On June 24, five Whistlerites took part in the New Balance half-Ironman at Elk Lake, a wooded area just outside of Victoria. The course consisted of a two kilometre swim, a 90 km bike ride with tight cornering, and a 20 km run around Elk Lake.
Paul Nicholas completed the race in 5 hours 6 minutes and 12 seconds in the 30 to 34 age group. Paul Suter raced a 5:07:51, and Daniel Havens a 5:30:10 in the 40 to 44 group. Murray Coates had to pull out of the race during the swim component due to illness.
Mae Palm, an experienced runner with almost 100 marathons to her credit, came first in the 60 and over category with a time of 6:30:09. Her time earned her a qualifying spot in the Ironman Canada in Penticton this August.
Paul Nicholas and Paul Suter are also training for the Ironman.
