June 10, 2004

S.J. International Triathlon returns to Almaden Lake this weekend
May disrupt traffic

By Sheila Sanchez
Staff Writer

For several years now, the San Jose International Triathlon has been held at Almaden Lake Park. This weekend, the event returns to Almaden and event organizers want to make sure to get the word out in hopes of preventing any traffic delays or disruptions.

The event features the San Jose Mountain Bike Sprint Triathlon. This year, about 400 athletes will participate in the Saturday event beginning at 8 a.m., with a 500-yard swim, a 10-mile mountain bike ride and a 3.1-mile run. The bike course goes south along the Almaden Lake trail to Camden Avenue and follows the Los Alamitos Creek to McKean Road and then turns around returning to Almaden Lake.

The Sunday event will attract about 1,500 athletes who will swim, bike and run beginning at 7 a.m. The bike course will go up Santa Teresa Boulevard, proceeding east across Bernal Avenue, then going west on Bailey Avenue where athletes will have to climb Bailey hill, then proceeding north to McKean Road, Harry Road, Camden Avenue, Redmond Avenue and then Almaden Expressway. The Sunday event will impact traffic.

The 10-k run for the Sunday event will be along the Los Alamitos Creek Trail.

By adding the off-road triathlon, event coordinator and owner Andy Robles said he’s turned the San Jose International Triathlon weekend into a two-day celebration of sport. The smaller distances, extra mud and off-road terrain make this event extra appealing to first timers and experienced tri-athletes alike.

The event is sold out, but the community is encouraged to come out and cheer on the athletes. For more information visit www.japroductions.com. You can also call the race hotline at 866-300-RACE.