World Triathlon Championships finish in Edmonton

As the ITU World Triathlon Grand Final wraps up in Edmonton Monday, Mayor Don Iveson is hoping it wont be the last time the event is held in the city.

Thousands of people from around the world came to Edmonton for the event.

The last time the triathlon event was held in the city was in 2001. Iveson hopes it will return more often.

Were working with the International Triathlon Union, Iveson said. Wed like to be on the circuit of seven cities for the next several years. Weve had some very positive conversations about that. Obviously weve got to talk to council.

Alicia Garcia has been to triathlons all over the world. For her, Hawrelak Park was a standout location.

For us [Spaniards], to arrive in a city that that you can have a lot of parks, its difficult to find, she said. Its very good to have this.

Iveson said the city estimates the economic impact of the triathlon is around $20 million.

Weve got over 60,000 hotel rooms, he said. Weve got a lot of people buying parts, enjoying themselves after their race. Theyre going to go out and enjoy some of the restaurants and hospitality.