Multiple road closures happening on Sunday for Penticton's final Ironman race

The Ironman Canada race is returning to Penticton for the final time this weekend.

Earlier this summer, Ironman Canada announced it would be leaving the Okanagan and moving to Ottawa.

On Sunday, athletes will begin their journey in Okanagan Lake, bike through the hills up Richter Pass and along the Kettle Valley Trail before finishing at Lakeshore Drive.

As a result of the race, there will be extensive road closures throughout town, the City of Penticton says.

That includes closure along Main Street, Skaha Lake Road and Lakeshore Drive.

“Anyone driving should anticipate limited parking access and should avoid crossing Main Street,” the city says in a news release.

“Use Government Street and Channel Parkway wherever possible.”

The city says the best time to cross Main Street at those two detour area would be between 10-11:30 am.

Anyone who is attending the event, whether to watch or volunteer, is urged to walk, ride a bike and take advantage of the free bike valet parking near city hall or use public transit.

Attendees can line the streets to cheer on athletes or stop by the Ironman Entertainment Garden at Gyro Park.

Residents are reminded there will also be closures on Saturday for the Penticton Farmers Market, Downtown Community Market and IronKids fun run.

People watching the Ironman race can pick up a free fan kit at the Farmers Market on Saturday.

A full list of closures, plus charts and maps, is available online.