Sunrise Swim for Hospice

We are welcoming everyone 18 and older to be a part of this great fundraising event.

The swim is open to IRONMAN athletes, their support crew and family members, volunteers, and local community residents who have the physical fitness to be able to swim 1.6 km on their own using whatever stroke they desire.

It is a non-competitive swim that is purely in the spirit of supporting a good cause, and getting a workout in at the same time! So come out for a swim for a great cause that will be fully supported with boats, kayaks, lifeguards and buoys to keep everyone in line!

Take a sneek peek at the swim course:

1. We are going to be sending swimmers off in waves of 20 based on predicted swim pace. Each wave will be departing at one minute intervals
2. We ask that you only sign up if you have the ability to swim the 1.6 km distance.
3. If you know you are a swimmer that might need some extra time, supervision, or are nervous about this swim, please identify yourselves at registration and we are going to make sure that you are well taken care of by our on water swim volunteers.
4. There will be ONE location to enter the water and to exit the water. We are having a "sign in and sign out system" to ensure that everyone who gets in the water, gets out of the water.
5. There will be kayaks, lifeguards, and motorized support boats should participants have any medical issues out on the swim. Be smart, if you are in trouble, let our medical or on water support team know.
6. We will be following standard safety procedures.... if you are in trouble, take your cap off and wave it around. One of our water support volunteers will come over to you if you are not able to get to them yourself.
7. If you have any active medical concerns, please indicate them during the registration process and ensure that they are up to date at the time of the event.

At 8am, while you sit on the banks of Fairy Lake enjoying your cuppa Muskoka Roastery coffee and breakfast, we are going to havea couple of special guest speakers to inspire and provide a little additional motivation you as you head into the Ironman weekend.

Dr. Deb Harrold

Dr. Deb as she is passionately referred to in our community, has been a leader in Palliative Care in the province of Ontario, as well as a strong advocate for palliative patients and their families in our community. Her dedication to rural Palliative Care led to the development of one of Ontario's first rural residential hospices. Her passion extends beyond the walls of medicine to the world of endurance sports. She is a multiple marathon finisher, and her most recent triathlon accomplishmen included completing Ironman Mont Tremblant in 2014.

Colin Hackett

After his college football career Colin ballooned up to 324 pounds. As his New Year's Resolution in 2008 he decided to get in shape. He completed his first Ironman triathon in 2010 at 285 pounds. Determined to race at the Ironman World Championships in Kona, HI Colin made it his mission to complete 12 Ironman races and gain entry through the Legacy Lottery. 10 days before what should have been his 8th Ironman he was diagnosed with stage 4 colon cancer at the age of 33. Now, despite bi-weekly chemotherapy treatments, Colin continues to train, race and spread hope for other facing the same diagnosis. This father of 4 children 6 and under is an experienced public speaker and a dedicated volunteer in his community.

Honestly, this event could not have been made a reality without the support of some of our great local businesses who believe in Hospice Huntsville, in TriMuskoka, and in Ironman Muskoka. To help make sure that as much of the "Registration Donation" goes back to Hospice Huntsville, a number of these local businesses and organizations have donated great food, great drink, the equipment to create a great event environment, and swag for the event to ensure that this is a great experience for everyone in attendance. If your business wants to become involved as a partner, either with a financial contribution or a donation in-kind, please contact us at rich@triathlonmuskoka.com

Do you want to raise even more for Hospice Huntsville? We would love to raise as much for this fantastic and essential medical service in our community that provides end of life palliative care to Muskoka residents. Consider creating your own pledge page (https://blog.raceroster.com/infographic-how-to-set-up-your-pledge-page/ on how to do), and collect pledges from your friends and family. They too will qualify for a tax receipt for any donation over $25. Lets see who can raise the most, and get on the "Top 3 Fundraiser" list. There might even be a special something something for those that make the Top 3!

Our sponsors want to offer some more stuff to our participants, and before the race, all participants will be sent a link to a "Virtual Goody Bag" where there will be coupons and other goodies for you to enjoy from our sponsors. Be on the lookout for this!