The Embrace Winter Run is coming up quickly and we wanted to send some final reminders. Please read through this entire email so that you're ready for your run! 

Spots still available: 

If you have someone who's interested in running with you, the deadline for online registration is Tuesday, February 14th at 6pm. After that, they can sign up in person during Bib Pick Up (timing and location below).

Deadline for Edits or Transfers:

If you need to change any info related to your registration please let us know before Tuesday, February 14th at 6pm. We won't be able to make any changes after that time, so be sure to reach out soon if you need anything.

Orientation: 

We don't have access to the course until Sunday morning, so there won't be an in-person orientation.

Instead, we encourage you to watch this virtual orientation. If anything is unclear or if you have more questions, we recommend emailing us or visiting us on February 18th for bib pickup, where you can ask your questions in person. When you get on site, we'll be set up inside the War Museum for bib pickup, bag check, and massages.

Watch the virtual orientation video

Getting to the Event:

There's a parking lot at the Canadian War Museum, open at 7am. Please do your best to carpool, bike, walk, or bus to the event. That'll help avoid some congestion and it'll help keep some cars off the road. Our course is close to the LRT station and centrally located.

Free Race Photos!

Bring your smile, or your game face, and keep an eye out for our Race Photographers on Race Day. The photos are FREE for anyone who participates. They're sponsored by John Gomes Real Estate. 

If you want to thank John for his generosity, you can thank him in person on February 19th, as he'll be racing the Half Marathon. Catch him if you can!

John has been one of our biggest supporters and has really helped us make a comeback after 2 years of shutdown. We can't thank him enough but we hope that you'll consider John for all your Real Estate needs. 

Reach out to John Gomes Real Estate

When to Arrive:

We recommend showing up an hour before the race, to find parking, get your bib, warm up, and make your way to the start line. Bib pickup opens at 7am. 

Bib Pick up:

We highly recommend picking up your race bib on Saturday, from Noon to 3pm. We'll be set up at Decathlon Ottawa, at this address: 1055 St. Laurent Blvd, Ottawa, ON K1K 3B1.

If you pick up your bib on February 18th, you get a 10$ gift card to Decathlon! 

For Race Day, you can pick up your bib inside the War Museum, at this address: 1 Vimy Pl, Ottawa, ON K1A 0M8. We'll be ready as early as 7am. 

The race starts are:

8:00am Marathon Start (7 hour cut off)

9:00am Half Marathon 

9:30am 10K

10:00am 5K

10:30am 3K 

10:45am 1K Kids Run

Show up on-site an hour before the race, so that you can get set up, warm up and make your way to the start line. 

Spectator Guide:

We have this handy Spectator Guide! It highlights all the info that you and your spectators will find helpful on Race Day. 

Check out our Spectator Guide

Mill Street Brunch. Please RSVP:

All participants, volunteers, spectators, and friends of Embrace Winter get 20% off their food and drinks at Mill Street on Sunday, February 19th. We have the 2nd floor reserved for us but we need to give Mill Street an approximate number of attendees. If you plan on coming to Mill Street after your run, please click the button below. You can always change your mind later, so while your RSVP isn't a firm requirement, it does help us plan things out to give you the best experience possible. 

RSVP to Mill Street Brunch HERE

Somersault Gear on sale:

On February 19th, we'll have some limited-edition Somersault gear on sale.

• Our New Somersault Toques. 25$
• Somersault Neck Covers. 5$ 
• 2022 Somersault Event Shirts: 60% off, at only 20$. 

We have limited inventory on all items, so be sure to come by before they're gone! You can pay by e-transfer, or with cash.

Podium Prizes from Ottawa Titans Baseball:

The top 3 male, female, and non-binary athletes in each race (excluding the 1K race) get 2 tickets to an upcoming Ottawa Titans Baseball Game! 

