Christina Charles was the winner of the Frank Dunn Triathlon in the women's category. (Submitted photo/Christina Charles)

By Rob Mahon

Triathlon Returns

Frank Dunn Triathlon celebrates 40 years

Aug 16, 2021 | 5:00 PM

The 40^th annual Frank Dunn Triathlon came a year later than organizers were hoping for after COVID-19 forced the cancellation of last year’s event. Over the weekend, they finally held the long-awaited competition.

Competitors from all across Saskatchewan, including dozens who had never taken part before, came out for the return of the oldest triathlon in Western Canada. In total, there were 183 registrants in the individual and team categories.

“It was actually the perfect weekend,” said race director Mark Nagy. “We had the perfect weather, we had a very decent crowd participating, and we had a lot of spectators as well. It was really good.”

Nagy has been a race director now for 31 years, though last year marked a first for even him when the pandemic cancelled the race. For both Nagy and the competitors, the return was a triumphant one.

“Being able to participate in a live sporting event, it was fantastic,” he said. “Everybody that showed up was so happy to be there and be able to participate.”

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Last year’s triathlon being cancelled may have led to renewed interest in this year’s event. In fact, Nagy said there were 35 people participating for the first time in this event, and some doing their first triathlon anywhere.

“I know a lot of people weren’t able to swim at all this year at pools because the pools were closed,” Nagy said. “That’s the hardest part for people. You have to get through the swim and so a lot of people have anxiety about doing the swim.”

Nagy said the good crowd, the good weather, and the fact that nobody got hurt were among the highlights for him. When it came time to present awards, there were some familiar names at the top of the standings.

“Our winner in the male category was our winner in 2019, Wyatt Kuntz,” Nagy said. “Our female champion was our very own (from) Prince Albert, Christina Charles.”

According to Nagy, the Charles family name has been on the trophy several times in the past thanks to Christina, her mother, and her sister. Other former champions also came out to participate, including Joel Wilkinson, the winner from 1989.

“It was kind of nice to see some of those guys,” Nagy said. “They’re in their 50s now but they’re still very good.”

While there was no event for kids this year due to the pandemic, they were able to hold a fun run for younger athletes.

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rob.mahon@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @RobMahonPxP