Longest-Running Triathlon Highlights a Busy Weekend

The Kring & Brown Newport Beach Triathlon will hold its 23rd annual race Sunday at Newport Dunes. And with the famed Hawaiian Ironman not holding its 23rd event until October, Newport Beach organizers will be allowed to bill their race as the longest continuously running triathlon in the United States.

Jack Caress, one of the founders of the Newport triathlon, says he expects about 500 people to start the sprint-distance race, which is up against some tough active-sports competition this weekend.

The Ironman California in Oceanside is Saturday and the Hi-Tec Adventure Racing Series event at Lake Castaic is Sunday.

“It’s the nature of putting on events in Southern California; there are always overlaps,” Caress said. “But having the first Ironman in California the same weekend hasn’t helped us.”

The Newport Beach race is a half-mile swim, 13-mile bike ride and three-mile run, perfect for a beginning triathlete.

Late registration--entry fee $65--and packet pickup is 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday at Niketown in Costa Mesa.

For more information, (714) 978-1528.

Newport Beach Triathlon

Date: Sunday, May 21

Time: 6:45 a.m.

Entry fees: $45 for participants 18 and under; $75 for 19 and older; $105 for open relay teams

Parking: $6 at Newport Dunes parking lot

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IRONMAN STATS NEWPORT STATS Swim 2.4 miles .5 mile Bike 112 miles 13 miles Run 26.2 miles 3 miles

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Sources: Isuzu Ironman California; Kring & Brown Newport