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Despite the constant threat of rain, Ironman Triathlon athletes didn’t rust as they swam, cycled and ran across the nation’s capital on Sunday.
University of Calgary student Kiyan Sunderji was the first of the thousands of racers to cross the finish line at Major’s Hill Park, taking home the men’s title with a final time of 8:27:53.
Finishing just a few minutes behind Sunderji was Luke Evans, the winner of the men’s race in 2025. He finished in 8:38:20, besting his previous record.
Ariane Lalancette of Quebec City was the field’s fastest woman, with a time of 9:09:33.
It was an early morning for racers as they lined up at Britannia Park at 6 a.m., starting the gruelling race with a 3.8-kilometre swim in the Ottawa River.
That was followed by a 180.2-kilometre bike ride weaving around Ottawa’s urban core and a full marathon on foot.
An exhausted Kiyan Sunderji catches his breath after crossing the finish line. The University of Calgary student proved to be the fastest racer in Sunday’s field. (Ann-Sophie Gagné/Radio-Canada)
Ironman Triathlon athletes lined up Sunday morning to begin the swimming leg of the race in the rain. Environment Canada forecasted rainfall amounts of up to 100 millimetres in some parts of the region. (Félix Pilon/Radio-Canada)
Racers make their way down Wellington Street in Ottawa during the cycling leg of Sunday’s Ironman Triathlon. (Justin Ball/CBC)
After the 180-kilometre bike ride, racers embarked on a full marathon by foot, dashing down Wellington Street and through Ottawa’s downtown core. (Justin Ball/CBC)
Supporters lined up along the racetrack’s barriers on Wellington Street to cheer on their loved ones. (Justin Ball/CBC)
With the some help from her mom, one young supporter crafted a yellow crown to wear while cheering on her father. (Justin Ball/CBC)Up to 100 millimetres of rain forecasted
Triathletes pushed on under the threat of heavy rain, with up to 100 millimeters forecasted to fall Sunday on some parts of the region.
According to Environment Canada, between 50 and 100 millimetres of rain could accumulate, possibly pooling on low-lying roads and causing property damage.
The race’s downtown route also shut down stretches of several major roads, with some thoroughfares — including the Alexandra Bridge — staying closed until 1 a.m. Monday.
It’s the second straight year Ottawa has hosted the Ironman Triathlon, with last year’s race bringing in millions of tourism dollars for the city.