CAPE ELIZABETH – The 2012 Tri for Preservation in Cape Elizabeth is scheduled for Sunday, Aug. 19, at 7:30 a.m. at Crescent Beach State Park. Now in its second year, the Tri for Preservation features sprint distance triathlon and aquabike competitions that begin with open water swims in Kettle Cove.

“Last year, we attracted over 300 participants and twice as many spectators and volunteers to the Tri for Preservation,” said Chris Franklin, executive director of the Cape Elizabeth Land Trust, which holds the event. “In the process of becoming a premier Maine triathlon event, we increased awareness for the importance of land preservation in Cape Elizabeth and raised over $20,000 CELT’s ongoing Saving Cape’s Great Places initiative.”

The Tri for Preservation triathlon consists of a 500-yard ocean swim along the well-protected cove of Crescent Beach. Participants then transition to a 14.5-mile, rolling bike course past the farmlands, woodlands and marshlands of Cape Elizabeth. The course concludes with a well-marked 3.1-mile run along the shore of Crescent Beach (on a well-maintained fire road) towards Kettle Cove and back along Route 77.

The Tri for Preservation Aquabike is ideal for those who want to compete but do not run. The aquabike features the same swim and bike course as the triathlon, but the aquabike concludes upon return to the transition area after the bike leg of the race.

Swimmers, runners and bikers who do not do triathlons also have the option to form a team to compete with friends and family. The Tri for Preservation has set aside a significant number of slots for triathlon teams again this year.

The Tri for Preservation also plays host to the Maine Senior Games, with the triathlon serving as a state-qualifying event for the national competition in 2013. Athletes aged 50 and over as of Dec. 31, 2011 are welcome participants, and they must also register with Maine Senior Games to qualify for Nationals.

Following the race, the Cape Elizabeth Land Trust and the Cape Elizabeth Lions Club will host a beachside pancake breakfast for all athletes, followed by an awards ceremony. The breakfast is free of charge to participants and available to spectators at the price of $5, proceeds of which will be split between the land trust and the Lions Club, who will serve breakfast.

For more information, or to register, go to www.capelandtrust.org/triathlon.