Mark your calendar! The dates for the 2014 ITU World Triathlon Grand Final in Edmonton, CANADA are set for August 26-September 2, 2014.

Locally, the race will be known as TRIEDMONTON: The Rally in the Valley, a recognition of Edmonton’s expansive river valley, a ribbon of green through the city that includes more than 160 km of multi-use trails. 

“We will be ready to welcome the world,” says Don Lowry, Chairman, 2014 ITU World Triathlon Grand Final. “Our local organizing committee is busy making plans to ensure all athletes, spectators and sponsors will have a memorable first class race experience in Canada.”

Hawrelak Park will serve as the main venue and scenic backdrop for five days of heart-pumping, fast-paced race action. Athletes will begin their world championship quest in Hawrelak Park Lake, transition to the River Valley, bike through the Provincial Legislature grounds and the University of Alberta area of Edmonton and run amid the cheers of thousands of cheering fans in the temporary stadium area in Hawrelak Park. In addition to hosting nine ITU World Cups from 2002-2013, Hawrelak Park served as the host venue for the 2001 Triathlon World Championships.

The annual event starts with the Sport and Lifestyle EXPO on August 26 and wraps up with the ITU Congress on September 2. More than 4,000 athletes are expected to descend on Edmonton and take part in the week-long festivities including a parade of nations, and opening and closing ceremonies. Races take place Aug. 27 – Sept. 1 and include the elite men’s and women’s competition as well as U23, junior, para, aquathlon, team triathlon, olympic and sprint age group world championships. A detailed schedule will be released at a later date.

Make plans to be in Edmonton in 2014. It will be epic, naturally.

For more information, visit www.edmonton.triathlon.org.

Written by Bernie Poitras