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Meet Our Board Members

Back of Mark's DRTC jersey with his IronMan Ohio 70.3 first place plate

Mark Gibson

President

I started participating in triathlons in 2011. From the start I was hooked. Triathlon is an inclusive and competitive sport where the athletes support and encourage each other even when they are in competition. When I joined the DRTC I found a club whose members exemplify all of those attributes. It’s important to me that the DRTC continues to foster an environment where our members at all levels can grow as athletes and have a good time while doing it. I am a certified NCCP coach, Level 1 Triathlon Ontario race official and compete in multiple triathlons a year ranging in distances from sprints to full ironman.

Heather Bowie crossing a finish line with her arms raised in victory

Heather Bowie

Secretary

I have been a member of the DRTC since about 2014. When I first joined I was worried about being intimidated and in over my head. I very quickly learned that I had absolutely nothing to worry about - these were some of the most encouraging, supportive and inspiring people I had ever met. And with their amazing support I suddenly found myself setting and achieving goals that I had never dreamed possible. I joined the board so that I could give back to this incredible community and ensure that this is always a club where everyone is welcome.

Ed Conboy

Director

I got my start in triathlon back in 2008 with a local sprint distance event. After barely completing the 750m swim I was convinced that this would be both my first and last triathlon experience. Fast forward many years and many coached swim sessions and I’m happy to say that I’m still participating in triathlon. I was fortunate enough to find the DRTC early on in my journey and credit the great coaching, training and support I received along the way to many of my successes.

I’m please to be part of such an inclusive and supportive team.

Jenn Harper running with her bike wearing helmets and sunglasses

Jennifer Harper

Director

I’ve been participating in triathlons since 2010. I love the variety of the training and racing. With a busy family life at home, training and racing is my fun and often stress relief too! After being part of DRTC for several years, I’m happy to be the newest member of the board.

Mark Hawkins

Director

I love the triathlon community. Triathletes are encouraging, supportive, and always anxious to share information in order to help those who are new to the sport, or wanting to up their game.

I did my first triathlon, an Olympic distance race in Gravenhurst, in 2008. I thought I had adequately trained for it - I was wrong. Two years later, when I wanted to do a full Ironman, I realized I'd need help training for it, so I joined the DRTC. I soon discovered the training benefits of well structured workouts, and the advice of triathletes who had Ironmaned before.

Community triathlon clubs are vital to every swimmer, cyclist, or runner who wants to expand their activities and progress toward trying their hands at racing..... or not. Community clubs endorse and support fitness, proper training, and friendly competition.

The pandemic has presented community clubs, like the DRTC, with an enormous challenge. I joined the DRTC to do my part to ensure that 'our club' continued to deliver quality, coached workouts, and foster a supportive community of triathletes helping each other achieve their fitness goals.

Lea holding a medal

Lea Ladouceur

Director

I’m happy to support the Durham Regional Triathlon Club by being on the board. I’ve enjoyed being a member of the club since 2014 and part of the local running community for the past several years. To help fund my triathlon and running habit, I’m an HR professional specializing in systems administration. My personal philosophy in life and triathlon is hard work, trust your training, and positive thinking balanced with rest and relaxation. You don’t have to be the strongest or the fastest to love this sport.

Ashley Roche

Director

I have been competing in triathlons since 2011, when my Mom signed me up alongside her for a triathlon clinic. WIth no athletic ability but a whole lot of heart, I slowly found myself working up from a try-a-tri to my first Ironman in 2019. For me, triathlon is about having fun and encouraging one another, and the DRTC is a perfect fit. Everyone is friendly and supportive, and it is impossible to have a bad day surrounded by like-minded individuals with a positive mindset! You don't have to be the best, you just have to try your best. Looking forward to serving a second term on the DRTC Board!