INUVIK - Many people chose to celebrate Canada Day by taking it easy.

Some people, however, thought the day was a perfect opportunity to get out there and race.

Proudly wearing the maple leaf, Fisheries Biologist Nathan Millar cuts through the water during Inuvik's Canada Day triathlon July 1. Millar placed second after Inuvik champion swimmer Vince Brown, but his team won overall. Philippe Morin/NNSL photo

On July 1, Inuvik held its sixth annual triathlon.

This year's event attracted more than 25 fitness enthusiasts. The race used a new LED time clock acquired by the town last year.

Some participants placed themselves in teams, and divided the 500 metre swim, a 2.5 kilometre running and 20 kilometre bicycle time trial.

Others attempted the whole thing themselves.

Town recreation co-ordinator Kelly Noseworthy said one new feature this year was the swim, which replaced the canoe race.

"We've always done canoeing, because we never had a pool deep enough," she said. "It's really something different."

She added organizers were relieved to see so many people, and even some visitors from out-of-town.

Richard Phillips, who is 16 and from Inuvik, swam in the pool and then ran from Jak Park to Jim Koe Park.

"I think I did good," he said, catching his breath after arriving to loud cheers and clapping.

Andy Hayden, who was visiting from Grande Prairie, Alta., and has previously run triathlons, used her bicycle, joining friends Sarah Morrison and Julianne Fuller.

"There aren't many people in town who swim competitively, so it can be hard to find someone," said Fuller.

Since the Canada Day triathlon was a success, Noseworthy said it will continue in the future.