BETHEL — More than 200 athletes will compete in the 23rd annual Maine State Triathlon, starting at 8 a.m. Sunday, Aug. 10, at the Bethel Inn Resort’s Lakehouse on Songo Pond in Albany Township, race director Julia Reuter said Wednesday.

Those participating in the triathlon will begin at Songo Pond with a 750-meter swim, followed by a 24-km cycling loop on winding country roads before finishing with a 5.8-km run around Songo Pond.

Racers can compete individually or as a team, Reuter said. Prizes are offered to the top three men and women overall, and the top three participants for each gender in each of the 10 age groups.

There also will be an aquabike category, which consists of the swimming and cycling categories, for those who do not want to run.

The triathlon is considered a “sprint triathlon,” according to Reuter, which means it is shorter and faster than Ironman triathlons.

Reuter said that “many racers return year after year” to participate in the triathlon, and that the winners in each division will receive a handmade mug from the Elements Art Gallery in Bethel.

For children ages 8 to 14 who wish to participate in the triathlon, Reuter added that the seventh annual Maine State Kids’ Triathlon will be held at 3 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 9, at Angevine Park.

The route for the children will consist of a 100-yard swim, a 3-mile bike ride and a 1-mile run.

The Kids’ Triathlon will be untimed, Reuter said, with all participating children receiving a T-shirt and a medal of participation.

Racers can sign up for the Kids’ Triathlon at www.mainestatetriathlon.com/kids-tri.

All proceeds raised from the triathlon will benefit Bethel’s community and businesses, Reuter said.

The Maine State Triathlon is organized by the Bethel Area Chamber of Commerce.

For more information or to volunteer for the event, call 824-2282 or email info@bethelmaine.com.

mdaigle@sunjournal.com