Whistler renews Ironman Canada contract for 2018-2020

Ironman Canada the Resort Municipality of Whistler and Tourism Whistler announced Friday that the contract for the Subaru Ironman triathlons in Whistler has been renewed. The community will now play host to both the Subraru Ironman Canada and Subaru Ironman 70.3 Canada triathlons in Whistler for 2018 through 2020.

The decision to hold three more years of the world renowned event comes just days before the 35th Ironman takes place in Whistler on July 30th. “…we are thrilled to continue this defining and incredibly scenic race in the series of global events” said Shane Facteau, Chief Operating Officer for Ironman. “We have had a great partnership with the community of Whistler since 2013 and look to further that as we promote the whole region with these events.”

Whistler won the right to host Ironman Canada for five years in 2012, and added Ironman 70.3 in 2016. Mayor Nancy Wilhelm-Morden says the events have generated approximately $42 million in economic activity over the past four years; “Looking ahead, even though Whistler’s economy is currently thriving, the Subaru Ironaman events help us to ensure our economic resiliency in the future. The Subaru Ironman Canada events also fit with our sport culture and build on our reputation as a world class destination for events.” According to a news release the Ironman Foundation has provided over $200,000 to charities and not-for-profit organizations in Squamish, Whistler, and Pemberton.

“We look forward to working together with Tourism Whistler members, the RMOW, Ironman and the communities of Whistler and Pemberton to ensure the continued success of Subaru Ironman Canada” says Karen Goodwin, Tourism Whistler’s Vice President of Destination & Market Development. “As we move forward over the next three years, collaboration will be especially important to ensure the Subaru Ironman Canada event continues to improve and flourish.”

Approximately 2,900 athletes from 33 countries are registered for this years’ events and around 10,000 spectators are expected to attend, along with 2,000 volunteers. “We are proud to welcome dedicated Ironman athletes, along with their coaches, families and support teams for both training and competition,” says Mayor Wilhelm-Morden.

Recently the Village of Pemberton Mayor and Council voted against recommending that Ironman Canada use Pemberton Meadows Road as part of the event’s route in the future. The cycling component for the 2018-2020 races is still under discussion.

The Village of Pemberton says they will continue to work with their partners to develop bike route alternatives that have the least impact to all groups, with public safety being a top priority, saying in a statement; ‘The Village acknowledges the Ironman event as a world class event – the level of athleticism, dedication and training of the participants is inspiring. We will be keeping the lines of communication open and will continue to work together with all of our partners.’