The 15th Annual Steve Braun Memorial Triathlon, sponsored by Friends of Moran, is on Sunday, Sept. 1.

The course is one of the most scenic and relaxing triathlon courses. Whether it’s your first triathlon or the last of your season, it’s a great way to celebrate the end of summer, say organizers. Teams are welcome and Duathlon racers (doing just one or two legs of the race) are encouraged.

Registration is at 7:30 a.m and the pre-race meeting is at 8:30 a.m. at the Cascade Lake Day Use Shelter. The race starts at 9 a.m. Pre-register online at www.friendsofmoran.com/sbmt. All proceeds benefit Moran State Park.

There are  prizes from local businesses and the first 100 athletes will receive a SMBT 2013 stainless steel water bottle. They’ve also asked the “Jellyfish warm up Master” to join this year.

The course includes a swim, bike ride and run. It’s a half-mile swim in Cascade Lake; the start area is 50 yards north of the fishing dock.  The water temp is typically 60 degrees –  wetsuits are permissible and favored by many.

The 15-mile bike ride is along a scenic and very rural county chip sealed road. From the lake you will head south and out towards Doe Bay.  You will encounter hills and slopes of varying degrees ( up to 10 percent grade to and from Olga) and a few hairpin corners. Organizers have taken extra precaution by placing road safety signs, volunteers and advising local traffic of the event. They strongly suggest that cyclists ride single file except to pass due to the narrow shoulders.

The 3.5-mile run is around Cascade Lake. The trail is primitive, not gravel, with some short hills and slopes. Hazards include tree roots and uneven footing.  It’s a trail and sturdy shoes are a plus.