Edmonton to host 2020 World Triathlon Grand Final

The Voice of Canada News :

The 2020 ITU World Triathlon Grand Final in Edmonton will add to Alberta’s long history of hosting elite sport events, and provide opportunities to inspire the next generation of Alberta’s athletes.

The Government of Alberta will be providing $3.5 million to ITU World Triathlon Series Edmonton to support hosting the event. The 2020 ITU World Triathlon Grand Final is expected to generate about $44.5 million in economic activity for the region.

This will be the third time Edmonton has hosted the ITU World Triathlon Grand Final, making it only the second city in the world, along with Lausanne, Switzerland, to do so. Edmonton last hosted a Grand Final event in 2014 and has been a host of ITU World Triathlon Series events every year since.

“Alberta continues to build an international reputation for its ability to successfully host large-scale sporting events like the ITU World Triathlon Grand Final. This event will shine a global spotlight on our province and will have far reaching impacts not only for our economy and tourism, but for our athletes, coaches, and volunteers.”

The ITU World Triathlon Grand Final is a five-day competition and will include Men’s and Women’s Elite races, U23 races, a Para-triathlon, and races in both sprint and Olympic distances. The event will be held at Hawrelak Park and on the streets of the city. It is expected that the Edmonton event will attract top athletes, including participants in the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games.

“We are most grateful for the Alberta Government’s commitment and belief in World Triathlon Edmonton. The early support of the government for the 2020 Grand Final will allow us to activate both the event and our community programming thereby building and creating legacies that will last long after the 2020 Grand Final. This event is a true showcase for Canada, Alberta and Edmonton.”

Edmonton’s ITU World Triathlon Grand Final will be held August 19 to 23, 2020. A number of activities are being planned in addition to the main event, including a festival in downtown Edmonton, a parade of nations, and opening and closing ceremonies.

Quick facts

• The 2020 ITU World Triathlon Grand Final  will be a five-day event that includes:
  • 3,500 competitors from 70 countries
  • 3,000 officials, technical staff, supporters and family members
  • 150,000 spectators
  • 1,500 volunteers
• The event is expected to be televised across 40 international broadcasters with viewers in more than 150 countries.