Air quality in Kelowna may result in delays or cancellations at the Apple Triathlon this weekend

The Apple Triathlon is set to take place this weekend in Kelowna, but the heavy smoke and poor air quality the Okanagan is experiencing may slow them down.

The 1,400 athletes participating in the event this year may have to deal with delays or even cancellation if conditions don’t improve.

The race organizers, Susie Ernsting, Race Director, Matthew Canzer, Board Chair, and Kim Van Bruggen, CEO of Triathlon Canada, gave a media update this afternoon on their plans for the 2018 event.

Although it may be disappointing for the athletes and spectators that have put in the training and travelled from across the country to be here this weekend if a cancellation does occur, their priority is the health and well-being of the participants.

The organizers sent out a statement yesterday notifying the public that they are monitoring the situation by the hour.

Organizers confirmed today that some athletes have chosen not to participate in the race, and if conditions demand it they may shorten some of the races, delay them, or cancel them.

Right now, air quality is at a 7, which indicates a high health risk. They are planning to make adjustments to the schedule based on the following conditions:

AQHI 9 - 10+: event delayed or cancelled if conditions don't improve

AQHI 7-8: event delayed or shortened

AQHI <7: no modification

You can check the air quality for the Central Okanagan here.

In 2015 and 2016 the organizers had the same problem with conditions, a reality of this time of year in the region.

Organizers said that in during those events the smoke was quite bad at times, which is why they are monitoring it so closely.

The sold out 2018 event has brought hundreds of athletes, spectators and members of the triathlon community to Kelowna. Top talent from all over Canada will be competing in two days of racing that will culminate in a International Triathlon Union (ITU) CAMTRI race Sunday morning.