Rain didn't stop hundreds of kids from taking part in an Ironman tradition Saturday, Aug. 24, in Penticton.

Around 300 young, aspiring athletes took centre stage on Lakeshore Drive to participate in the annual Ironkids Canada race.

With festivities moving to Ottawa in 2025, the event marked the start of Ironman's final weekend in Penticton.

"This is what gets the weekend going, and people excited," said Kiah Wheeler, volunteer director at the Ironman Group. "Even with the bad weather, a ton of people were still ready to rock and roll this morning."

Large crowds gathered around the race's start line, located near the iconic Penticton Peach, shortly before 9 a.m.

Kids were given the choice of participating in a 500-metre, one-kilometre, or two-kilometre race. Parents were allowed to join in on the fun.

"I love this event because it brings in the next generation of Ironman athletes," said Wheeler. "They're crossing the same finishing line Ironman athletes will cross tomorrow, so it's a great kick-off for the weekend.

"This is where the hype starts."

While the Ironkids event stole the show Saturday morning, race fans were also seen taking in festivities at the nearby Ironman Village. 

Located inside Rotary Park, the village features several vendors and activities for people to enjoy all weekend long.

"We transform this beautiful park into a little, mini town," Wheeler said. "It's got this spirit and energy and I think whenever people walk in here, they feel it."

Penticton, for the final time, hosts the 70.3-mile Ironman Canada triathlon on Sunday, Aug. 25. The South Okanagan city was the first in Canada to host the competition, doing so in 1983.

"This event has been so important to so many here," Wheeler said. 

Athletes will begin Sunday's race with a swim in Okanagan Lake at 7 a.m.