Ottawa is lucky to have a Frontier League Baseball team that is #HereToStay. Ottawa Titans games are fun for the whole family while being an affordable entertainment option. Come and experience the crack of the bat, the exciting plays, and the hollers of the crowd, while creating lasting memories. We are counting down the days until their home opener on May 12th! In the meantime, be sure to get a high five and a photo from Cappy, the Ottawa Titans mascot who will be cheering the Embrace Winter runners on at the finish line. This is #OurTime 

Anything Else? 

If you have any last-minute questions, please let us know! Otherwise, check out our website for all things Somersault. You can also keep in touch with us on Facebook and Instagram. 

Race Day Swim Tips from Rick Hellard.

After a great first edition of "Ricks Tricks", we're glad be back with our 2nd one. The first one was really well recieved, so we hope that you enjoy this one too. 

Rick is the owner of ROC Swimming and Zone3sports. He's a former Professional Triathlete, all distances; and has 25 years of coaching experience, from beginner to podium at all levels

If you're looking for a great triathlon coach in Ottawa. Email Rick at zone3sports@gmail.com. Onto the info from Rick

Race Day Swim Tips

As a long-time triathlon and swim coach, I am often asked for advice on the swim start and how to make the best of it.

First and foremost, the strongest piece of advice I can give you is to train for the swim.  It may be the shortest event of the three, but it sets the tone for the rest of the race.  A bad swim just puts you in a bad mood, and that transfers to the bike and run.  Besides, a good swim gets you on your bike and onto the run sooner.

Secondly, always always bring a spare pair of goggles to every race.  You do not want to lose or break your only pair just before the start and need to borrow or buy an untested pair.

Know the swim course, at least the direction, shape, and proper turnaround buoy.  With many events offering different race distances, this may be more important than you think. 

Seed yourself properly, both front to back of the group, but also side, middle, or other side of the group. 

• The middle front of the group is best for the fastest swimmers, whereas the slower or more nervous swimmers are best placed on the outsides.  Strong and/or confident swimmers who don’t mind the washing machine are okay in the middle of the group.
• The first 30-40 seconds should be firm, but not crazy hard.  Wind it up after that.  Going into oxygen debt at any point in a race is a bad idea, but in the first minute, it is really not smart and can cause panic from which you may not recover until you hit land again.
• If the race allows it, make sure to warm up for 5-10min.  Particularly in cold water, get in and get used to the temperature, especially your face.  Swim around, and do some easy drills.  If you plan to hammer the swim, do some short sprints to get your heart rate up.  If you plan to just swim, then the short sprints are not necessary. 
• If the water is choppy, a straight arm recovery works better than a bent elbow.
• If it’s wavy, breathe and sight at the top of the wave, not between the waves.
• If you can, breathe on the side away from the wave most of the time.
• If you can, breathe on the side of the swim buoy you are sighting, or about to turn around i.e. look at what you are aiming for, or turning at.
• Weeds are a part of open water swimming.  There is not much you can do about them.
• Goggles fog up.  Maybe not right away, but eventually, they will.  If you expect this to happen in your race, simply put 2-3mm of water in the goggles, and leave it there.  As you swim, shake your head around to swish the water inside the goggles.  Repeat as necessary.
• Sometimes, we get hit and goggles get out of sorts–simply flip over onto your back, fix them, then flip back over and keep going.  This also works if you get water in them by accident–flip onto your back, empty, flip back onto your front.  It should take 5sec at most.  Practice this a few times in your open-water swim training.
• Do some open-water swim training…

I hope this helps.

-Rick Hellard.

Zone3sports & ROC Swimming

Joining a triathlon club is a great way to stay accountable and challenge yourself! Not only will you have access to amazing coaches and resources, but you'll also be part of an amazing community of like-minded individuals who are all striving to reach their goals. With regular group workouts, your workouts will be more consistent, and you'll experience the satisfaction of hitting your goals. You'll also have the opportunity to meet new people and make lifelong friends. So if you're looking for a fun and challenging way to get in shape, join a triathlon club and see how far you can go!

