The 22nd Edinboro Triathlon will exist in name only.

Saturday's 9 a.m. event has been shortened to a bike-run format, according to Pat Davis. The triathlon director has cancelled the .75-mile swimming leg because of a high bacteria count in Edinboro Lake.

"It's not something we're happy about," Davis said, "but it is what it is."

Davis made the decision late Thursday night. On Friday, she tried to contact as many of the estimated 300 preregistered entries about the switch.

The event will still start and end at Pat Crawford Beach.The 23.6-mile bike and 6.2-mile run will take place on their existing courses.

Competitors will begin with the cycling leg. Riders will leave every 15 seconds in a time trial format.

This is the first time the triathlon has been shortened to two events, according to Davis.

The 1993 triathlon was cancelled after a two-hour delay because of thunder and lightning.Two years ago, the triathlon wasn't held because of a lack of safety personnel.

-- Mike Copper