Ironman 5150 triathlon in Vancouver approved for 2016

Vancouver Park Board commissioners have unanimously approved an agreement with Ironman Canada for an Olympic-distance triathlon that will take place in downtown Vancouver on July 10, 2016.

"This is a terrific example of partnership, where all of the different stakeholders come together for the greater good of delivering a fantastic event," said Commissioner Sarah Kirby-Young.

Park Board Commissioners approved the event after asking the organizers to make some adjustments. Some Commissioners had previously expressed concern about how the event would affect traffic and other tourism opportunities during one of the city's busiest months.

Organizers readjusted the competition's hours to address those concerns. There will now be a road closure in Stanley Park from 5:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. on the day of the event to accommodate the cycling portion of the competition.

The Ironman 5150 Series triathlon is a shorter distance than the full Ironman competition; it would include a 1.5 kilometre swim, a 40-kilometre bicycle ride, and a 10-kilometre run in Coal Harbour and Stanley Park, closing roads throughout the area during the event. 

Ironman Canada estimates the triathlon will draw 2,500 competitors and about 10,000 visitors to Vancouver, as well as add Vancouver to the roster of 22 countries that host the iconic events.

Ironman acquired the Subaru Vancouver Triathlon in 2014 with the intent of relocating the event to the downtown area in 2016, according to a Park Board report. 

This is not the first time the city will host large sports events in the downtown area during the summer. The Lululeman SeaWheeze half marathon takes place in August, with participants running a course that includes a section of the Seawall.