Here are 3 great local triathlon clubs that have something to offer:

Zone3Sports: This Ottawa-based triathlon club is owned and operated by Rick Hellard. Rick has 25 years of coaching experience, is a former professional triathlete (all distances!), and owns ROC Swimming. He hosts weekly group runs, virtual rides, and other activities, but he also offers 1-on-1 coaching to anyone who wants a custom program to fit their schedule and needs. 

The Ottawa Triathlon Club would like to present the Triathlon Program Training Workshop. New to Triathlon or would like to improve on your last race?  Join Coach Todd for this virtual presentation that will go over what you need to know to formulate your own training plan. Our event will be held on Sunday, February 26th at 7 pm.  This one-hour interactive presentation will help you get to the finish line with confidence. Email ottawa.triathlon@gmail.com for your invitation.

Team Triumph: Are you are Beginner Triathlete looking for a training plan?  Team Triumph Triathlon club is running their 14 Week Virtual Beginner Triathlon Program again this year.  It's perfect for the beginner triathlete getting ready for their first tri-a-tri or sprint distance race. Get The Expert Training You Need To Finish Your First Triathlon! The program starts on February 13, 2023. Full details can be found here.

Rick Hellard is the local legend behind ROC Swimming and Zone3Sports. He's one of the regions most accomplished athletes, and one of the most accomplished coaches for swimming and triathlon. For 2023, Somersault is lucky enough to have him as our Swim Cap Sponsor. Today, he's offering some advice about swim goggles. This article is part of a new series we're doing, called Rick's Tricks. Check in often to see what other tips and tricks Rick has for you!

If you have any more questions for Rick, or if you're looking for some coaching support, be sure to send him an email at zone3sports@gmail.com.

Rick's Tricks!

As a long-time triathlon and swim coach, one of the things I see the most in the pool is triathletes fidgeting with goggles, caps, and paddles, whereas the swimmers rarely have issues with any of their equipment.

Goggles and goggle fit are the biggest issues by far, and with this article, I hope to help you achieve the perfect symbiosis between you and your goggles.

It is important to realize a few things.

• Everyone is different, and your buddies' preferred goggles may not work for you, no matter how good they are.  
• Few people are so special that no goggles work.  It’s just a question of finding them.
• Goggles fog up.  Maybe not right away, but eventually, they will.  If this happens to a relatively new pair of goggles, just before you start swimming, simply put 2-3mm of water in the goggles, and leave it there.  As you swim, shake your head around to swish the water inside the goggles.  Repeat as necessary.
• Most companies make very similar models to each other.  Once you find the style that works for you, you can either stick with that one or try a different company that makes a similar model.  There may be slight differences that work or don’t work, for you.
• Once you find your favourite, it’s probably a good idea to buy a few pairs.  Just in case the next version of that goggle changes a bit that does not work for you.

Most goggles are oval in shape to fit in the eye socket.  They may be different versions of an oval, but they are still oval.

Some goggles have foam, others have silicone, while others have solid plastic as a seal.

• Foam and silicone seal goggles have more give to them.  They fit more people and tend to be pretty comfortable.
• Solid plastic seal goggles are lower profile, smaller, and either fit, or hurt like heck.  

Fitting 

As mentioned above, the goggles should fit in your eye socket.  Some fit deeper than others, but generally, they should fit snugly, and stay in place without the strap for a few seconds.  This allows you to wear them without cranking the tightness of the strap.

If they feel close to correct, but don’t stick, try one goggle at a time.  If that works, then it may be the width of the nose piece causing the issue.  If it is a replaceable nose piece, swap it out for a smaller or larger one and try again with both goggles.  If it is a solid nose piece, the goggles will likely not work for you.

