History of the Meech Lake Triathlon

Way back in the fall of 1982, fresh off their first involvement with the sport of Triathlon, the Ottawa Athletic Club made a decision to organize their own event the following year. They had sponsored the first triathlon in Ottawa, at least the type we are familiar with (swim, cycle, run), in the summer of 1982 — The National Capital Triathlon. In 1983, in July, the first triathlon at Meech Lake took place. There were three race directors: Mike Collingwood was responsible for the swim, Graham Burton looked after the cycle portion, and Anne Wardlaw, Fitness Director for the OAC, was the overall Race coordinator, and looked after the run section.

Since that time, except for Pecco's who have been with us since the beginning, the race has had a variety of sponsors, and a few title changes, but has remained a fixture in the triathlon world and on many triathletes' "must do" calendars over the years. It enjoys the title of being one of the longest running, without interruption, triathlons in Canada. It actually shares that 23 year record with the Deep River triathlon; The Meech Lake taking place in July and Deep River in August.

The Smiths Falls Triathlon was already operating in 1983 and The Sharbot Lake Tri joined the group in 1984. Since then Triathlons have sprung up all over the place, much to the delight of the equally fast-growing number of triathletes.

The Present

2006 saw a major change in this popular triathlon. Not in the traditional distances or location but rather in the organization of the event. The Ottawa Athletic Club decided to no longer be involved with the race. We thank them for their support since 1983.

As race director since 1994, Mike Collingwood continued organizing the event through 2006 until his untimely passing in December 2006. In honour of Mike's dedication to this event, we are changing the event name to The Mike Collingwood Memorial Triathlon, starting in 2007.

With the sponsorship and help of SportStats the race will continue to provide the Outaouais region with a popular, and well run, traditional event.

In 2011 due to construction on the North Loop the event was cancelled but we are back this year on July 7th, 2012

As well, we intend to have this triathlon use whatever proceeds it generates to remain in support of the Heart Institute and to provide some financial aid for the development of young triathletes in the Outaouais region.

Top