How a PTO Tour Event Stacks Up

August 25, 2022

2:45 am on race day. Our alarm was set for that time, although I was already awake waiting for it, having slept furtively all night, all for a triathlon in Edmonton that I had registered for back in February, when it seemed like a great idea — the PTO Canadian Open. The 100 km race distance would cover a 2 km swim, 80 km bike, and 18 km run.

I am a 70 year old triathlon returnee, having originally raced one thirty plus years ago. I started again after being around them as volunteers at Lake Cahuilla in La Quinta, California where my wife and I spend our winters. 2019 was my return year, completing a couple of Olympic distance events before doing my first Ironman branded event, a 70.3 at La Quinta in December, 2019. After taking 2020 off due to the pandemic, I went racing again at La Quinta in 2021. And then we made the decision to try out the PTO Tour event in 2022.

Away at dark:30 for the hour and quarter drive to Edmonton. We saw a beautiful sunrise just before arriving at the designated parking lot where shuttle buses took us to the race site at Hawrelak Park, a short distance away. This parking arrangement was excellent as it is a University facility, so with no classes, basically unlimited covered parking was available. Arriving at the park, over to transition to set up my bike/ run gear, squeeze into my wetsuit and be ready for the 6:00 am plunge into the pond.

They sent one competitor every five seconds to do three laps of the pond. Sorry, lake. The water was a very comfortable temperature but had a very prairie pond-ish appearance and fragrance. This is not a problem, just a observation. After each lap, an Australian exit was required, then plunge back in for laps two and three. The swim around a small island was well marked with large yellow buoys, until you got to the far side of the island where the organizers used smaller reddish – orange floats. With swimming into the rising sun, along with a few orange swim caps and my requirement for prescription eye wear, it was challenging to keep a straight line swim. In spite of this, I was happy with my swim, finishing in a hair over 36:00 minutes. Out of my wetsuit with the help of volunteer strippers, I was away to T1. Heading to T1 we had a 200 to 300m run. This was on the wonderful blue carpets, except for about 50 m of asphalt.

Into bike gear, out of transition and onto the bike. The race course was along traffic-free city streets comprising four laps of 20 km each. The first lap was a bit of an exploration, looking for the smoothest line, but then it was full speed ahead on subsequent laps. This leg was fun and challenging, keeping you fully engaged with the ride, putting a premium on bike handling skills compared to the other races I have done. I appreciated not having any tedious climbs.

Typically our Alberta roadways don’t always have the smoothest surfaces (unless recently paved), but the organizers did a commendable job to get the bike course in presentable condition. They had spray patched deep cracks and ruts, carried out some micro surfacing of rough areas and had swept the road surfaces. There were still some abrupt bumps in a couple of intersections that I crashed through on a couple of laps, cursing each time. Before I came through on my last lap, they had spray painted these spots. Muchly appreciated. The organizers had fantastic traffic control at every intersection.

The run course stayed within the park, utilizing the roadways and developed smooth, gravel trails. This included a pedestrian bridge across the River then return to the start -finish. Repeat four times. My race plan was keep the run even, steady……and don’t walk. I succeeded, even though the day warmed quite a bit and the humidity sky rocketed. It was a tough run for me but with running through the start finish area each lap, my wife and daughter were there in the bleachers cheering me on. It was a real boost to receive that crowd energy on course. With four well manned and equipped aid stations, two hoses misting water and being with the other runners dealing with the same situations, it was a great day, and I did win my age group.

The organizers did a commendable job. The PTO has partnered with experienced race producers for these events, so even though it is a first-year event there is a wealth of knowledge in putting on triathlons here and it shows. There were probably more enthusiastic volunteers than there were participants. I never encountered any volunteer or worker that weren’t well versed and friendly in their duties ( registration, bike check in, aid stations and information ). The venue is great as there is acres of grass, with everything in a central location, lots of portapotties along with shade when needed. Viewing for spectators was also top notch. The required bike check in on Saturday and race kit pick up was seamless. This also gave us a chance to figure out the parking, shuttle and driving time for Sunday morning. There could have been a few directional signs at the bus drop off to get us pointed in the right direction, but this is a minor nit.

Compared to an IM branded races, there was less spit and polish. But the race felt closer, more intimate and very friendly. I appreciated the many cheers from spectators. A couple of improvements would be to move the awards podium to an area where spectators could see it. It was right up against the final turn before the runners headed for the finish line. Perhaps even turn the podium around so my adoring public could view it from the unlimited grass area. I did miss having the big finishing clock over the finish line.

That said, the organizers offered us inaugural competitors many perks, including free online access to all the race photos, great swag and a very reasonable entry fee. But I am still waiting for my award as supply chain issues prevented them from arriving on time. I know they hope to increase the number of age group participants, but I am not sure how they would accommodate a ten fold increase to 2000. The swim would get congested but OK, and the run would be fine. I worry most about the bike ride with the 20m no draft zone. With more riders on the 20 km course at any time, there wouldn't be much room left over. But I am sure they will figure it out.