2026 Westwood Lake Triathlon

The 2026 Westwood Lake Triathlon is the 9th annual edition of this premier Vancouver Island multi-sport event, scheduled for Sunday, May 10, 2026, in Nanaimo, British Columbia. Hosted by Dynamic Race Events, the triathlon is centered at Westwood Lake Park, known for its pristine waters and challenging trail runs. The event offers a variety of distances, including Sprint, Standard, and a Standard Aquabike category for those preferring to skip the run.

The race begins with a swim in Westwood Lake, followed by a hilly, rolling bike route west of Highway 19 through the East Wellington area. The final leg consists of one or two laps around the hard-packed trail surrounding the lake, ending with a finish line celebration at the main beach. Athletes are required to have valid Triathlon BC insurance to participate. Race package pickup is available at the park on Saturday, May 9 (1:00 pm – 5:00 pm) and early Sunday morning starting at 6:30 am.

Local Context & Demographics

Nanaimo is a growing port city on the east coast of Vancouver Island with a population of approximately 100,000 residents. The city is a major hub for the island, connecting to Vancouver via two ferry terminals. The demographic profile is primarily of European descent (roughly 82% White), with a notable Indigenous population (approx. 5%) and a growing South Asian community. The median annual household income in Nanaimo is roughly CA$74,000.

Westwood Lake Park, the heart of the event, is a 106-hectare municipal park featuring one of the most popular swimming spots in the city. Geographically, the bike course explores the rural landscape of East Wellington, providing significant elevation changes. In early May, Nanaimo enjoys a temperate maritime climate; average temperatures on May 10th typically range from a low of 7°C to a high of 16°C, though lake water temperatures remain crisp, usually requiring a wetsuit for the swim portion.

Participant Support & Policies

• KidSport Nanaimo: The event supports KidSport, a local charity that provides financial assistance for registration fees and equipment to kids who face financial barriers to sport.

• Registration Flexibility: While entries are generally non-refundable, athletes have the option to use the Race Roster Enhanced Refund Protection Program for specific unforeseen circumstances like injury or illness.

• Transfers: Athlete-to-athlete transfers are permitted up to 14 days before the event for a nominal fee. Event-to-event transfers (to another Dynamic Race Events race) are also possible, provided the request is made 14 days in advance.