Steve King, the iconic announcer of triathlons, will be making the call during Challenge Penticton.
Challenge Penticton issued a release on Thursday morning regarding the announcement.
“I am honoured to be asked to continue in the commentating role,” said King in a press release. “I am very proud of what Penticton has done for triathlon and its commitment to provide a challenging course, support for charities, community involvement and the best possible race experience for the athletes, volunteers, spectators and sponsors alike.”
King is best known for his voice, his commitment to the sport and incredible knowledge regarding the field of athletes. Spectators flock to hear him call out athletes’ names as they emerge from the swim, move through transition and cross the finish line.
King told the Western News that he would hate to not be involved.
"It’s our hometown event and been involved for 30 years," he said. "It's basically the same event with a different name. That’s the way I look at it. We’re still welcoming hopefully many of the same atheltes. A lot of first timers. It will bring new athletes to the course that maybe have been fearful of doing all three disciplines. There is that element of the relays, which opens up a whole new avenue for athletes to test themselves against. I think we have such an incredible reputation that people will continue to come here. On the one hand, we can be sorry that we’re not part of the Ironman family but that will continue."
“We are so happy that Steve King has agreed to continue his long-standing tradition of welcoming athletes to the finishing line in Penticton,” said Paul McCann, chair of the Challenge Penticton board of directors. “Challenge Penticton is about enhancing the athlete experience, and Steve King plays a huge part in that.”
King is an avid runner and triathlete who has held six national age group records, has raced iron-distance and Ultraman races and has been a member of Canada’s national 100-kilometre team. In 1997, he was the first B.C. runner to finish in the B.C. Marathon Championships, and posted wins in the Kamloops 50-km and the Haney-to-Harrison 100-km events. In 2001, he became only the second Canadian ever to finish the 135-mile Death Valley race.
In other news, Challenge Penticton also announced it will reward athletes who register this year for the 2013 race this year by offering early bird prizes. Athletes who register by Dec. 31, 2012 will automatically be entered into an early bird draw for prizes: a Trek Madone 5.9 road bicycle courtesy of Bike Barn, an Orca 3.8 wetsuit courtesy of Peach City Runners and a free 2014 Challenge Penticton registration.
Local organizers are also offering a “Welcome to the Challenge Family” incentive for participation in the 2013 race. Five Challenge Penticton finishers will be drawn to win a free registration to a 2014 Challenge Family race of their choice anywhere in the world plus a $5,000 certificate to cover travel expenses. European athletes who register for Challenge Penticton will be entered into a draw to receive a 2013 registration for free and a $5,000 certificate to take care of travel expenses to Penticton. Those who have already purchased their registration are automatically entered to win. Prizes will be drawn on Dec. 31, 2012, and winners can receive their prizes at Challenge Penticton in August of 2013. Entrants who withdraw their race registration will not be eligible for prizes. All dollar figures are listed in Canadian funds.
Athletes can register at www.challenge-penticton.com.