Kelowna

Photo: Contributed

The initial page launched by Tourism Whistler and then taken down after an hour. It is now back up.

The 2013 Ironman Canada race will be held in Whistler.

The World Triathlon Corporation (WTC) made the announcement late Thursday afternoon, hours after Tourism Whistler apparently jumped the gun in making the announcement.

Tourism Whistler posted a special web page announcing Whistler had been awarded the 2013 race, beating out bids from Kelowna and Hunstville, On.

The page was taken down about an hour later as media from across BC attempted to verify the information.

While a spokesperson with WTC indicated the announcement would be made official next week, the organization in charge of the Ironman event issued a news release Thursday confirming Whistler as the site.

The official press release is below.

Today, World Triathlon Corporation (WTC) announces Whistler, British Columbia as the new venue of the IRONMAN® Canada triathlon. IRONMAN Canada in Whistler builds on the legacy of the 2010 Winter Olympics, while offering athletes a beautiful, challenging experience in a world-class venue. The event is scheduled for Sunday, Aug. 25, 2013, and will be the 31st running of IRONMAN Canada.

“Whistler is recognized worldwide as a sought-after travel and outdoor recreation destination. As the new host community of IRONMAN Canada, Whistler will immediately earn a reputation as a triathlon destination,” said Steve  Meckfessel, Managing Director of Global Race Operations for WTC. “With its accessibility to major west coast markets, stunning beauty and tourism infrastructure, Whistler will resonate with our athletes, their families and fans of IRONMAN.”

The race will start with a two-loop, 2.4-mile swim in the clean shallow waters of Alta Lake at Rainbow Park, which has an average water temperature of 67 to 72 degrees Fahrenheit in late August. Athletes will enjoy a lakeside transition before starting a one-loop 112-mile bike course that is comparable in difficulty to the bike route at IRONMAN Lake Placid, IRONMAN Coeur d’Alene, and the previous IRONMAN Canada. Athletes will travel south on the Sea-to-Sky Highway before climbing into the Callaghan Valley, site of the Nordic skiing events during the 2010 Winter Olympics. After descending back to the highway, athletes pass through Whistler on their way north to Pemberton. An out-and-back section allows athletes breathtakingly beautiful views of glaciated peaks, while racing on a completely flat section of road. Athletes return to Whistler via the Sea-to-Sky Highway over rolling terrain. The two-loop run course follows the meandering Valley Trail past Lost Lake and Green Lake allowing spectators to reinvigorate athletes with a return through Whistler Village at the halfway point of the run before finishing adjacent to Whistler Olympic Plaza.

“We are absolutely thrilled, and honoured, that Whistler has been chosen from among some of the country’s most spectacular destinations to host IRONMAN  Canada,” said Breton Murphy, Tourism Whistler’s Director of Partnerships and lead for the Whistler Organizing Committee, which responded to the request for proposals by WTC.

“Whistler is a world-class, all-season resort with a global reputation for producing and hosting international events of the highest calibre,” said Murphy. “IRONMAN Canada is a natural fit for our resort – and being selected as its new home speaks to Whistler’s ability to deliver an exceptional experience for both athletes and spectators.”

"Whistler is an outdoor sport Mecca,” said Murphy. "IRONMAN Canada competitors and enthusiasts will marvel at our spectacular mountain ranges, pristine lakes and extensive network of cycling, running and walking trails.”

IRONMAN Canada will be a P-1000 race with a $25,000 USD professional prize purse. Additionally, the race will offer 100 age group slots to the 2013  IRONMAN World Championship taking place on Oct. 12, 2013.