It was a day filled with women pushing themselves to their limits, and with their families and community behind them they were able to do so with great success.
With flying colours, Barrhead hosted the third annual Queen of Hearts Triathlon Saturday, Sept. 15.
Participation was up higher than it has been in previous years, with 72 registrations and 70 athletes who were able to show up the day of the event. There were a total of 31 participants on 13 teams, and 57 individuals who took part.
“Our maximum capacity is 75, so we were just 3 under the max for registration this year,” said Queen of Hearts committee member and triathlon participant Laura Munroe. “It’s great. This is the year we’ve had the highest registration.”
Participants could not have asked for better weather this year. Snow, sleet, or rain and chilly wind can all affect performance. However all the athletes were pleasantly surprised.
“You always look at the weather the week before and you start to wonder how it’s going to be,” laughed Munroe. “But a bright sunny day like this, that’s exactly what we wanted.”
The route was good as well, said Munroe. Although she was worried there would be loose rocks while going through the industrial area, the road was clean. There were also a number of volunteers directing participants, preventing any confusion.
“The volunteers were able to give us direction and were very encouraging. They all said, ‘Good job! Keep going!’ And pointed us in the right direction,” said Munroe. “You don’t even realize sometimes where the right turn is because you’re so focused on making it across the finish line, but everyone is there to cheer you in the right direction. They keep you going and keep you on your feet.”
It wasn’t only the volunteers who came out to help. Families and friends of the athletes showed up to give their support, as well as community members. The community support was phenomenal, said Munroe, and everyone was very supportive.
“Just to see everybody come out, even just to cheer on the athletes, it gives everybody encouragement,” she said. “I have two little boys and I saw them both at the finish line and I almost started crying. They were cheering me on. It made such a difference to see them here, and to have my family and people who know me in the community calling out.”
The triathlon is a great way for women to stay fit, and get involved in a challenging and rewarding event. After completing the Queen of Hearts Triathlon for the second year in a row, Munroe said she thinks this is something she will be doing every year from now on.
“I know for a lot of women, this is that push and that drive they need to get themselves in shape,” she said. “It’s such an accomplishment when you finished. You feel great.”
Munroe said the committee and participants would like to thank volunteers, friends, and family who came out, the Alberta Triathlon Association, the Queen of Hearts Triathlon committee and most of all race director Terry Bowman.
“[Terry] gave many hours of his own time and dedication,” said Munroe. “He did a phenomenal job and made the triathlon a true success.