If your eyesight is not great, most companies make prescription (or RX) goggles.  They are a bit more expensive, and they won’t be perfect as they go up .25 diopters, but they are pretty good.  The caveat is they tend to be made in only one style per manufacturer, so if that style works for you, you’re in luck.  If that style does not work for you, you will have to try a different manufacturer, or go the custom way ($$$).  

Dark, mirrored, or dark and mirrored goggles are wonderful for well-lit locations like outdoor pools, or pools with big sunny windows, but they are less useful for dark water or poorly lit conditions.  Clear or light blue or grey lenses work best in most indoor pools.

If you are going to be doing a lot of outdoor swimming, look for goggles that have UV protection as well as being tinted.

I hope this helps.

In Ottawa, winter can be a daunting time of year. The snow and cold temperatures often lead people to stay inside, but running during winter can be a great way to beat the winter blues and get some exercise.

Running during Ottawa’s winter has many benefits. Not only does it keep you fit and healthy, but it can also improve your mood and mental health. The cold air can help to clear your head, while the physical activity can help to release endorphins and make you feel more energized. Plus, running in the snow can be a novel and exciting experience.

In addition, running during winter offers the chance to explore Ottawa in a new way. With the snow, the city takes on a new look and feel, and running can be an ideal way to explore different trails and hidden gems. You can also take in the beauty of the snow-covered landscapes and appreciate the unique beauty of the city during this time of year.

Ultimately, running during Ottawa’s winter can be a great way to stay active and enjoy the beauty of the city. So this winter, why not bundle up and give it a try? You never know, you might just find yourself loving it.

Looking for a place to start? Consider reaching out to some great local running clubs, like the Arboretum Hill Club, or Zone3sports. They have great group runs and coaches who can help you get started and reach your goals - whatever they may be. You can also sign up for the Somersault Embrace Winter Run, to keep yourself motivated. We have distances from 1K to 42.2K and welcome all ages and abilities. 

If you’re a runner looking to challenge yourself and have some fun, signing up for the Embrace Winter Run is a great way to do it! Here are five reasons why you should sign up for the first Somersault event of 2023:

• Get a boost of motivation. When the weather is cold and you’re stuck inside, signing up for a race can be a great way to stay motivated and keep your training on track. It’s a great goal to work towards and a great way to beat the winter blues.
• Stay healthy and active. Running in cold weather is a great way to keep in shape and stay active. When you’re running in the winter you’re more likely to bundle up and stay warm, which can help with staying healthy and avoiding colds.
• Test your endurance. The Embrace Winter Run has distances from 1K to 42.2K. Signing up for a longer race can be a great way to test your limits and find out how far you can push yourself.
• Enjoy the scenery. Our Embrace Winter Run gives you some of the best views of Ottawa. Starting at the War Museum, the course gives great views of Downtown Ottawa, the Ottawa River, and Quebec, which means you’ll be able to enjoy the scenery as you run. Take in the sights and appreciate the beauty of nature as you push yourself to the finish line.
• Have some fun. Signing up for a winter running race can be a great way to have some fun and meet new people. Races are a great way to connect with like-minded people who share your passion for running.

So don’t let the cold weather keep you from running. Sign up for the Embrace Winter Run today and experience the benefits for yourself!

Our first ever BINGO card is here!

This one is made specifically to help you Embrace Winter. Track you progress and send your completed progress card to Elizabeth@Somersault.ca for a chance to win some Somersault swag. 

If you want to check off that middle square, you can sign up for our Embrace Winter Run at this link. 

And if you're interested in volunteering, reach out to Adam@Somersault.ca 

Our 2023 events are now live at Somersault.ca and we're already seeing lots of excited participants signing up. It's great to see so many familiar faces signing up and we look forward to seeing you again at the next start line. For those of you that are signing up for your first Somersault event, we can't wait to meet you. 

It's worth noticing that 3 events for 2023 are on track to sell out earlier than usual. Early Bird, Meech Lake, and Thousand Islands all seem to be extra popular this time around. If you're looking to join us at these events, we recommend signing up early!

