The Corner Brook Triathlon is now the Humber Valley Triathlon.
The Town of Pasadena has formed a partnership with Cycle Solutions to host the event in the community July 28-29.
Cycle Solutions communications and events co-ordinator Cory Decker said there were a number of factors that led to a change in venue for this year’s triathlon, which will continue to feature a Kids of Steel event.
Decker said logistics came into play when organizers discovered there will be challenges to face with hosting it in Corner Brook because of roadwork being carried out, specifically the major overhaul of the Main Street Bridge and expected congested traffic with major work expected to be carried out in the Park Street area this summer.
Other factor in the decision to seek another venue was that organizers have seen the numbers dip over the last couple of years so they figured a change of scenery may be the answer.
“We wanted to come up with a new course and kind of breathe new life into it,” he said.
Decker said Pasadena seemed like a great fit for the event with its flat terrain and close proximity to the beach and routes used for the biking and running portion.
He was impressed with how the town was willing to be a big supporter of the race and how much it was willing to do to help make it happen.
Decker says the course has what it takes to provide a safe and enjoyable experience, so he is confident the triathlon will become a regular fixture in the town.
Pasadena Mayor Gary Bishop is excited about adding the triathlon to the list of sporting events as council focuses its energy on promoting it as a sports tourism destination on the west coast.
Bishop said the people of Pasadena are always supportive of community events and he doesn’t expect anything different with the triathlon.
He said he hasn’t formalized the town’s contribution to the event with the town council, but he doesn’t foresee difficulty in getting approval from council to be one of the gold sponsors of the event. As a gold sponsor, the town will be committed to providing $1,500-$2,000 in cash as well as in-kind services such as providing a safe venue and supplying event organizers with everything from trailers for equipment to volunteers to lend a helping hand.
It’s a chance for Pasadena to take advantage of some new money with people spending money on food, gas and other amenities over the two days, Bishop said.
“It gives us exposure to our town,” he said.
