See triathletes race along the American River as historic event returns to Sacramento area

The Great American Triathlon celebrated its 49th outing on Saturday, with hundreds participating in the run-bicycle-boat event along the American River.

The event, once known as Eppie’s Great Race, started in 1974 and is considered the first modern triathlon.

The 24.4-mile course starts with a 5.8-mile run west from the William Pond Recreation Area. Participants cycle 12.5 miles east from the Guy West Bridge to the Lower Sunrise footbridge, and paddle downstream 6.4 miles on the American River to River Bend Park.

Ben Lawry from Durham, North Carolina, finished with the fastest time: 1 hour, 50 minutes and 30 seconds. The fastest femaie finisher was Kristi Capello of Carmichael, who had a time of 2:08:33.

This story was originally published July 20, 2024 at 3:18 PM.