Doug Gordon photo.

The Lakeshore Triathlon (previously Kincardine Women’s Triathlon) announced this week that it will be staying in the Town of Saugeen Shores in 2024 and beyond.

In an October 24, 2023 media release, Race Director Sarah Foster said they are excited for a new chapter, citing amazing support from the Town, the business community and Saugeen Shores residents. "We had overwhelming feedback from our race volunteers and participants to keep the race here. We are glad Saugeen Shores is willing to continue to host us," Foster said.

The Lakeshore Women’s Triathlon will be held at the Port Elgin Main Beach on July 20, 2024. Registration details are expected soon.

"The Town is excited to pick up the mantle of host community for this great event,” said Saugeen Shores Mayor Luke Charbonneau, adding that the race receives widespread support from local athletes and residents, as well as the Saugeen Shores business community.

"As a regional recreational hub, Saugeen Shores is pleased to see sporting events like this choosing our community," said Charbonneau.

Organizers noted that the location of the swim at Port Elgin also offers a more sheltered venue, with a higher likelihood that the swim will be held each year.

Since 2001, the race has been held in Kincardine, missing only two years in 2020 and 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The Town of Saugeen Shores offered to host the race in 2023 when Kincardine was unable to due to construction on Queen Street.

"We are grateful for the 20 years we were able to run our race in Kincardine,” Foster said. “The Kincardine community was very supportive to us over the years, and we hope our race participants and volunteers from the Kincardine community will continue to support us in Saugeen Shores."

The 2023 event contributed more than $7,500 to Saugeen Shores and surrounding area including $5,000 to the Women’s House Serving Bruce and Grey, $1,000 each to Community Living's Port Elgin branch, the Saugeen Shores Lifesaving Club, the Bruce Shrine Club and the Kincardine Rescue Boat and $250 each to the Canadian Cancer Society and Ronald McDonald House.

Now that the Lakeshore Triathlon has found a new home, organizers are looking for help to plan the 2024 race. Anyone interested can email racedirector@lakeshoretri.com and while general help is welcome, the race is specifically looking for a treasurer, communications support, volunteer coordination and help in the area of sponsorship.

You can stay up to date with the race on Facebook and Instagram or visit lakeshoretri.com.