Triathletes will take to the water, roads and trails Saturday, April 18, for the annual Flora-Bama Triathlon, with proceeds benefiting Mobile Baykeeper.

The event features a 1/4 mile swim, 16.5 mile bike ride and 3.9 mile run, beginning at 7 a.m. with a gun start for the swim. Chip timing will record finishing times, and cyclists are required to walk their bikes through the transition area.

Packet pickup will be available at the Flora-Bama in the tent on Friday, April 17 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., or during late pickup on race day from 5 a.m. to 6:30 a.m. No packets will be distributed after the race begins.

Participants start with a swim in the Ole River behind the Flora-Bama Ole River Grill, where wetsuits are optional. Cyclists then depart from the North Parking Lot for a 16.5-mile course that heads west into Alabama, passes under the Perdido Pass Bridge, and returns east along Perdido Key Drive. Riders follow River Road under the Theo Baars Bridge before finishing back at the Ole River Grill. The 3.9-mile run begins at the grill, heads west into Alabama, turns around under the Perdido Pass Bridge, and finishes on the south side of Perdido Key Drive.

Athletes can compete in a variety of divisions, including first-time triathletes, fat tire and mountain bike riders, Athena for women 145 lbs or more, Clydesdale for men 200 lbs or more, and Super Clydesdale for men 225 lbs or more. Individual age group awards will be given for competitors 15 to 80+, while relay teams of two or three athletes compete using a shared timing chip as a baton, with awards based on fastest overall times regardless of team composition.

Recumbent and hand-cycle bikes are not permitted unless required for an ADA-listed disability. Organizers ask participants needing accommodations to contact them in advance.

The celebration and awards ceremony will follow the race under the Flora-Bama tent, featuring a breakfast buffet and free draft beer for participants. No refunds or transfers will be allowed for those unable to attend. More information is available at www.florabama.com.