OLD ORCHARD BEACH — Town officials in Old Orchard Beach have announced traffic closings during the IRONMAN 70.3 triathlon later this month.

About 2,500 athletes from around the world will be participating in the triathlon on Sunday, Aug. 26, according to race organizers.

Racers begin at 6:20 a.m. with a 1.2 mile swim in the Atlantic Ocean, followed by a 56-mile bicycle ride that loops through Old Orchard Beach, Saco, Scarborough, Hollis, Waterboro and Buxton; followed by a 13.1 mile run through Old Orchard Beach and the Eastern Trail.

“We are excited to return to Old Orchard Beach for the second year with Ironman” said Race Director IRONMAN 70.3 Maine Race Director Eric Opdyke in a written statement. “We’re fortunate to have such a supportive and beautiful community to host this event to IRONMAN 70.3 triathletes from around the world.”

Motorists can expect traffic delays on the day of the race and police will be on hand to direct traffic and ensure safety.

On Sunday, Aug. 26, Milliken Street will be closed from 6 a.m. to 4 p.m. Walnut Street will be closed that day from East Grand to Portland Avenue during 6 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. and northbound from East Grand Avenue to Portland Avenue from 6 a.m. to 4 p.m. Cascade Road will be closed Sunday from Route 1 to Ross Road from 6:30 a.m to noon.

There will delays on from 6:45 a.m. to noon on Route 1, 6:45 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Portland Avenue from Foote Street to Route 1 and Cascade Road from Ross Road to Foote Street, and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Eastern Trail crossing at Milliken Mills Road.

First Street from Staples Street to Heath Street will be closed from Friday until Monday. Veterans Memorial Park municipal parking lot will be closed from Wednesday until Monday and Milliken Street municipal parking lot will be closed from Thursday until Monday.

Nearly 1,000 volunteers will support the event from more than 30 local organizations and charities and almost $15,000 in donations will be made to these groups in an effort to help give back to the host community.

A variety of volunteer jobs are still available, including packet stuffing, athlete check in and race transition.

Interested volunteer groups should contact maine70.3@ironmanvolunteers.com.

— Staff Writer Liz Gotthelf can be contacted at 282-1535, ext. 325 or egotthelf@journaltribune.com.

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