Edmonton, Alberta — Come to participate or just watch. Either way, the Edmonton Winter Triathlon offers a great deal of fun on a winter's day. "It's something that people look forward to in the Edmonton winter scene," says Russell Gottschalk, race director since 2000.
Part of the Silver Skate Festival, Edmonton's longest running winter festival, the Edmonton Winter Triathlon is held in the sprawling scenic beauty of Hawrelak Park, in the city's famed river valley, which is 22 times the size of New York's Central Park and, during winter, a must-see.
Now in its 19th year, the Edmonton Winter Triathlon offers even greater intensity of action this year. The order of events has been changed to a 10 km skate, 10 km ski, and5 km run, thanks to an interesting innovation in sporting equipment. "Clip-on skates allow you to clip a blade onto a ski boot, so it makes for a quick transition," says Gottschalk.
Running in conjunction with the triathlon are a 25 km and 50 km skate marathon presented by the Silver Skate Festival and the Edmonton Speed Skating Club. Throughout the Sunday afternoon, the Silver Skate Festival provides no end of great outdoor winter Edmonton entertainment for families: artistic and cultural activities, a snow sculpting competition, sleigh rides, and more. The 19th Annual Edmonton Winter Triathlon takes place on February 22, 2009 as part of the Silver Skate Festival, which runs from February 20-22, 2009. For more information go to:
www.silverskatefestival.org
The Winter Light Festival continues to keep Edmonton bright all the way through March 21, 2009."There's a lot of light in the spirit of the community," says Pamela Anthony, festival producer of the Winter Light Festival, which shines a light on the best in Edmonton, Alberta culture and entertainment all season long. Highlights of the festival for February include: Hearts of Fire on Valentine's Day, February 14, showcasing the Edmonton downtown core with an evening of fire, fun and feasts; the Family Day celebrations in City Hall and on Churchill Square, February 16; and the Winter Light Star Party in Elk Island Park, with a brilliant night of astronomy campfires and food on February 28. For more information go to: www.winterlight.ca
