Photos: Swimming, Cycling, Running at Orange County's Triathlon

Children and adult athletes alike flocked to for the 4th-annual Orange County International Triathlon on Sunday.

Volunteer Coordinator David Flournoy estimated 700 athletes, 300 volunteers, and several hundred spectators at the event.

Though most athletes came for the triathlon, several hundred participated in the duathlon and aquathon as well. The aquathon was especially popular for child-athletes, many of whom, as young as seven, were participating in their first multi-sport race.

Although a number of trophies were handed out to the top finishers in each race, a particularly meaningful trophy was the Robert Sickles Memorial Trophy for the Hero’s Division champion.

The trophy was started to honor , a 27-year old Air Force structural mechanic who died trying to peacefully break up a fight. The trophy now goes to the policeman, fireman, or military member who finishes first in their division.

After the event, some athletes and their families stayed to enjoy the day and picnic by the lake while many more poured out from the park towards home.  For the 300 volunteers, the work was just beginning.

“We work with organizations in the local community rather than larger medical charities,” organizer Bill Leach said of the race. The profits from donations and entry fees go to a variety of local charities, including the Mission Viejo Matadors, several local high schools’ Key Clubs, and the Saddleback Community YMCA. 

Over $350,000 was donated to charity over the first three years of the event. 

“Without volunteers, you don’t have much of a race,” said Leach.  Clean up of athletic equipment and the grounds is expected to span two days.

One charity the event continues to fund is Exceeding Expectations, a foundation that trains at-risk inner-city children for triathlons, teaching them discipline and how to work towards goals.

Numerous sponsors for the race include Mazda, Juice It Up!, Trader Joe’s, and Muscle Milk.