Ironman 5i50 triathlon in 2016 under consideration for Vancouver

Vancouver Park Board commissioners are considering a three-year agreement withIronmanCanadafor atriathlon to take place in downtown Vancouver in July 2016, potentially closing off roads in the popular tourist area during the height of the visitor season.

"This is ahigh-profileevent that would attract people from all over the world," said SusieErnsting, arace director withIronmanCanada.

"(It would)also give a chancefor our local athletes here to engage in an international event withouthaving to travel further abroad."

The Ironman5i50Series triathlon is a shorter distance than thefull Ironman competition; itwouldinclude a 1.5 kilometre swim, a 40-kilometre bicycle ride, and a 10-kilometre run in Coal Harbour and Stanley Park, closing roads throughout the area during the event.

It's estimated the triathlon would draw 2,500 competitors andabout 10,000 visitors to Vancouver, as well as add Vancouver to the roster of 22 countries that host the iconicevents.

Ironmanacquired the SubaruVancouver Triathlon in 2014 with the intent of relocating the event to the downtown area in 2016, according to a Park Board report.

Some park commissioners expressedconcernabout how the event would affect traffic and other tourism opportunities during one ofthe city's busiest months.

CommissionerStuartMackinnonsaid he was concerned about disruption and public safetyalong the Seawall, despite staff assurances that itwould not need to be closed for the event becausethe competitors' start times would be staggered.

Park Board Chair JohnCouparalso said he had some concerns.

"There's concerns about where the actual swimming route is. We have some great beach entry points that are downtown," said Coupar.

"I think with some reconfiguration this could be a terrific event."

The city hashosted large sportsevents in the downtown area in summer before. The LululemanSeaWheeze half marathon takes place in August, with participants running a course partiallyaround the Seawall.

The commissionersreferred the matter to public discussion and will make a finaldecision on Oct. 21.