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The return of the ITU World Triathlon Series to Edmonton will bring hundreds of athletes to Hawrelak Park on Friday and Saturday
. Race Manager Sheila Findlay, a triathlon veteran, said there are many reasons why Edmonton is so attractive. for athletes.
"What people are saying over and over again is that Edmonton is a very welcoming city.
"What really sets us apart is our volunteers and our accommodations.
The event operations team spent the last week preparing the park for the event.
On Friday morning, the starting line for the swim was almost ready to be set up by the lake as the sun rose.
Lake in Hawrelak Park where triathletes will be competing in the swimming portion of their events. (CBC)
"In a few days, they turned this into a world-clbad sports field for triathletes," Findlay said.
This year, 670 triathletes, of different levels of experience, are registered to participate, which has not been a problem for volunteers who have worked with many more.
In 2014, ITU 's flagship event, the Grand Final, drew thousands of athletes into the park. The final is expected to return to the city in 2020.
"I think they all want to watch what we can do," Findlay said. "I think we'll give them a very good show."
How to get there
Admission is free and spectators are encouraged to attend either the grandstand or along the course, but there is no on-site parking.
"Parathletes take Hawrelak Park Road and elite athletes use the gate, so it's impossible to get people into the park," Findlay said.
"It makes interesting what we have to do with our roads because there is a way to get there and a way out," she said. . "It's always a small challenge."
Windsor parking at the University of Alberta will offer a special rate to triathlon spectators. There will be shuttles to the park from there, as well as the LRT health sciences station for those taking public transit.
As the sections of Groat Road and Saskatchewan Drive near the park will be closed, private shuttles and taxis will have to stop at one of the two pick-up points.
Cyclists will be able to get to the park.
The ITU World Triathlon finish line in Hawrelak Park. (CBC)
The races start at 1:45 pm. Friday, with the first event being the paratriathlon.
Elite women must start around 5.30pm. followed by the elite men around 19:15
CBC will broadcast the event live here.
The age group events will be held on Saturday from 9 am The mixed relay will begin later in the afternoon at 4 pm
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