There’s a movement that pulses and paces in Cornwall and unless you’ve been swept up in it, you may not have noticed. It’s captivating our youth, spurring on activity and putting the city on the map. It’s our multisport culture.
Our geographic location and our people power are what makes this a perfect place for multisport activities. At every turn you’ll find the St. Lawrence River, endless on- and off-road cycling routes, and running and biking trails. Clubs, organizations, non-profit groups, Facebook groups and coaches are ready to help guide the intrepid to participate—and excel.
The Cornwall Sea Lions Swim Club coaches youth and adults. The Cornwall Cycle Club offers something for everyone—from rider development to coffee rides to racing. (Sidenote: Their retro club jerseys are, in our opinion, reason enough to join.) The Cornwall Outdoor Club de plein air hosts year- round activities like hiking, paddling, and snowshoeing. And there’s the 165-member-strong Cornwall Multisport Club (CMC), an encouraging crew that focuses on training runners and Triathletes.
Many CMC members volunteer for the ultra successful Cornwall Triathlon. This year marks the 15th anniversary for the two-day event, one of the most anticipated race weekends on the multisport calendar. It has sold out in the kids, sprint and olympic events for the past 2 years, and even features an entire day for kids’ races. Unique in its approach, the race features a closed inner-city course (rare in the triathlon world), as well as prize money (making the Cornwall Tri the only regional event that offers prize money other than pro purses for events owned by large racing bodies). This attracts a high level of competition featuring pros to the near-pros, according to Rob Allen, Race Director.
Guylaine Barnes, one of the top local performers at the triathlon, understands the factors that are contributing to the growing multisport culture in our area.
“The success of these events and clubs is a direct result of dedicated individuals who tirelessly give their time and energy,” she says. “Their work is what brings our community together with a shared vision.” We salute the vision, the energy and the contagious nature of this multisport movement and its people. Harder! Stronger! Better! Faster! Together.
