Photo: Peach Classic Triathlon

A runner completes the 2017 triathlon.

The 36th annual Peach Classic Triathlon is taking place this Sunday. 

"The event offers something for every athlete from beginners to experienced athletes looking for a good challenge and good competition," said race director Steve Brown.

This year, the event includes a national qualifying race in the aqua/bike category, which features a 1.5 kilometre swim and a 40 kilometre bike, and does not include a run. Winners in their age groups are able to qualify for the 2019 World Championships in Spain. 

Other events include the sprint distance, a 750 metre swim, 20 kilometre bike and five kilometre run, and the standard distance, which is a 1.5 kilometre swim, 40 kilometre bike and 10 kilometre run.

Brown said the registration numbers are similar to past years, with a small increase. They expect to see around 350 athletes total. 

The races begin at 7 a.m. in Rotary Park, and traffic on the 100 block of Main Street will be rerouted for the morning. 

Brown is looking forward to celebrating another milestone for the race.

"This is our feature event for 36 years, and is the longest running continuous triathlon event in British Columbia," he said. 

The triathlon is still looking for volunteers to help coordinate the race, and those who do will receive a free Peach Classic Triathlon shirt and a post-event meal. For more information on how to volunteer, contact volunteer coordinator Dawn at 250-486-5373 or [email protected].

Photo: City of Penticton

City of Penticton staff setting up the swim course this week