Newport Beach triathlon back on track
The Newport Beach race, one of the world's longest-running, should chart a new course and date after being canceled by the city last year.
By JEFF OVERLEY - The OC Register
NEWPORT BEACH – One of the world's longest-running triathlons, a Newport Beach staple canceled last year because of a dispute over the event's impacts, is likely back on this spring, race and city officials say.
After allowing the event for 28 years, city leaders last year denied a permit for the triathlon, saying it created litter, disrupted traffic and conflicted with other community events.
While the Kring and Chung Newport Beach Triathlon – named for a law firm that sponsors the race – was not the world's first run-bike-swim contest, it is believed to be the longest-running, having kicked off in 1978.
To revive the competition, organizers and city officials have met for several months, hammering out a new route and moving the date up to April from May.
"We sort of took the attitude that if we're going to bring this back, we're going to have to go along with any changes the city sends our way," organizer Jack Caress said.
Officials and race directors will meet Thursday to walk the new course along the Back Bay and Newport Dunes, said Wes Morgan, city recreation and senior services director.
"We're trying to get past some of the things that have been stumbling blocks, and so far, it looks like we'll have success," Morgan said, adding that a final agreement should be ready within 45 days.
Councilwoman Leslie Daigle said there are no obstacles that would prove to be "show stoppers," saying city staff currently are "dotting the I's and crossing the T's."
Last year, the city was deluged with more than 300 letters in support of the event, and Caress said he continues to receive about five letters or phone calls daily asking if the race will return. "It's been a difficult process, but at the same time, a lot of people wanted this event to come back," he said.
Proceeds from the event, which attracts about 1,000 competitors and twice as many spectators, benefit UC Irvine rowing teams. In 2005, about $3,500 was raised.
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