About Us
The goal of the Durham Region Triathlon Club is to promote and develop the sport of triathlon in Durham Region. In an atmosphere of enjoyment and mutual respect, our members gather to improve their fitness and skill levels as triathletes. We offer opportunities for safe and progressive training in swimming, cycling and running under the supervision of experienced and certified coaches.
If you are a beginner, we aim to be the first step in the personal transformation that will end with the completion of your first race upright and smiling.
For intermediate and veteran triathletes, we offer an opportunity to exchange solitary training for the support and camaraderie that flow from a group of determined and motivated athletes with a common cause. The Durham Region Triathlon Club is sanctioned by the Ontario Association of Triathletes and operates under the direction of a volunteer board of directors.
We are a non-profit organization whose annual membership and ancillary fees cover the expenses that arise from conducting club business, group workouts and seminars.
Our History
Durham Region Triathlon Club was launched in 2008 by Paul Johnston, a multiple Ironman and personal coach, his wife Patty and a group of local triathletes who ranged from a Kona finisher to total neophytes: Chris Charest, Michelle Barrett, John Racovali, Angela Janke, Giselle Connor, Roberta Cirelli and Brent Armstrong.
The goal was to give more people in Durham Region a chance to enjoy the pleasure of pushing their bike through the bitter wind to get to spin class in January, and the format introduced by Paul and the first board continues to this day: track night; loops in the lake, laps in the pool; bike rides in the country, spin class in a gym; and a banquet in the fall to recognize those who ripped it up all season. The inaugural board found the locations, obtained the permits and insurance, certified as coaches and lifeguards and ran the classes. In the wings, Susan Typert designed the club logo and uniforms, and populated, hosted and operated the website through her company.
Veteran triathletes who had been quietly training on their own came out of the woodwork to encourage the next wave of rookies and the club grew into a tight crew. That knot of racers at the finish line waiting for the last member to cross? They often all had DRTC emblazoned across their chests; It was a club thing and it still largely persists to this day.
