The 16th edition of the Squamish Triathlon: A Memorial to Bob McIntosh is set to challenge competitors once again on July 7, 2013.

Registration for the Squamish Triathlon will open soon at last year’s prices for those who register early. The timing of this year’s event may attract a handful of new athletes, as the Squamish Triathlon will take place six weeks before the Ironman Canada race in Whistler on Aug. 25.

“We are excited to offer triathletes, and especially Ironman competitors, an Olympic distance competition featuring a similar swim experience, a ride course that includes hills and a trail run ahead of Ironman Canada in Whistler,” race director John French said in a statement. “The Sea to Sky Corridor is honoured to host Ironman and the Squamish Triathlon is privileged to act as a test event for the long distance competitors training for the 140.6-mile competition.”

The 2013 race will take place at Don Ross Secondary School in Brackendale. The lake swim will be held in Alice Lake, the bike course includes the Squamish Valley Road, Government Road, Depot Road and Highway 99 while the trail run is a two-lap course inside the bike route. Team entries of two and three are welcome to register along with solo entries.

“This is a great time to confirm work, family and friend team rosters and start training for the race this summer,” French said. “Having a goal to train toward and people to swim, bike and run with always helps athletes to stick with a workout schedule through the winter months.”

The Squamish Triathlon is held every July in memory of local triathlete Bob McIntosh, After he passed away in 1997 a group of his friends came together to create his dream of organizing a triathlon in Squamish. A scholarship is awarded every year to a pair of local students who possess demonstrated abilities in academics, athletics and citizenship. Throughout its history, the event has doled out over $40,000 in student scholarships.

For more information on the race, visit www.squamishtriathlon.org.