Drivers are reminded to watch for cyclists and runners on Sunday, July 20 as roughly 800 athletes spring into action for the Peach Classic Triathlon.
This one-day event requires a road closure on Lakeshore Drive in the morning, with cyclists and runners sharing the road for the majority of the event between Penticton and Naramata. Professional traffic control personnel will be along the route and signage at every entry point.
Due to recent events, the City and event organizers have conducted a thorough review of the traffic management plan and have implemented additional precautionary measures to enhance/reinforce event safety.
Anyone driving in the area Sunday morning is advised to slow down, watch for flaggers and allow extra time, should traffic need to be stopped briefly.
Sections of Lakeshore Drive will be closed from 5:30 a.m. and will reopen in waves, with the route fully reopen by 11:15 a.m. Signs will be posted along the route to notify drivers about the road closures and areas where parking will be temporarily not allowed.
Access to Lakeside Resort and Pier Water Sports will be available from Main Street.
Supporters can cheer on the swimmers starting at 7 a.m. from Rotary Park Beach, followed by the biking and running courses along city roads and the Kettle Valley Railway (KVR) Trail toward Naramata and back.
Cyclists will be travelling up Vancouver Hill and along Naramata Road. Runners will also be along the roadside and along the KVR trail. Drivers should use extreme caution and be prepared to share the road with runners and cyclists. ‘Race in Progress’ signs will be posted during the race and all cyclists will be off the road by 10 a.m.
This event, organized by the Penticton Triathlon Club, attracts some of the region’s top athletes and is said to be the longest-held triathlon event in B.C. The full schedule can be found on the event website at peachclassic.ca.
Route maps
More upcoming events
Pow Wow Between the Lakes (July 18-20): The event is intended to bring together the eight bands of the Okanagan Nation Alliance in celebration of Syilx culture and resilience. penticton.ca/powwow
RibFest (July 25-27): Three days of BBQ, live music, beverage garden and family-friendly fun at Okanagan Lake Park. bcribfest.com
Ultraman Canada (July 25-27): Split up over three days, this race totals 515 km. There are four Ultraman events contested around the world, with Ultraman Canada being held in Penticton since 1993. officialultramancanada.com
Peach Festival (Aug. 6-10): This must-do event of summer is one of the largest free family festivals in Canada, dating back to 1947. The Snowbirds return this year with their aerial display to kick off this event, also featuring live outdoor concerts, parades, sport and dance competitions, the Shooting Star Amusements and more. peachfest.com
Dragon Boat Festival (Sept. 6-7): Cheer on the 80+ teams as boats take to the water off Skaha Lake Park. The festival will have a vendor’s market, food trucks and a beverage garden, attracting participants in the thousands. pentictonpaddlesports.com
For more upcoming events, view Penticton's events calendar.