Hundreds take part in rain-soaked Toronto Triathlon Festival

Hundreds of athletes gathered early Sunday morning to celebrate endurance and tenacity in one of the country's longest triathlon challenges:The Toronto Triathlon Festival.

Men and women from20-59challenged their physical abilities inswimming, cycling and running.

However, the rainy weatherSunday proved to be less than ideal for someparticipants, but many were still up for the challenge.

"You couldn't ask for anything more, [except the] sun," said Canadian Olympic triathleteSimon Whitfield. "That's the heart of our sport participating in any weather."

Karan Gardiner of St. Catharines competed in the Sprint category and noted the weather made things uncomfortable.

"It might be a little slower on the bike and slower in transition when you pour the water out of your shoes," she said.

Building camaraderie

The event also allowed friends to build camaraderie and push themselves to their limits.

"My main focus is to qualify for the World's," said Mary-Ann McKinley, Sprint category contestant and friend of Gardiner's.

"My job is to push her so she'll come with me," said Gardiner.

The festival, which is in its sixth year,continues to grow year-over-year and aims to give athletes a different way to experience the city.

"It's not too often where people that live in and around the city get to come down and experience the highways on their bikes and ride faster than they would in rush hour," said Jeff Chong, president of Toronto TriathlonFestival.