Below is a short list of updates from our end, along with some offers from our sponsors. Our next newsletter likely won't go out until 2023, so if we don't chat with you before then, enjoy the holiday season!

Embrace Winter Run 

We have a new, but familiar home for Embrace Winter in 2023. We'll be hosting the event at the Canadian War Museum and running along the Sir John A MacDonald Parkway (SJAM). 

We've run on this parkway in previous editions, but we've made some changes that we think you'll love. Most notable is that we've removed one of the big hills from our loops, meaning that the course will have less overall elevation but it'll still include some rolling terrain.

And yes, we'll have hot chocolate at the finish line again, along with lots of new goodies. New for this year is that everyone who signs up for this race gets a Somersault neck cover with their bib pickup! This buff is our first piece of clothing to feature our new logo and we're excited to show it off at our next event. 

This event is in support of Imerman Angels so be sure to tell your friends about this great race, for a great cause.

Help Us Go Green: 

Somersault is already Certified Carbon Neutral and we produce minimal trash, thanks to our recycling and composting efforts. However, we're looking to take things one step further.

We compost or recycle thousands of cups at every race. We made the move to recyclable or compostable cups in 2022 but we'd love to use reusable cups for 2023. We found a supplier who can make us cups that can be safely sanitized and reused for years. Cups currently make up over 75% of what we send to the blue bin/green bin but the City does end up diverting some recyclables to landfill. That means that some of our recyclable cups may still make their way into a landfill. 

If you happen to know of a local business that would like to support our efforts to go green, we're looking for a sponsor to help cover some of the upfront cost for this feature. This one-time investment will put your logo on every cup for several years and will include a marketing package so that everyone knows who to thank for the green initiative. We hope that participants will be continuously reminded of your generosity at every water station. Given that we have over 25 water stations planned for 2023, we hope that this keeps you top of mind!

Offers from our Sponsors:

Our sponsors help us make our series more fun and affordable. Their support helps us pay for things like photographers and post-race nutrition. Without them, we'd have a lot fewer frills and it would cost more to sign up for an event. 

We hope that you'll consider supporting those that support us. Here are some reminders and offers from 2 of our sponsors - John Gomes Real Estate and Velofix Ottawa.

John Gomes Real Estate: 

John is a familiar face in our series. You'll often see him participating in the races, then cheering on the rest of the field after he finishes. John is also the reason that we're able to offer free race photography at Embrace Winter and Fall Colours. He does so much for his community and he wanted to introduce himself to you. If you're ever looking to buy or sell a home in Ottawa, please reach out to John. 

A message from John Gomes:

My name is John Gomes and I am passionate about family, physical activity, and real estate! I work hard to maintain healthy relationships in my community and support initiatives like Somersault which inspire me to do hard things! I look forward to the many races coming up in the spring, as I know they will help me stay focused on my goals! Life throws us challenges and whether running a marathon, running after my kids, or hustling for my real estate clients I am here to work hard!

Velofix Ottawa:

All in-stock Smart Trainers are now on sale, while quantities last. If you enjoy cycling and want to keep up the kilometers this winter, Velofix Ottawa can set you up with an indoor cycling trainer. They can also set up Zwift or any other online platform, leaving you with a great way to continue riding this winter. They have the following trainers in stock:

-Wahoo Snap (3 left)
-Wahoo Core (2 left)
-Wahoo Kickr (1 left)

Reach out to Ottawa@velofix.com to get pricing or to ask any questions. They can also help with your other bike-related needs: Christmas gifts, tune-ups, gift cards, stocking stuffers and more. The best part about velofix is that they're mobile. They come to you for all your cycling needs.

Let's Keep in Touch:

Follow us on social media to keep in touch. Otherwise, be sure to visit our new website and see what else we have in store for 2023. 

Facebook

Instagram

Our social media pages have been 'trending' lately, according to Facebook and Instagram. We have Reels posted every few days, daily content and it's the first place to hear of any news at Somersault. Following us on those platforms helps you stay informed about our series and gets you the freshest content!

