Column written by Kat Banks, writer for PortlandSports.com, a partner of Oregon Sports News
Temperatures are expected to soar over 90 degrees this Sunday, but that won’t stop more than 1,000 competitors ready to race to the finish in the 2014 Portland Triathlon. Participants should be able to effectively beat the heat, as racers will begin gathering at 5:30 a.m. on Sunday, Sept. 21, at Cathedral Park in North Portland. Competition is slated to begin at 7:30 a.m. with the first wave of racers hitting the water, and events will be over by 1 p.m.
In its eighth year, the Portland Triathlon draws top athletes from throughout the region, as it is the only major triathlon held within Portland city limits. It is a USA Triathlon sanctioned event, and participants are expected to complete a course that includes swimming, bicycling and running. Competitors choose to participate in either an Olympic Distance Triathlon (1.5 kilometers swimming, 40 km biking and 10 km running) or a Sprint Distance Triathlon (750 meters swimming, 26 km biking and 5 km running).
The Portland Triathlon course begins with a swim in the Willamette River, starting at Cathedral Park’s boat ramp and heading upstream before completing a rectangular course. This is followed by a bike ride out of the park and up toward Kelley Point, with competitors riding in a loop mostly following North Lombard Street and North Marine Drive. The final portion of the triathlon will see runners racing along part of the historic Portland Marathon course, crossing the St. Johns Bridge and then back to the finish line in Cathedral Park.
Between 7:30 and 8:12 in the morning, 13 waves of racers will be released in increments. Waves are determined by participants’ age and gender. The event starts with the kids’ wave, followed five minutes later by Olympic distance racers in five men’s waves and two women’s waves from 7:35–7:53. After this, sprint distance athletes are released every three minutes from 8–8:12 in three men’s waves and two women’s waves.
Awards will be given out near the finish line for top performers in both distance competitions. For each race, first, second, and third place awards are given for overall male and female, overall male and female masters and leaders in each age group. The top overall male and female in the Olympic Distance Triathlon will receive $500, with those in second place getting $250 each and in third, $100.
Upon completion of the course, participants and spectators will get to enjoy some post-race events hosted in Cathedral Park until 1 p.m. There will be food, drinks and other products available, including beer provided by event sponsor Deschutes Brewery for those 21 and over.
The Portland Triathlon promises to be bigger and better than ever this year, and it is sure to bring excitement to those participating, volunteering or simply cheering from the sidelines. Spectators can head to Cathedral Park to be in the midst of the activities or can choose a spot along one of the event routes for a glimpse of the action. Be aware of possible traffic restrictions in the St. Johns area during the event, and avoid major bike and running routes during competition.
This Sunday, skip the stress of sweating out yet another 90-degree day of summer inside. Instead, head to Cathedral Park to enjoy the bustling river, beautiful views, brisk morning air and buzz of excitement surrounding the eighth annual Portland Triathlon.
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