More than 1,000 people woke up at the crack of dawn Sunday to take part in a local triathlon.
About 1,200 participants came from all over to take part in the sold-out 11th annual Desert International & Sprint Triathlon at Lake Cahuilla in La Quinta.
The event consisted of both a shorter-form sprint triathlon and a longer, international distance race, with about 600 people signed up for each event.
While the weather wasn't all sunshine, athletes said it suited them just fine.
"This is excellent race weather," said participant Alan Woodruff. "Anything that you can keep the sun out of the picture-- especially in the desert for the people that come from out of the area-- this is heaven for them."
The race was well-received by those in attendance, who ranked it high.
"Good markings, good everything. It was an A+ race," said Quinn Borchard of Camarillo. "I had a great time."
Andre Nogueira of Brazil, who's training in the United States, said he loved the well-organized event.
"This place is awesome," he said.
The KPSP Local 2 team was also on hand to support the athletes, passing out fruit and water.
The triathlon was hosted by Klein and Clark Sports, who also puts on other local athletic events like the Palm Springs 1/2 Marathon.
