1, said Susie Ernsting, co-owner of M1.
“We are looking forward to working with the board, sponsors, stakeholders, the local community and volunteers to continue to grow the Apple into one of Canada’s most prominent sporting events.”
M1 has what was described as a deep history with the tri-community, organizing the Subaru Vancouver Triathlon, Vancouver 5150 Triathlon, Iron Girl Vancouver and most recently the upcoming ITU World Multisport World Championships Festival in Penticton.
It also oversees BC Superweek, North America’s most prestigious road cycling series, and has been involved in past events such as the World Police and Fire Games and the Americas Masters Games.