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Triathletes Arrive In Milwaukee

Thousands of athletes, family members and spectators will flock to Milwaukee's lakefront this weekend for national competitions. About 4,500 athletes will participate in this weekend's competitions that feature running, swimming and cycling. They began picking up their entry packets on Friday.

Hundreds of participants have already jumped into Lake Michigan to test the course they'll swim on Saturday or Sunday.

Many, but not all, triathletes choose to wear wet suits for the swimming competition.

The course travels south from the Discovery World pier inside the breakwater to Lake Shore State Park. The lake's typically cold water didn't seem to faze most participants - several called the water temp 'refreshing.'

Vendors at the lakefront for the triathlon are selling swim suits, cycling helmets and other gear.

Several big road closures are planned for Saturday and Sunday to accommodate race courses. They include parts of East Michigan Street, I-794, South Lake Drive and East Mason Street.

This is the first of a two year run for the USA Triathlon event in Milwaukee. Competitors will return back next summer.

VISIT Milwaukee estimates the economic impact of the event at $2.3 million.