Olympians will lead the pack in the 10th Annual Orange County Triathlon-Duathlon

Celebrating its 10-year anniversary, the 2017 Orange County Triathlon-Duathlon will be held at beautiful Lake Mission Viejo on Sunday, June 4, 2017. This exciting Olympic distance event takes athletes through Mission Viejo neighborhoods and surrounding communities and includes a 1.5K swim in the waters of Lake Mission Viejo. Athletes then ride along the 40K bike course up and down Santiago Canyon, with part of the race crossing the 1984 Olympic finish line near Lake Mission Viejo. The 10K run takes them on an ever-changing course of paths, trails and streets with great views of the community that lead back to Lake Mission Viejo.

This year, an Olympic Trio consisting of Julie Swail Ertel, Michellie Jones and Joanna Zeiger will lead the way in a “Race the Olympians” event. As a special bonus, these accomplished athletes will participate in a Q&A session at the Race Expo, Saturday, June 3 and will share stories and training tips which have been integral to their success.

Residents should be aware of several road closures Sunday:

Marguerite Parkway: La Barca to El Toro Rd. – 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m.
Marguerite Parkway: Vista del Lago to La Barca – 5:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
Los Alisos Blvd: Novena to Entidad – 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.
Olympiad Road: Melinda Rd to Marguerite – 5:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Note: Melinda Road to entrance to Lake MV will remain opened to athletes and lake members.

The Mission Viejo Community has rallied to make the OC Triathlon-Duathlon a long-standing event which helps both local and national charities. Mission Viejo clubs, high schools and organizations benefit through donations from the OC Triathlon-Duathlon.  St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital is the OC Triathlon-Duathlon’s national charity partner. Athletes can cross the finish line while making a difference for themselves and others in need by becoming a St. Jude Hero.

The Orange County Triathlon-Duathlon is part of the OC Tri Series which is comprised of the OC Tri-Du, the Pacific Coast Triathlon-Duathlon and several Open Water Swims.

See footage from last year’s event and visit www.octriseries.com for more information.