The Somersault Team

Our 2023 event calendar is LIVE. You're now being to sign up for some races!

Here're some of the fun things that we have planned. 

We have a new look!

We spent the last while giving our series a facelift. We now have a new logo and website to show you all. Over the next few weeks, we'll be adding the finishing touches to our new website to include new maps and a fully bilingual version of Somersault.ca.

Speaking of new looks, one of our most popular events also has a new look to it. We're proud to announce that our 'Winterman' event is now called 'Embrace Winter'. This new name better reflects the spirit of the event and the spirit of Somersault. We hope to see you all at our first-ever Embrace Winter Run, which is an Official Winterlude Event and supports Imerman Angels.

Early Bird Charity Spot

The good news: Early Bird is back for 2023! The bad news: This event always sells out. Here's your chance to secure your spot before anyone else by purchasing a charity spot and supporting Safe Families Ottawa.

To purchase a charity spot, simply email Adam@Somersault.ca. By committing to a spot, you get:

-Entry into an Early Bird event of your choosing

-$100 towards any other 2023 Somersault event

-A Somersault Race Belt

-A dedicated bike rack in transition, with the best position for a fast time

This is a value of approximately $240. In exchange, all you have to do is fundraise a minimum of $300 for Safe Families Ottawa.

Email Adam@Somersault.ca to grab one of these limited spots! 

NEW EVENT: Formula Run

This running event forces you to work smart and figure out the best running strategy (or, formula) to get your team to complete the most laps possible in 90 minutes. 

Each team has one timing chip, which can be passed between members, like a relay baton, to finish as many laps as possible. 

Teams can be groups of 2, 3, or 4. Alternatively, you can sign up solo and see how you fare on your own. 

Each lap is 363m long and is a smooth pentagon shape. It's well-paved, closed to the public, and has a water station on every loop.

Grab your friends and start planning! Do you opt for shorter shifts with more transitions or longer runs with less time spent passing the baton around? The right formula can make all the difference!

More running events added to:

We love running events! In addition to our new Formula Run event, we've added 7 runs to our existing events. See below and sign up soon.

-Early Bird: 5K 

-National Capital: 5K, 10K

-Thousand Islands: 5K, 10K

-Canadian: 5K, 10K

Meech Lake Triathlon is now part of the Somersault Family

This is your only chance to do an organized triathlon in Gatineau Park. It's been going on since 1983 and sells out every year. it's limited to 300 participants and is the epitome of local triathlon. It's also the oldest triathlon in Quebec!

Kids Races are back

We now have specific events for athletes ages 15 and under. 

Our new ByTown Storm Youth Series is a series of try-a-tri distance triathlons. They'll have a separate start from the adults, to give our younger participants more space, and so that they can line up with their peers. Anyone 15 and under can participate and we'll have a podium ceremony for the 12-13, and 14-15 age groups. Athletes younger than this are welcome to compete but can also choose our other kids-specific race, below. 

Surf N Turf Races have been added to National Capital and The Canadian! A 50m swim, followed by a 250-400m run is a great way for younger participants to try their first event. Anyone aged 11 and under can participate. These little rockstars are also allowed to get support from their parents/guardians during the race. The swim course is shallow enough to walk (or, if needed, be carried) and all abilities are welcome. 

Anything else?

Follow us on social media to keep in touch. Otherwise, be sure to visit our new website and see what else we have in store for 2023. 

Facebook

Instagram

The Somersault Team

The Fall Colours Run is coming up quickly and we wanted to send some final reminders. 

Spots still available: 

If you have someone who's interested in running with you, the deadline for online registration is Tuesday, October 4th at 6pm. After that, they can sign up in person during Bib Pick Up (timing and location below).

