OLD ORCHARD BEACH — The Revolution3 triathlon is back for its second year this weekend. More than 1,200 athletes are expected to compete, and officials are asking motorists to operate with caution.
Sunday’s triathlon features an Olympic distance race, consisting of a .9-mile swim, 24.8-mile bike and 6.2-mile run; and a half-distance race, with a 1.2-mile swim, 56-mile bike and 13.1-mile run.
The swim portion will take place at Old Orchard Beach, the bicycle portion will travel through Old Orchard Beach, Saco, Dayton, Lyman, Waterboro and Hollis. The run portion of the event will take athletes on a portion of the Eastern Trail and over the Scarborough Marsh.
“We’re fortunate to be able to host these events that can take advantage of such a fabulous location with so many natural landmarks,” said Charlie Patten, president of Rev3, in a written statement. “The beauty of Old Orchard Beach and its surrounding areas offers local as well as national athletes a chance to race in such a unique location, and experience the region for all it has to offer.”
With more than 1,200 racers, motorists can expect delays, and police will be on hand to assure safe travel by motorists and athletes, according to a press release from the Old Orchard Beach Chamber of Commerce.
There will be delays on roads in Old Orchard Beach and Saco on Sunday morning from 7-11:30 a.m., according to officials.
Portland Avenue, Staples Street and Cascade Road will be impacted in Old Orchard Beach. Drivers are encouraged to avoid these areas.
For those north of Cascade Road leaving Old Orchard Beach, the following alternatives are recommended: Before 10 a.m., take Ross Road to Pine Point or East Grand Avenue to Pine Point, and before 9 a.m., take Portland Avenue to Blue Point Road, or at any time that morning, take East Grand Avenue to West Grand Avenue to Ocean Park Road.
Those south of Cascade Road looking to get out of town Sunday are advised to take Saco Avenue, Ross Road to Route 1 or West Grand Avenue to Ocean Park Road.
Saco Police announced on Facebook that the following roads in the city will be affected Sunday morning by the bike course: Cascade Road, Route 1 from Cascade Road to Flag Pond Road, Flag Pond Road, Jenkins Road, Buxton Road, Louden Road, New County Road, Grant Road, Watson Mills Road, Ash Swamp Road and Hearn Road.
Saco Police are asking motorists “to have patience and use caution” when traveling on the these roads Sunday morning and while passing bicyclists.
For a complete schedule of Triathlon activities, go to http://rev3tri.com/maine/athletes-guide-me/schedule.
— Staff Writer Liz Gotthelf can be contacted at 282-1535, ext. 325 or [email protected].
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