NORWAY – Athletes from as far away as Connecticut and New York are expected in town this weekend to participate in the town’s first triathlon.

It takes place Saturday in and around Lake Pennesseewassee and includes a .62-mile lake swim, an 8.9-mile bike loop an a 3.1-mile run. It is USA Triathlon sanctioned.

“A good majority (of participants) are from out of town,” said Peter Roy, one of the event organizers. According to registration information, about 40 participants are from areas such as Auburn, Portland and Kennebunk and elsewhere.

“They do this for weekend fun,” said Roy of participants who sometimes travel great distances to participate in them. The organizers have limited registrations to 100 team or solo entries. So far 11 teams and about 65 solo participants have registered, said Roy.

Organizers said the event will limit public access to the popular public swimming beach from about 6 p.m. Friday to about noon Saturday, when people who can walk to the beach will be allowed in. Cars will be allowed back to the area by 2 p.m. Saturday, said Lee Dassler, program coordinator for the Western Foothills Land Trust. The gravel parking lot at the beach will close at 4 p.m. to cars on Friday to allow organizers to set up for the triathlon.

Boat owners who want to launch during these times have permission to use the Norway Lake Marina across from the Lake Store, Dassler said.

Events can be seen from the Red School House on Lake Road and along the roads for the bike and running events. Runners will follow Ashton to Hospital to Sodom and Country Club roads. Bicyclists will be on Greenwood and Norway Center roads.

Police Chief Robert Federico said no roads will be closed during the event although there might be limited delays while racers cross streets.

Awards will be presented at Lake Pennesseewassee at the end of the event.

There is no rain date for the event and it will only be canceled in the event of severe weather.

Proceeds from the events are going to help the Western Foothills Land Trust preservation of the Roberts Farm.