From elite athletes to first-timers, the Wellington North Fun Challenge continues to live up to its name.
Despite a threat of inclement weather, and ongoing problems with Lion Roy Grant Community Pool, the 6th annual mini triathlon went off without a hitch on Saturday morning in Mount Forest. Participants began arriving early, and by the time Chris Clark officially opened the event with a moonsault belly flop at 9 a.m., a full 78 competitors were on hand to take in the festivities.
“Getting everybody out and seeing everybody having fun, that’s what this event is all about,” said Mike Burke, who founded and continues to spearhead the Fun Challenge alongside Dave Moran, Harold Wollis, Clover Dukes and Wellington North Recreation.
Mr. Burke offered his sincere thanks to the many sponsors and dedicated volunteers who so generously get behind the day, and make it such a success year in and year out.
The annual Fun Challenge has evolved into a rare athletic event, where participants of all ages and abilities gather to push themselves to personal bests, and challenge one another to get active. Because the emphasis is on fun, some runners walk the route, swimmers can seek solace in the shallow end, and relay teams allow participants to focus on their various strengths.
“It’s local, and it’s so much fun, with a capital F,” said Ann Marie Barnes, who was enjoying her fifth Fun Challenge on Saturday. Together with her daughter Robyn Barnes in the pool and John Bowden burning up the road race, “Team 3B” finished their day as the top relay entry.
A pair of champions returned for their annual Challenge as well. Elite triathlete Derek Grant