Triathlon: Pomerantz tries to win his sixth event

NEWPORT BEACH - Three years ago, 16-year-old Mark Pomerantz took

part in the Pacific Coast Triathlon, his first triathlete competition.

Three years later, the Corona del Mar High junior will try for his

sixth win of the year at Pomerantz’ hometown event. The Pacific Coast

Triathlon is Sunday, 7 a.m. at Crystal Cove.

Pomerantz competes in the 15-19 age group in a sport that combines

swimming, bicycling and running into one grueling race. He started this

season by capturing all three races in the Bonelli Park series in April

and May to win the overall event.

He then went on to win the May Kring and Brown race at Newport Beach.

Pomerantz’ fourth victory came at the San Diego Triathlon in June.

In his first attempt at the triathlon, Pomerantz signed up for the

Pacific Coast in 1998 and reached the finish line.

“I was told I had was a pretty good time for a first-timer,” he said.

In 1999, his first full season, Pomerantz adapted quickly to the

physically demanding sport and won the majority of his eight races.

Pomerantz, who runs cross country and track at CdM, will compete in

three more events before the National Championships at St. Joseph’s, Mo.

on Sept. 9. The top five in that event qualifies for the World

Championships next August in Edmonton, Alberta.