Mission Viejo council approves $6,000 in‑kind support for Orange County Triathlon

The City Council approved a special event permit and a reduced in‑kind support package for the Orange County Triathlon on Jan. 28, saying the event provides community and business benefits while balancing limited city recreation funding. Staff reported the event is proposed for Sunday morning, April 27, with starts and finishes at Lake Mission Viejo and road closures on Marguerite Parkway, Mustang Run, Olympiad Road and Los Felizos Boulevard; closures are scheduled to reopen by 11 a.m. on race day.

Event organizers and volunteers emphasized the race’s long history and community value — "the race has been going on since 1986," an organizer told the council — and listed additions for 2025, including a kids’ triathlon, an open‑water swim and expanded para‑athlete support. The sponsor asked for $12,000 in city assistance; staff noted added sheriff costs and staff reimbursements and the Community Services Commission recommended up to $6,000 in fee offsets aimed at scholarships and reduced rates for para‑athletes. Council Member Kelly moved to provide in‑kind services up to $12,000, and the mayor offered a substitute motion to follow Community Services’ $6,000 recommendation. The substitute passed 4–1, with Council Member Vazquez voting no.

The council also heard logistical questions about lake fees (organizers said the lake lifeguard/support fee averages about $18,000), permit waivers in Lake Forest, expected participation (~700 athletes), and safety protocols. Staff and organizers said the sponsor would continue outreach and that event signage and resident notifications would precede the race. The council’s action authorizes staff to proceed under the terms discussed; organizers will receive the permit and in‑kind credits as approved.