On July 30, Ironman Mont-Tremblant announced that a page of history was being turned. The 10th edition of the legendary long-distance triathlon in August 2023 would be the last. Only the 5i50 and 70.3 races under this banner would continue to be held annually in June.
The triathlon community was not indifferent to this announcement. For many athletes, the Ironman is more than a sporting competition, it’s a symbol of resilience and determination. Athletes who take on this incredible challenge embody the idea that nothing is impossible when you put your mind to it. Since its arrival in Mont-Tremblant in 2012, this event has pushed the physical and mental limits of thousands of athletes, while providing a showcase for stories of courage, perseverance and inspiration. By completing the 3.8 km swim, 180 km bike ride and 42.2 km run, Ironman participants embrace the ultimate test of their inner strength.
On August 20, Ironman presented the 10th and final edition of its long-distance race in Mont-Tremblant. This beautiful sunny day combined the Ironman 70.3 event, which had not been held in June due to poor air quality caused by forest fires raging in the north of the province. The 70.3 is a half-Ironman, consisting of a 1.9 km swim, 90 km bike and 21.1 km run.
The Ironman kicked off at dawn at 6:00 a.m., with the professional women on the front line, followed by the age-group participants, who started every 5 seconds (rolling start). In this edition, Elliot-Olivier Pellerin won the amateur race in 9h06, while Pamela-Ann Bachelder St-Pierre came 9th in the professional category in 9h57.
The start of the 70.3 followed at 8:00 am, with Zed Roy taking victory in the amateur category in 4:05. Quebecers Félix Bellhumeur and Jérôme Bresson also shone, finishing 4th and 5th respectively. On the Quebec side, Rachel Quirion-Aguin took second place, closely followed by Ariane Lalancette in 5th. An outstanding performance by Louise Atkinson Clark, who won the 70.3 event in the Women’s 70-74 category, qualifying for her 6th career Ironman 70.3 World Championships. Aged 73, Louise trains 6 days a week, an incredible display of resilience after surviving a serious accident in 2012 while training.
Mont-Tremblant resident Jean-François Duquette, 41, crossed the finish line of his2nd Ironman. Jean-François takes part in long-distance triathlon because he likes to push his limits. It was the arrival of Ironman in Mont-Tremblant in 2012 that inspired him to start training. Triathlon has enabled him to move towards a healthier lifestyle. Jean-François hopes to inspire others to follow in his footsteps. That day, he was running with a special thought for his friend Bruno, who tragically passed away in front of him several years ago. In memory of his lost friend, he ran his 42.2 km barefoot.
One of the most touching passages at the finish line was that of 56-year-old Sophie Yergeau. A triathlete since 2010, this was her first Ironman on her 35th wedding anniversary. Her husband, who is also her coach, and her entire family were waiting for her at the finish line. Sophie arrived with a rose for her sweetheart, and still the energy to leap into her loves’ arms. For Sophie, triathlon is a family affair, which has also enabled her to make wonderful friendships and meet passionate people.
A true force of nature, 56-year-old Pierre Heynemand has been competing in triathlons for 35 years. This recently retired school principal has had the privilege of taking part in all 10 editions of the Ironman-Mont Tremblant, in front of his loyal parents. A proud ambassador of healthy lifestyle habits among young people, “taking part in the Ironman Mont-Tremblant was a privilege that enabled him to become a better athlete and a better person,” he says.
Ironman Mont-Tremblant has marked a decade of sporting achievements and moving moments. Our warmest thanks go to the Ironman Mont-Tremblant team, the Ville de Mont-Tremblant, the community and the partners who have enabled so many athletes to experience Ironman Mont-Tremblant since 2012. Although this adventure is coming to an end for the long-distance Ironman, it will still be possible to take part in Ironman 70.3 on the beautiful Mont-Tremblant course, and Triathlon Québec will continue to innovate to offer high-quality competitions for all levels, in breathtaking scenery. Are you ready to write your inspiring story and take on your next challenge?