Please also keep in mind that we made the schedule in a way that gives anyone time to do the Wedding Dress Dash 1K, in addition to another event. Ie. You could do the 1K, and still have time to make it to the start of the Half Marathon. Why not make your warm-up a fun 1K race?!

Deadline for Edits or Transfers:

If you need to change any info related to your registration please let us know before Tuesday October 4th at 6pm. We won't be able to make any changes after that time, so be sure to reach out soon if you need anything.

Orientation: 

We don't have access to the Cumberland Museum until Sunday morning, so there won't be an in-person orientation on October 8th. 

Instead, we encourage you to watch this virtual orientation. If anything is unclear or if you have more questions, we recommend emailing us or visiting us on October 8th for bib pickup, where you can ask your questions in person. 

We will also have the course coned on Saturday, October 8th, so that you can drive the course. 

Parking:

There's a parking lot at the Cumberland Museum, on the West Field. Please do your best to carpool or bike to the event. That'll help avoid some congestion and it'll help keep some cars off the road. 

Free Race Photos!

Bring your smile, or your game face, and keep an eye out for our Race Photographer this Sunday. The photos are FREE for anyone who participates. They're sponsored by John Gomes Real Estate. 

If you want to thank John for his generosity, you can thank him in person on Sunday, as he'll be racing the Marathon. Catch him if you can!

John has been one of our biggest supporters and has really helped us make a comeback after 2 years of shutdown. We can't thank him enough but we hope that you'll consider John for all your Real Estate needs. 

When to Arrive:

We recommend showing up an hour before the race, to find parking, get your bib, warm up, and make your way to the start line. Bib pickup opens at 7am. 

Bib Pick up:

We highly recommend picking up your race bib on Saturday, from 1pm to 5pm. We'll be set up at the Black Walnut Bakery Tent at 979 Cameron St.

For Race Day, you can pick up your bib at the Cumberland Museum, at 2940 Old Montreal Road. We'll be ready as early as 7am. 

The race starts are:

8:00am Early Marathon Start (7 hour cut off)
8:20am 1K Turkey Trot
8:45am Wedding Dress Dash
9:00am Half Marathon 
9:00am Marathon (6 hour cut off)
9:30am 10K
9:45am 5K
9:50am 3K 

Show up on-site an hour before the race, so that you can get set up, warm up and make your way to the start line. You can also watch the Turkey Trot and the Wedding Dress Dash!

If you want to take advantage of the Early Marathon Start, just make sure you're ready for the 8am start. Our registration tent will be open at 7am. 

Spectator Guide:

We have this handy Spectator Guide! It highlights all the info that you and your spectators will find helpful on Race Day. 

Anything Else? 

If you have any last-minute questions, please let us know! Otherwise, check out our website for all things Somersault. You can also keep in touch with us on Facebook and Instagram. 

Somersault

Thanks for joining us at The Canadian! 

What a great day it ended up being. We can't thank you enough for signing up and for bringing your friends & family to spectate. We had a great crowd all day! 

Despite already completing the race, we have some perks to remind you about.

Free Race Photography from Intercede Communications

Intercede Communications is pleased to support Somersault and you in immortalizing your race finishes. They provide free downloads of your race photos from both the Thousand Islands and Canadian Events.

Please support us by taking a minute to support our sponsor. We encourage you to check out their website and consider them for your communications needs. 

Thanks to them, you can download your images for free, by clicking this link.

Follow us on social media to see when the photos are live or check the link above. There are a few thousand photos to edit, to it'll likely take a few days for them to go live. 

Instagram

Free Bike Fit from MyVeloFit

Just for signing up, you were emailed a promo code for a free membership with MyVeloFit. Their virtual bike fitting software is a new Ottawa-based company that's making it easier to fit your bike from anywhere. Learn more about them here. 

Lost and Found:

We have a few small items that we found today. If it's yours, let us know and we'll find a way to reunite you with your gears. We have

-Some waterbottles-Some towels-A fuel belt

One last thank you to our volunteers:

The St. Matthews High School Football team cannot be thanked enough for all their help on Saturday. Volunteers are the cornerstone of our local events and if you ever want to see a race from a different point of view, consider volunteering! 

