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The birth of Ironman Canada.
Article by Jay Winans - Impact Magazine
Ironman Canada may never have happened had it not been for Ron Zalko, Vancouver fitness celebrity and entrepreneur. “I’m the visionary, the founder, the first race director and the sponsor,” said Zalko. The very first event in 1983 grew out of Zalko’s frustration with the cost of traveling to Hawaii to compete in the nascent Ironman event there. He organized sponsors such as Gatorade and Adidas, and approached Kelowna first, but Kelowna turned him down and Adidas walked. But Zalko didn’t give up. When he met with the mayor and other dignitaries in Penticton, his idea for an ultra-triathlon event was warmly received, and they offered to help with volunteers. Zalko knew he had found just the right spot in Penticton-the hotel was right on the water, the weather and traffic were good, and the community was eager.
Martin Wanless, one of the founders in 1983 of the Tri Association of B.C., remembers Zalko standing at the back of the room at the inaugural meeting held at G.F. Strong Sports Medicine Centre in Vancouver and inviting attendees to come to Penticton for the first race. A number of people said they’d come if Zalko put it on.
“It was Ron Zalko’s baby from day one,” said Michael Van Ert. “He did get the sponsors, he was the race director, it was his money that financed the race.” Van Ert explained that Zalko could not have done it without lots of help from people like Lynn Van Dove, Steve King, and a half dozen others, but proper credit goes to Ron Zalko, the man with the iron will, for creating the race that everyone’s celebrating in Penticton.
Upcoming Ironman Canada - Subaru Ironman Canada-Sunday, August 26, 2007
Held in Penticton, British Columbia, Ironman Canada is the oldest Ironman race to be held in continental North America. It will take place for the 25th time in 2007 and continues to be regarded as one of the best Ironman events in the world.
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