Kin Beach was abuzz with excitement on Sunday (June 25) morning, as over 70 athletes zipped up their wet suits to compete in a sprint triathlon.

The annual Kalamalka Running and Triathlon Sports (Kal Rats) sprint triathlon has been a staple in the Vernon community for decades.

The COVID pandemic shut the race down in 2020 and 2021, and last year (2022) the swim portion was closed as the city had to restrict swimming due to poor water quality levels.

This year, the winner was Cory Krist from Kelowna. If the name sounds familiar, that91ÂãÁÄÊÓƵ™s because Krist won the event in 2022.

The Kelowna athlete from the male 40-44 category was the only competitor to complete the course before the hour mark was up, with a time of 59:27.

Each athlete had to complete at 750-metre swim, 18.5-kilometre bike ride and five-km run. The majority of the event was around Kin Beach, with an out and back loop scheduled in all three disciplines.

In second was Kelowna91ÂãÁÄÊÓƵ™s Patrick Long (male 55-59) who just bested West Kelowna91ÂãÁÄÊÓƵ™s Aaron Stark (male 30-34) by four seconds, with a 01:06:56 time.

Lexi Bentley from Kelowna led the way for the women, as she posted a 01:12:25 time, tops in the 30-34 age group.

The race also saw two competitors over the age of 70, in Oliver91ÂãÁÄÊÓƵ™s Jack Wessel and Kamloops91ÂãÁÄÊÓƵ™ Charlie Bruce.

The Kal Rats are a club for anyone interested in swimming, cycling, running or multi-sport events. They host several events throughout the year, including a road race and trail race. In July, a Silver Star Hill Climb is scheduled, while August will see a Rattlesnake Point swim.

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bowen.assman@vernonmorningstar.com
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