Morden's 35th Triathlon returned with a bang this weekend. The event took a hiatus last summer though planning continued for 2019.

The races also served as a qualifier for the International Triathlon Union's World Triathlon Multisport Championships in Almere, Netherlands next year.

Race Director Megan Cantelon notes turnout was strong for the weekend races with 275 athletes from across North America and as far away as Switzerland. Events included the Sprint and Olympic Triathlon, Sprint and Olympic Duathlon and Sprint and Olympic Aquabike. Category winners earned the chance to compete for Team Canada in the Netherlands in 2020.

The weekend also aims to encourage youth in the sport of triathlons

Overall winners included Winnipeg resident and former Mordenite Joshua Malenchak in the Olympic Triathlon male category while Ashley Gilholm of Winnipeg was the overall winner in the women’s category. Morden doctor Kevin Earl was the overall winner for the Sprint Triathlon and won his age category for the cross triathlon on Sunday.

In the Olympic Aquabike former local Heidi Broadland took a world qualifying spot with her win. Other local successes included Leon Hendrickx who won in his age category for the Cross Triathlon and Winklerite Levi Warkentin was the overall winner of the Olympic Duathlon. Local 3rd Wave Triathlon club member Karen Woods won a world qualifying spot in the Sprint Duathlon.

However, Cantelon explains weather delays were a challenge on Sunday, causing the new Sprint and Olympic Cross Triathlon (swim/mountain bike/cross country run) had to skip the trail sections.

"It did change our plans but we rejigged things and made it a go... I think it ended up being a good day."

The weekend also aims to encourage youth in the sport of triathlons. The Try-a-Tri, Try-a-Du, Try-an-Aquabike and Kids of Steel events give younger athletes a taste of the sport but with shorter distances.

"They just have a great time," Cantelon says.

However, the entire weekend wouldn't be a possibility without the approximately 120 volunteers. "They are out here moving pylons, directing traffic... we rely on that every year. It's very important to this event so I can't thank them enough."

The event took place July 13-14 at Lake Minnewasta.