The fog had started to lift off Ramsey Lake at Moonlight Beach to jump-start one of two remaining events under the Sudbury Fitness Challenge.
The Beaton Classic has been running for 35 years and generally draws a large crowd of participants and onlookers alike.
This year, it drew close to 200 people of all fitness levels to participate in the ultimate test of endurance: the quadrathlon.
The quadrathlon includes swimming, biking, racing, and canoeing. It's designed to allow endurance athletes to test their skills and advance toward the coveted spot of Mr./Miss Sudbury Fit.
Sudbury's Allison Caswell is no stranger to the Beaton, having participated for the last five years.
“I have been very involved in the active community, ran cross-country and did cross-country skiing. I know a lot of people here and it's just a lot of fun events."
For athletes like Caswell, the Beaton allows them to flex their muscles in various sports and also prepare for winter sporting activities.
“This year, I am also switching to biking from running. I found out last summer that I definitely enjoy the biking aspect more so I'm try my hand at that today."
Unlike Caswell, Michelle Medina had never paddled a canoe until last week when she was asked to join a women's team to compete in the race.
“This is my first time participating in the event, and I was just kinda roped in to be on the team. I think my goal today is to stay afloat and have some fun.”
The Beaton Classic had been a staple in bringing all levels of athletes for one mega-event until the late 1990s when the organizers noted a decline in attendees.
“I think in the late '90s, the technology boom had kept people indoors," said race director Neil Phipps. "However as people recognize the importance of physical fitness we have seen our numbers grow."
He's noted a gradual increase in participants and hopes that they can continue to build momentum to draw an even bigger crowd.
Phipps started off as a participant at Beaton Classic and has stayed on as a volunteer.
“Quadrathlon, especially in partnership with the Sudbury Fitness Challenge, is a great way to expose yourself to sports people otherwise they may not be exposed to on a competitive level."
The quadrathlon also allows participants to set goals and train with a purpose, he added.
“The thing to remember with all endurance events is that core fitness is very important. If you have good cardio, then it just becomes a matter of picking up skills related to the sport."
