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General News

Record Numbers
More than 2700 runners, triathletes, duathletes, and SwimCycle participants have participated in the first 4 weekends of Somersault’s 2007 event program – a record number!

We have been blessed with excellent weather so far which has helped, but we are also very appreciative of the high level of support we are receiving from volunteers, Clubs of the Event,  Canadian Ski patrol, Somersault Motorcycle Patrol Group, Brockville Kayakers, and our own amazing Race Crew. 

By most participant accounts, we are continuing to improve our event delivery, and will hopefully continue to do so.

Performance Certificates
The Performance Certificate program is in place and proving popular.  Every participant can now download their own colourful performance certificate after each event, providing them with permanent record of their race results. Take a look at http://www.eventsonline.ca/fc/somersault.html

ZoomPhoto.ca
Joe Elliott and his gang of photographers at Zoom, have proven to be even better than we had hoped.  We don’t think you can find a higher quality, more extensive selection of event photos anywhere.  Check them out at http://www.somersault.ca/photos.htm

Tech Shirt Option – No sponsors Logos (NEW)
That’s right, if you select the Tech Shirt option on the entry form in future Somersault events, you will receive a beautiful Tech Shirt, with only the event name and logo on the front of the shirt.  The back will be free of the usual sponsor logos.  We hope this makes the Tech Shirt option a more inviting one, as you can use the shirt as casual wear.

Charities
We are really proud of the contributions to charitable organizations, we have been able to make through our first 4 event weekends.  More than $8500 and many food items, have been directed to these organizations:  Children at Risk, Cumberland-Orleans Community Resource Centre, Search and Rescue Global 1, Canadian Ski patrol, Bytown Storm Triathlon Team, Ottawa Riverkeeper, Dovercourt Recreation Centre, CHEO, Gloucester Hornets Girls soccer Club, and the Smiths Falls RedHawks Athletic Program.

Eastern Tri/Du Series

Ottawa Riverkeeper Report
More than 600 enjoyed the Ottawa Riverkeeper event this year, and what an event it was.  Congratulations to Race Director Geordie, and the OTC, for providing a real Westboro feel to the event.  Live music at the finish and great weather made for an awesome day.

Check out the results at : http://www.somersault.ca/resultstri.htm

Smiths Falls Report
The third triathlon and fourth duathlon of the Eastern Triathlon Series was a huge success in Smiths Falls.  Wendy Hillier, our Race Director, her team of volunteers, and the students of Smiths Falls & District Collegiate Institute were successful in creating a Smiths Falls event.

The event attracted 500 participants and featured some really competitive action among the top triathletes and duathletes in the East.  Results can be found at http://www.somersault.ca/resultstri.htm

Champions Challenge Standings
Things are picking up in the Champions Challenge within the Eastern Series.  The Champions Challenge winners will be crowned the top triathlete and top duathletes in the East.
Here are the top three in the rankings:

To check out the age group rankings, please go to http://www.somersault.ca/championships.htm

Champions Challenge Race Category (NEW)
At future Eastern Triathlon Series races, look for a “Champions Challenge” division. A last minute change to give this category a try in Smiths Falls, produced a great race among the top Eastern triathletes, regardless of age.  This success has us changing our category format somewhat, so that each CC triathlon race, will start with an “elite” wave, made up of those who have qualified through the Champions Challenge Ranking or Score.

Stay tuned!

Ottawa Run Series

Westboro 5Km Report
The first annual Westboro 5Km Run and Quick Kids 2Km was a success, with more than 100 entries.  Despite its very early start, there was great enthusiasm and we have no doubt that it will grow in 2008!  Results can be found at http://www.somersault.ca/resultsrun.htm

Emilie’s Run Report
What a race this was - a true celebration of women’s running in memory of Canadian Olympian,  Emilie Mondor.  No fewer than 45 women broke the magical 20 minute barrier, with many more running very fast personal bests.

It wasn’t just a runners’ event, as we had a strong field of race walkers, many coached by Roger Burrows of Ottawa. It was truly a race for everyone, with 277 participants, plus an additional 59 in the Aviation Museum Kids’ 1Km. this represented a 67% increase from the inaugural run in 2007.

Look for a continued increase in both numbers and speed in 2008! The results can be found at http://www.somersault.ca/resultsrun.htm 

We offer a special thanks to Ken parker and RunnersWeb.com for their very strong support of this new women’s classic.

Figure Eight 5Km Run Report
The newly resurrected Smiths Falls Figure Eight 5Km Run was also a happy success, with 100 participants, including 60 high school students from SFDCI, and its RedHawks Athletic Program under the leadership of Bill Wheeler. 

The results are at http://www.somersault.ca/resultsrun.htm