Sunday's Lanikai Triathlon will become a duathlon because hazardous ocean conditions at Kailua Beach Park will prevent the swim portion from being held.

"We want to provide a safe race for everyone and, even if conditions of the water improve the next two days, I don't want to take the risk of people swimming in those conditions," said Raul Boca, triathlete coach and race director for the event sponsored by The Bikefactory and Jamba Juice.

Record rainfalls and subsequent runoffs have contaminated Kailua Bay since last month.

More than 300 participants are expected.

Now, the competition will start with a 3.2-kilometer run, followed by a 20-kilometer bike, and then another run, this one for 5K. The swim portion was to have been 500 meters.

"You have some people who would have liked to swim. I think it's a great decision to be safe. Next year, we can run a normal race," Boca said. "I don't think there's disappointment. I think the race format just changed. It's still the beginning of the (triathlon) season. It's a good race to prepare for the Honolulu Triathlon (in May)."

The duathlon will begin at 6:15 a.m. at Kailua Beach Park.

Awards will be given to the top three overall finishers in the male and female divisions and in age group divisions and relay teams.

For information, e-mail bocahawaii@hawaii.rr.com or call 591-9839.