Oldest Triathlon in Quebec set to take place at Meech Lake

Tashi Farmilo

The Meech Lake Triathlon, Quebec's oldest, is scheduled to take place on Saturday, July 15, 2023, at O’Brien Beach in Gatineau Park. The event includes a 1,200-meter swim, a 21.7-kilometer bike ride, and a 6.4-kilometer run.


The triathlon started in 1983 with three race directors: Mike Collingwood, in charge of swimming, Graham Burton, who took care of the cycle part, and Anne Wardlaw, fitness director for the OAC, who was the overall race coordinator. Collingwood continued to run the event until his passing in December 2006. The triathlon was renamed the Mike Collingwood Memorial Triathlon in his honour, beginning in 2007.


The event has become popular among participants due to the calm and clear waters of Meech Lake, the challenging hills of Gatineau Park on the bike course, and the scenic route through the federal park. In addition to bragging rights, the registration fee of $95 includes a FREE Virtual Bike Fit by MyVeloFit, a personalized bib, professional timing from Sportstats, nutritional supplements by F2C, race photography by FinisherPix, post-race snacks, and podium prizes offered by Crank Coffee Co for the top three athletes, male, female and non-binary, in each race.

Participants must be 16 years or older, and teams may have a member under the age of 16 provided that person is the rider. The event is limited to 300 participants.

Athletes can park at P9 and set up their T1 at P11. Participants can set up their T2 near the finish line on their way to P11. The deadline for online registration is July 11 at 6:00 pm. Participants who miss this deadline can still register in person on race day or when they pick up their bib, subject to availability.

The Meech Lake Triathlon is also a fundraiser for the Heart Institute, which is dedicated to providing unparalleled care to its patients, conducting world-renowned research, and preventing heart disease.

Those interested in registering for the triathlon or ordering the Finisher's Medal or souvenir jersey can do so at the event's website. The deadline for ordering the Finisher's Medal is June 15 and the deadline for ordering jerseys is also June 15. Participants who miss these deadlines can still order the jersey online from July 14th.

Photo: Triathletes Run into Meech Lake, courtesy of The Meech Lake Triathlon