HISTORY

The first UM triathlon was held in 1983 in Hawaii, organized by Curtis Tyler, Alex Smith and Conrad Will. Curtis Tyler served as original RD and he had the goal of having more than just a competition. Above all, an event which focussed on the guiding principles of Hawaiian culture – Aloha (Love), Ohana (Family) and Kokua (Help).

In 1992, Tyler turned over UM to Jane Bockus (owner of Ohana Loa) who continues to own the licences to the branded races.

While the UM brand has expanded and contracted over the years, the concept and guiding principles have been widely adopted around the world.  Currently, there are over 15 such races outside of the UM brand. 

The first Ultraman in Canada took place in Penticton, BC in 1993 with 8 participants and Tom Price as the winner.  Steve Brown, the long time race director, built a long standing tradition of Ultra racing in the area both with the UM brand and later his own Ultra 520K Canada races that occurred each year on the British Columbia long weekend in August.

We now wish to continue that tradition on the same weekend, in Whistler, BC.  Recognizing volunteer fatigue and the combination of high priced/limited availability of accommodation in Penticton, we believe that our move to Whistler is a Super, Natural fit for the continued growth of 515 races in Canada with Ultra 515 Canada and the Ultra TriFest Canada.

Moving forward, by establishing a truly World Wide Championship, we hope to foster the growth of smaller, independent 515 races around the world and allow athletes to race (more economically) in their home regions before taking on the Ultra 515 World Championships.