Getting ready for the triathlon

June Casagrande

NEWPORT BEACH -- This weekend, about 100 triathletes will hit the

waters and sands of Crystal Cove. Next weekend, their numbers will swell

to roughly 1,500 when the Pacific Coast Triathlon attracts world-class

competitors from all over the globe.

The second-largest triathlon in the state was scheduled to take a test

run Saturday and today with preparation courses beginning at 7:30 a.m.

Competitors seeking that extra edge are participating as training for the

July 14 competition.

“It helps prepare athletes for the swim and run portion of the course

-- it includes learning to enter and exit the water and to navigate the

course,” said Nan Kappeler, who helps organize and promote the event.

The triathlon, now in its fifth year, is a fund-raiser for youth

groups like Boy Scout Troop 90 and scholarship funds of the Kiwanis Club.

Last year, the event raised about $23,000 for youth. But this year,

because corporate sponsorships are down, organizers are keeping their

fingers crossed that they can raise $20,000.

“That’s our goal,” said Tina Hoover, a spokeswoman for the annual

event.

The event’s emphasis on young people has taken a step up this year by

allowing qualifying teenagers to compete in the “Top 105” wave -- the same group that contains professional and world-class athletes like Julie

Swail, Jonathan Toker and John Brazleton. This year, high school students

Gordon Withers and Kyle Hughes will compete in this top wave of

triathletes.

“We thought, let’s give them an opportunity to run with the pros,”

Hoover said. “These kids we’re talking about are Olympic material and

this is a good training ground. If we can provide that kind of venue for

them and help them build their athletic skills, we’re very happy to do

that.”

The preparation courses include a clinic with professional instructors

that costs $45, but everyone is welcome to participate for free in the

timed swim and run.

-- June Casagrande covers Newport Beach. She may be reached at (949)

574-4232 or by e-mail at o7 june.casagrande@latimes.comf7 .

FYI

WHAT: The fifth annual Pacific Coast Triathlon takes place July 14; a

preparation course takes place today.

WHEN: Preparation courses begin at 7:30 a.m. A timed swim and run,

open to the public, begins at 9:30 a.m.

WHERE: Crystal Cove State Beach. Enter the Reef Point parking lot and

go to the south end of the lot.

COST: Clinic is $45; timed swim and run are free.

CALL: (949) 836-9619