There are several national and international FOUR-sport events, each including swimming, paddling, cycling and running. The Worlds are held annually, usually in Europe. Canada has a national team which has competed at the Worlds since 2001.

Dartmouth now holds an annual World Cup event, the "DiamondMan" sanctioned by the World Quadrathlon Federation.

Most participants are attracted to these events by the individual IronMan nature of the competition. Relay teams are also encouraged, and high school teams are frequent competitors. Teams of masters-age paddlers made up a significant portion of their entry list each year.

Why is the sport growing in popularity? The recent success of Canadian triathlete Simon Whitfield in the Sydney Olympics and the increasing media focus on IronMan type events, makes a multi-sport competition in the Maritimesıs largest city is a natural. We have a tremendous paddling base to add to that swimming, cycling, running enthusiasm. The canoe/kayak participation gives this event an expanded participant base for participants and spectators.

Swimmers start the Dartmouth event from Lionıs Beach, completing a 2.2 km. leg on Dartmouthıs Lake Banook. Their transition to paddling is also centred at this popular beach, with the Canoe/Kayakers then racing 10 km. on the famous Lake Banook canoe course from Senobe Aquatic Club. Cyclists ride 50 km. through the Dartmouth road network, then back along the Waverley Road. Runners head back the final 10 km. on the Lake Charles Trail, to the Finish at Senobe.

A complete list of prizes is awarded (cash, sports equipment and trophies) to winners in each class.

For more information contact Allan Billard at 449-0581