Organizers are gearing up for Sunday’s Orange County International Triathlon in Mission Viejo.
The Sept. 27 race kicks off at 7 a.m. and ends by 11 a.m. The race is an Olympic distance course consisting of a 1-mile swim in Lake Mission Viejo and a 25-mile bike ride beginning on Marguerite Parkway, north to El Toro Road and out through Santiago Canyon. The race ends with a 10K run that starts on the Aliso Creek Bike Trail and follows various trail systems leading back to the Lake.
Organizers are excited about the race’s return to Mission Viejo and what is expected to be a spectacular finish.
“The Finish Line is at the Lake this year and should make for a beautiful backdrop with the athletes running under the 50 state flags after they enter the Lake parking lot and head to the finish,” said race director Bill Leach.
Schedule of events:
5 a.m. Parking and T1, swim/bike transition area opens.
6:30 a.m. Transition area closes, parking lot access closes. The singing of the National Anthem and pre-race announcements take place at the swim-start area.
7 a.m. Race start– Pro/elite followed by USAT and other age groups.
8:20 a.m. Bike transition area closes.
10:30 a.m. Awards presentation and breakfast buffet party at the Lake Mission Viejo beach.
Spectators are welcome and can view the event from Lake Mission Viejo. Parking is available at Florence Joyner Olympiad Park.
Temporary road closures will result in alternate route paths and/or increased travel times for some motorists; however, no residents will be “locked in” during any portion of the race.
Road closures:
Marguerite Parkway: La Barca to El Toro Road—5:30-8:30 a.m.
Marguerite Parkway: Vista del Lago to La Barca–5:30-11 a.m.
Los Alisos Blvd: Via Del Lago to Entidad–8:30-10:30 a.m.
Olympiad Road: Melinda Road to Marguerite–5:30 a.m.- noon.
Note: Melinda Road to the entrance of Lake Mission Viejo will remain open to athletes and Lake members.
All intersection crossings will be closed during the road closures. There may be delays at additional intersections.
For complete event details and for registration materials, visit www.octri.com or call the information hotline at 949-701-5590.
THRILLED to have this event in Mission Viejo again this year. Just got back from watching the race this morning. What an impressive group of athletes! And what a wonderful course Mission Viejo is able to offer. I hope it becomes a tradition that the race takes place here!