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Mission Viejo approves 2026 triathlon; council splits vote on $15,000 city support
Summary
Council approved the 2026 Orange County Multisport Festival (triathlon) to be held April 26, 2026; council split the funding question and approved up to $15,000 in matching funds/fee credit to the for‑profit organizer, with Council Member Vasquez voting no.
The Mission Viejo City Council voted to approve the 2026 Orange County Multisport Festival (the Mission Viejo triathlon) and separately approved a request to provide up to $15,000 in fee credit or matching funds to the event organizer.
Staff described the April 26 Olympic‑distance event, which will start at Lake Mission Viejo and include temporary road closures on Marguerite Parkway and other adjacent streets. Staff told council the Orange County Sheriff will staff road closures, that the event will require outreach and signage, and that the organizer (5 Point Events) requested $15,000 from the city to offset costs such as sheriff and staff time.
Several students, coaches and community members urged council to support the event and stressed the importance of discounted entry fees for youth. Mikaela Watson and Christina Vaughn, co‑captains of an all‑girls high‑school triathlon team, asked the city to support reduced entry pricing so more young athletes can participate. Coaches and past participants emphasized safety protocols and the event’s economic benefit to the community.
Council split the staff recommendation into two votes at the request of Council Member Riesch: first to approve holding the event, which passed unanimously; second to approve up to $15,000 in matching funds/fee credits, which passed but with Council Member Cynthia Vasquez voting no. Vasquez said she supports the event but questioned providing taxpayer funds to a for‑profit organizer, noting past nonprofit fundraising totals and expressing concern about priorities for city funds. The organizer said last year approximately $5,000 was given back to nonprofits and that without some municipal support the event’s future could be at risk.
Council directed staff to negotiate the fee credit and to finalize conditions including reimbursement of city costs. The event organizers said they will continue outreach to volunteers and local groups, and staff will return as needed with the final terms.
