Canaqua Sports has come to the Edmonton Area
Introducing the
Elk Island SwimRun Challenge NEW
And
Open Water Swim
June 24, 2023
Elk Island National Park
Astotin Lake Area
As we continue to grow our events across Canada, Canaqua Sports is very excited to be running our first-ever event in the Edmonton area at the beautiful Elk Island National Park.
Come and join us on June 24, 2023, as we present the inaugural Elk Island SwimRun Challenge and the Elk Island 1.5K open-water swim
The Mudskipper SwimRun Challenge is rapidly gaining a reputation as one of the premier SwimRun series in the world with 12 events across Canada and still growing. We invite you to join us at the Elk Island SwimRun Challenge as we offer distances of 7.5K (SwimRun Mini) and 15K. We are excited to offer both an individual and team event.
Since 2015 the Canaqua Sports Open Water Swim Series has grown from 4 events in Ontario and is very excited to announce our 15th race of the 2023 season, the 1.5K Elk Island Open Water Swim.
We look forward to welcoming all open water swimmers from Edmonton and beyond to this beautiful location
Registration fees
Elk Island Open Water Swim Closed
Online registration closed-
Everybody loves a great swim. Wetsuits are Mandatory
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$40.00Jan. 13 – Apr. 3
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$50.00Apr. 3 – Jun. 20
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Elk Island SwimRun Challenge - Mini Closed
Online registration closed-
7.50K with 1 swim and 1 run through Elk Island Park.
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$50.00Jan. 13 – Apr. 3
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$60.00Apr. 3 – Jun. 20
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Elk Island Mudskipper SwimRun Challenge Closed
Online registration closed-
A classic individual SwimRun with 4K of swimming and 11K of running. What a great way to start the day
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$70.00Jan. 13 – Apr. 3
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$80.00Apr. 3 – Jun. 20
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Mudskipper Teams SwimRun - Elk Island Closed
Something new from the Mudskipper SwimRun Challenge. Mudskipper Teams adds a new dimension to our swimrun events with the traditional team format with 2 member teams competing together to complete the event.
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$80.00
Price Per Person
Jan. 13 - Jun. 20
Race Info
Location: Elk Island National Park, Astotin Lake Area
Check-in: 7:30 - 8:30 AM at the Canaqua Sports Registration Area
Race Start Time: 9:00 AM
NOTE: Participants will be required to pay the park entry fee
Facilities & Food:
- Washrooms will be available
- Food will be provided
Race Details:
- Swim caps will be provided for each swimmer and MUST BE WORN for identification purposes during the race
- A number will be inked on upper back/shoulder of each participant
- Water temperature at this time of year ranges between 68 – 72 degrees Fahrenheit
- There will not be a "rain date" and a delay (or cancellation) would only occur in the event of lightning
SwimRun Characteristics
For those of you who are new to the sport of SwimRun, we understand that it may seem like a very daunting sport. Swimming with Paddles and with your shoes on, Running in a wetsuit. Yes, this is all very different and has helped to make SwimRun a very unique sport. Here are some of the basics that you will need to know about SwimRun. If you have any questions please feel free to email us at info@canaquasports.com and we will be happy to give you tips to get started
Equipment
Wetsuit
Wearing of wetsuits is optional for most SwimRun Challenge events. For those who prefer to wear a wetsuit you don’t need to have a SwimRun specific model to take part – any swimming (Tri) wetsuit will do so long as you can move freely enough in it to run and it will keep you warm enough on long swims.
Shoes
The shoes you wear for SwimRun not only need to be comfortable for the long distances of technical trail running that you’ll be doing in your race but also need to be suitable for use in the water. Make sure they are a snug fit so they don’t come off when swimming and that they don’t soak up much water and drain well. Running with wet shoes on slippery rocks requires good traction so Good grip soles are essential!
Swim cap
In many SwimRun competitions the organizer provides a swimming cap (we will be providing Canaqua Sports swim caps). These are mandatory for all participants
Accessories
Goggles
Goggles are essential to avoid getting water in your eyes. You will need to have clear vision for sighting in open water. Cold water can also be quite uncomfortable on the face and eyes so covering up helps a lot! Goggles come in all shapes and sizes so try lots on and select a pair that fits your face well. Test them well in open water before hand – there is nothing more irritating than leaky goggles! It might be worth having a couple of pairs at the ready with different lenses. On dull days clear lenses will be best but on bright sunny days a tinted or polarised pair will help stop glare from the water. Some participants carry a second pair of spare goggles incase they lose them whilst running. Think about how you are going to carry them if you take them off your head to run.
Hand paddles
Many people use hand paddles for SwimRun. These add some extra power to your strokes by increasing the ‘catch’ are of your hand. There are many different types of paddles on the market, but you’ll need some that have straps to hold it on your hand or they can easily come off and be lost in open water. You’ll also need to think about how you are going to carry them on your runs and practice your transitions – getting out on rocky ground is hard when your have paddles on your hands!
If you decide to use paddles you must train with them a lot! Using paddles takes good technique and puts a lot of strain on your shoulders and back muscles. You need to build up the strength to be able to use them over long distances. If you don’t you will soon find you get very tired and worse you can injure yourself!
Pull buoy
SwimRun rules state that you can use any flotation aids so long as they are no bigger than 100 cm x 60 cm! Most people use a pull buoy.This float, which you hold between your legs instead of kicking, gives you extra buoyancy and allows you to save your legs during the swims. You’ll appreciate this when it is time to run! Using a pull buoy is generally why people decide to use the hand paddles as the extra propulsion makes up for the loss of the power from the kick. Pull buoys come in different shapes and sizes – what you use depends really on how much lift you need in your legs. For example, if you have a short wetsuit and heavy trainers you’ll need a bigger float.
Event Map
Here is the map for both the Elk Island SwimRun Challenge and Open Water Swim.
We look forward to seeing you on Race Day
Event schedule
- Sat., June 24, 2023 7:30 a.m. - Onsite Registration and check-in
- Sat., June 24, 2023 8:30 a.m. - Mandatory Race Briefing
- Sat., June 24, 2023 9:00 a.m. - Elk Island Open Water Swim start
- Sat., June 24, 2023 9:15 a.m. - Mudskipper SwimRun Challenge Start Time
Contact information
- Event contact
- Gerry Lamarche
- Phone
- 780-777-2632
- Website
- Visit website
