Triathletes of the Pacific Northwest now have an iron-distance race in their own backyard - the Cascade Lakes Triathlon set for Sept. 7 in Bend, Ore.

The race will feature both half- and full iron-distance races, organizers said. The swim will be in Elk Lake, and the bike course features a combination of rolling hills, speedy descents, and a few hearty Cascade Mountain climbs. The run course highlights scenic and historic aspects of the host town, said co- race director Joel Vergona.

First run in 1997 as a half-Ironman race, the Cascade Lakes Triathlon drew athletes from across the region during its two- year run. Now that it has been revived, and with a new longer distance race as part of the program, it's expected to draw entrants from areas outside the Northwest.

Basic race details can be found at www.cascadelakestri.com.