A long-standing multi-sport race in Bright's Grove will return this weekend under the leadership of a new director.
The Bluewater Triathlon, Duathlon and Aquabike will be held on Saturday, while the Ironkid Triathlon is scheduled for Sunday.
Race Director Haley Walker is carrying on the family tradition by taking the reins this year after her father passed away.
"Ken Walker was the race director for many, many years. He died this year from prostate cancer and this is the first year that I'm organizing it so it's kind of a nice thing to do in his memory," said Walker. "I think everyone's excited that the race is going forward."
Ken and Haley Walker. (Photo courtesy of Haley Walker)
Walker said the event first started in Bright's Grove around 1980 and was taken over by St. John in the Wilderness Anglican Church in 1996.
Many members of the church will be helping Walker throughout the weekend. About 80 volunteers are involved.
So far 250 competitors have registered for Saturday and about 120 kids are signed up for Sunday's triathlon.
Walker said this year's event also seems to be attracting "elite athletes" from out of town.
"Triathlon Ontario has awarded two spots for every age group for our duathlon this year so you can qualify at the duathlon to go to the Duathlon World Championship in Ibiza, Spain [in 2023]."
Participants will meet at Bright's Grove Public School around 7 a.m. Saturday, ahead of race time at 8:30 a.m. at Mike Weir Park.
The Ironkid Triathlon gets underway at 1 p.m. Sunday.
Several awards will be up for grabs, including a grand prize of $250 through the Lambton Chiropractic Chase Challenge.
Further details about the event can be found on its website.