Triathlon

Now world's third-largest, City of L.A. race continues expansion

After many fits and starts, the City of Los Angeles Triathlon became a reality in 2000, providing novices and world-class competitors with an Olympic-distance course of a 1.5 km swim at Venice Beach, a 40 km cycling course from Venice through Hollywood into downtown Los Angeles and a 10 km running course in the downtown area, finishing at Olvera Street at the birthplace of the City.

The first-year event garnered nearly 1,700 registrants and had a total prize package of $100,00. It has grown considerably in popularity, now standing as the third-largest triathlon in the world. The race had almost 2,800 entries in 2001 and about 2,700 in 2002.

Quick Facts

• The City of Los Angeles Triathlon takes place annually in early September. In late 2002, the City extended the host agreement with organizer Pacific Sports, L.L.C. through 2008.
  
  

• The event was developed from a Sports Council suggestion to the Los Angeles City Council in 1997. Council action was taken in 2000 to authorize the creation of the event, eventually awarded to Pacific Sports.