Annual Frank Dunn Triathlon brings 152 runners to Waskesiu this weekend

The Frank Dunn Toyota Triathlon is returning to Waskesiu for the 36th time on Sunday, and although all the runners have already registered, race director Mark Nagy said volunteers are still welcome to help the participants stay safe and hydrated.

“We’re always looking for people to work traffic because safety’s the biggest issue now and we need people to work aid stations, so if you’re in the park and you want to come out and you want to get a T-shirt and a meal, come and volunteer,” Nagy said.

“We’re always looking for kayakers in the water. If a person has a paddleboard or a kayak and wants to come out to supervise the swim course, by all means come on out.”

Nagy said it typically takes around 90 volunteers to keep the triathlon going. They are the ones who provide passing athletes with water and sports beverages and make sure that vehicles do not cut in front of bikers, “because these guys are travelling at high speeds and we need to make sure that they’re safe when they’re out there.”

This year volunteers will be especially crucial, as the race is seeing its greatest numbers in recent history. 152 individuals and 56 teams are registered this year. Runners are coming from across the province and as far as Manitoba and British Columbia to the east and west and the Northwest Territories to the north.

Those interested in volunteering for the triathlon can meet at the Waskesiu Community Hall at 7 a.m. to receive a T-shirt, an assignment and a meal ticket.

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