2016 Challenge Penticton hosts the 34th year of long distance triathlon.
Two Penticton-based athletes have won the 2016 Challenge Penticton title. Jeff Symonds won the men’s race in 5:32:39 with a day-best run split of 1:45. Jen Annett won the women’s race in 6:13:49.
“That was unbelievable,” said Jeff. “The guys were crushing it in the swim and bike, but I stuck to my guns and waited for the run – that’s my bread and butter. I had so much support out there cheering me on which helped out a lot. World championships are here next year and I’m coming for that title.”
Top Three Men:
Jeff Symonds (Penticton, B.C.) 5:32:39
Drew Scott (Boulder, CO) 5:37:26
Jordan Bryden (Calgary, AB) 5:40:46
Jen captured the title after an epic run battle that saw her shoulder to shoulder with Liz Lyles of Reno, Nevada toward the end of the 30-km run. Annett pulled away in the closing stages and finished 32 seconds ahead of Lyles.
“This feels absolutely amazing! I had no idea I had that in me,” said Jen. “There were so many world-class athletes here, and they pushed me harder than I’ve ever gone before. I had to dig so deep inside and the result feels great. I’m thrilled for this payoff after the past year of hard work.”
Top Three Women:
Jen Annett (Penticton, B.C.) 6:13:39
Liz Lyles (Reno, NV) 6:14:19
Karen Thibodeau (Victoria, B.C.) 6:22:53
In addition to the excellent times posted by the top three athletes, it is predicted that almost 500 athletes qualified for ITU Multisport World Championships Festival in Penticton next August.
“Congratulations to Jeff and Jen for the big win, and to everyone who toed the line today,” said Michael Brown, Executive Director of Penticton 2017. “We are ecstatic about the test events this week, it has provided us with opportunity to see the strengths of the races and where we need to improve. We’re grateful to Penticton for the support around the event and we’re extremely excited for next year.”