Results:

The results are live a few moments after you cross the finish line, and you can see them all at Sportstats.ca. If you need anything corrected, you can email corrections@sportstats.ca.

What's next?

Our last event of 2022 is just over one month away. The Fall Colours event is one that you won't want to miss.

Join us on October 9th for the most scenic event in the Ottawa area. Running distances from 1K to 42.4K gives everyone the option to participate in a beautiful run through the quiet roads of Cumberland. 

We even have a 1K Wedding Dress Dash where you can test your skills against our very own Race Director. This will be a rare opportunity to race a Somersault event again Adam Kourakis, as he races the 1K Wedding Dress Dash with his wife's dress. October 9th happens to be his 1 year anniversary with Elizabeth, so we hope to see you there to participate, cheer, or heckle! 

Help us spread the word

If you had a good experience today, a Google Review would mean the world. As we come back from 2 years off, we're hoping to grow this series in a few different ways. An online review would really help us grow so that we can bring some of our ideas and improvements to life. 

The Canadian is only a few days away and we wanted to send some final reminders. 

Spots still available: 

You can sign up in person during Bib Pick Up (timing below), at the Terry Fox Facility, but those spots are limited. 

Orientation: 

Adam, the Somersault Race Director is doing an in-person orientation on Friday at 5pm. The course walk-through will start at the entrance to the Terry Fox Facility. For those of us that rely on Google maps, the address is 2960 Riverside Drive. 

Feel free to come by, pick up your bib, and get prepped for Saturday. 

Parking:

There's a parking lot at Terry Fox Facility and at Mooney's Bay. 

Free Race Photo!

Bring your smile, or your game face, and keep an eye out for our Race Photographers this Saturday. The photos are FREE for anyone who participates.

Timing:

We recommend showing up an hour before the race, to get your bib, set up transition, and make your way to the start line. 

Bib Pick up:

We highly recommend picking up your race bib on Friday, from 3pm to 6pm. We'll be set up at the Terry Fox Facility.

We'll be at this same location on Race Day but picking up your bib on Friday lets you scope everything out for Saturday AND gives you less to do on race day. 

The race starts are:

7:00am: 113 Triathlon + SwimCycle
7:10am: 1113 Duathlon
8:15am: Sprint Triathlon
8:45am: Sprint Duathlon
9:00am: Olympic Triathlon + SwimCycle
9:45am: Try a Tri

Show up on-site an hour before the race, so that you can get set up, warm up and make your way to the start line. 

Know Your Distances:

Some events have multiple loops. It's important that you know how many loops you need to do on the swim, the bike, and the run. We will have volunteers, cones, signs, and barriers to make the course as clear as possible but it's important that each athlete know the course ahead of time.  

The swim course will be as follows:
-Try a Tri: 1 loop of 200m 
-Sprint Tri: 1 loops of 750m
-Olympic Tri: 2 loops of 750m
-113 Tri: 2 loops of 950 

The bike course loops are 10K each, which means:
-Try a Tri: 2 loops
-Sprint Tri/Du: 2 loops
-Olympic Tri/Du/SwimCycle: 4 loops
-113 Tri/Du/SwimCycle: 9 loops

The run course has a loop of 2.5K, 5K, and 5.275 which means:
-Try a Tri: 1 loop (2.5K)
-Sprint Tri: 1 loop (5K)
-Olympic Tri: 2 loops of 5K (10K)
-Sprint Du: 1 loop (5K) for the 1st run. 1 loop (2.5K) for the 2nd run.
-Olympic Du: 2 loops of 5K (10K) for the 1st run. 2 loops (5K) for the 2nd run.
-113 Tri: 4 loops of 5.275m (21.1K)

If you have any last-minute questions, please let us know!

Somersault