2026 BC Summer Games Triathlon Heads to Kelowna
A Major Opportunity for BC’s Next Generation of Triathletes
The 2026 BC Summer Games, taking place July 22–26, 2026 in Kelowna, will bring together the province’s top emerging triathletes for a high-energy, multi-sport Games experience. For many athletes, this will be their first opportunity to race in a Games environment, representing their Zone while competing alongside peers from across British Columbia.
More than just a race, the BC Summer Games are designed to inspire, challenge, and develop young athletes. The Games serve as an important entry point into performance-focused, draft-legal triathlon, helping athletes gain experience, confidence, and exposure to a team-based competition setting that reflects the next step along the high-performance pathway.
Who the Games Are For
The 2026 BC Summer Games Triathlon is open to youth athletes aged 14–15 (born in 2011 or 2012) who are annual Triathlon BC members and first-time BC Summer Games triathlon participants. A total of 52 athletes will compete, with balanced representation from across the province’s eight Zones.
Athletes of varying backgrounds are encouraged to pursue qualification, whether they are newer to competitive triathlon or already experienced racers looking to test themselves in a Games setting.
Triathlon Events at the Games
Athletes selected to the BC Summer Games will take part in a variety of exciting race formats, designed to test speed, skill, and adaptability. Planned events include:
- Super Sprint Triathlon (400m swim / 10km bike / 2.5km run)
- Duathlon (1km run / 7.5km bike / 1km run)
- F1 Triathlon (200m swim / 2.5km bike / 1km run)
- Aquathlon (300m swim / 1km run)
- Mixed Relay Triathlon (non-medal event, distances TBC)
All cycling segments at the Games are draft-legal, providing athletes with valuable pack-riding and race tactics experience in a controlled, development-focused environment.
Zone Qualification Events – 2026
Athletes must compete in their respective Zone Qualifying Event to be eligible for selection to the BC Summer Games.
| Zone | Date | Race | Location | Event Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Zone 1 | June 14, 2026 | Wasa Triathlon | Kimberley | Non-drafting |
| Zone 2 | May 3, 2026 | Cherry Triathlon | Kelowna | Non-drafting |
| Zone 3, 4, 5 | June 14, 2026 | Exceleration Triathlon | Vancouver | Non-drafting |
| Zone 6 | June 7, 2026 | Shoreline Orthodontics Tri-K | Courtenay | Non-drafting |
| Zone 7 | TBD | TBD | TBD | Non-drafting |
| Zone 8 | May 31, 2026 | PG Northern Triathlon | Prince George | Non-drafting |
Note: Zone 7 qualification details are still being finalized and will be announced once confirmed.
How Athletes Qualify
Athletes are encouraged to begin by submitting a BC Games Expression of Interest Form, which ensures they receive important updates on qualification events, camps, and next steps.
Qualification occurs primarily through Zone Qualifying Events, with additional pathways to ensure fair and province-wide representation. Selection opportunities include:
- Zone Qualifier spots
- Zone Wildcard spots
- Provincial Wildcard spots
- Automatic selection for 2025 SuperSeries overall champions (one male, one female)
All Zone Qualifying Events will be completed by June 15, 2026, and selected athletes must be registered for the Games by June 22, 2026.
Camps, Clinics, and Draft Certification
Triathlon BC will offer training camps, skills clinics, and draft certification courses leading into the Games. Draft certification is mandatory for all athletes competing in draft-legal events and will focus on safety, pack riding skills, and race strategies essential for success at the Games and beyond.
Why the BC Summer Games Matter
The BC Summer Games provide a unique opportunity for young triathletes to experience:
- High-quality racing in a multi-sport Games environment
- Team-based competition while representing their Zone
- Skill development in draft-legal racing
- A supportive introduction to performance pathways within Triathlon BC
For many athletes, the Games are a defining milestone that sparks long-term engagement and growth in the sport.
VIEW THE QUALIFICATION DOCUMENT
