Despite an usually low number of participants, five competitors broke record times at the 13th annual Squamish Triathlon - A Memorial to Bob McIntosh on Sunday (July 11).
"I'm disappointed we didn't have more numbers. It's one of the lowest ones we've had," said outgoing race director Peter Hotston.
"But I think the people that came had a very good race and we had some very fast times."
Out of 212 participants who competed in the 2010 triathlon that began at Alice Lake and ended at Don Ross Secondary School, 30 were local participants and more than half of the local triathletes earned a podium finish in their category.
The record for the fastest overall men's time of 1:56:37 as established in 2006 was broken by Vancouver's Ian Young with a time of 1:54:11 and by Squamish's very own Jan Venca Francke with a time of 1:55:35.
Young said he was happy he could even finish the race, let alone do it in record time, since he's in the midst of recovering from a groin injury.
"It feels great. It's been over a year. I had to DNF at Ironman Canada last year with an injury, so it feels great to finish one. I know the potential has always been there to do well in the sport, it's just a matter of keeping healthy."
The fastest local man, Francke, said he's happy with his overall time, which secured him a second place overall finish.
"I think the time is good, so it's a good start to the season," said Francke, who moved to Squamish less than three months ago from the Czech Republic.
"I'm new in here so I didn't know how many guys would be that strong."
Both Young and Francke broke the men's record for the 37-kilometre bike ride, beating the 2008 record of 59:21 with times of 54:12 and 58:42 respectively.
Vancouver's Andrew Powell also broke the cycling record with a time of 57:58, as did Delta's Marc-Jason Locquiao with a ride time of 59:08.
Francke said he kept up with Young on the swim across Alice Lake but once Young got on his bike, he took off and couldn't be caught.
"At the swimming we were swimming together. It was quite fast but I did good and he was leading. On the bike he was just flying and I wasn't able to keep up with him. I was just pushing by myself just trying to keep as fast as I can."
By the time the 26-year-old Squamish resident got to the 10-kilometre run, he knew Young was unreachable.
"On the run, I pushed as hard as I could but I knew there's no more chance keep up with him."
For Young, the run was the toughest and something he plans to spend a lot of time improving.
"I felt really good out there on the swim and the bike and then the run - I've got work to do. It's just the one that comes hardest to me so I need to work on it and stay healthy."
Victoria's Sarah Baker finished first in the women's category with a time of 2:09:46. The four time Squamish Triathlon participant said she was pleased she shaved two minutes off the 2008 biking record of 1:04:22.
"It was a good day, I'm happy."
Baker said 10 kilometres running over trail terrain posed the most difficulty for her.
"The run was actually kind of rocky which was a bit challenging for me, especially given that I lack coordination and I've tripped twice on this course before."
Garibaldi Highland resident Richard Avedon-Savage was the fourth local to cross the finish line, and finished third in the men's 30 to 34 category.
"It feels awesome. The run was a little warm, but expected. It was great."
Of the 35 relay teams who competed in the event, 21 local teams competed and five finished on the podium.
The entire event went smoothly despite a few participants getting road rash and one racer breaking a collarbone, according to Hotston.
Hotston expressed gratitude for everyone's hard work, especially the nearly 300 volunteers who help on event day.
"They did a great job and some of the jobs are pretty difficult, especially picking up all the equipment, setting it up and taking it down. It's often hard to find people to do that."
The outgoing race director said he still plans to be involved with the event in year to come, just in a much smaller capacity.
"It's kind of sad but it's a sensible decision because I think we definitely need younger people and it would be good to get new leadership and you've got to pass it on at some time anyway."
For the full results of 13th annual Squamish Triathlon - A Memorial to Bob McIntosh, visit raceheadquarters.com.
