The Star - News, views and advertising of the Grand Coulee Dam Area

The community will welcome hundreds of athletes from the United States and Canada this week for Saturday’s ninth Grand Columbian Triathlon.

Traditionally, athletes show up here a few days early to preview the various venues and practice for Saturday’s event.

The starting venues will be scattered with the swim and bike events starting at Spring Canyon. The bike leg will end at the park below the Visitor Center where the run begins (times for the various events are listed in the special section inside this week’s Star).

Athletes will have their choice of 11 different events, including the second annual SuperTri Distance event covering 5.0 km swim, 200 km bike, and 50.0 km run.

Other events include Ultra Distance (3.8 km swim, 180 km bike, 42.2 km run); Long (half) course (1.9 km swim, 90 km bike, 21.1 km run); Olympic Distance (1.5 km swim, 45 km bike, 10 km run); Super Tri Aquabike (5.0 km swim, 200 km bike); Ultra Aquabike (3.8 km swim, 180 km bike); Long (half) Aquabike (1.9 m swim, 90 km bike); Olympic Aquabike (1.5 km swim, 45 km bike); SuperTri Duathlon (5.0 km run, 200 km bike, 50.0 km run); Ultra Duathlon (5.0 km run, 180 km bike, 42.2 km run); and Long (half) Duathlon (5.0 km run, 90 km bike and 21.1 km run).

“Grand Coulee is family friendly, so bring the family and enjoy a full day of competition,” race coordinator Dana Barkdull said. See special section inside for more details.