Supertri Chicago events kick off at Foster Beach Saturday; road closures in place

This weekend, thousands of athletes will put their endurance to the test in the ultimate feat.

Supertri Chicago, formerly known as the Chicago Triathlon, kicks off Saturday on the lakefront.

Athletes will swim, bike, and run through the streets of downtown to raise money for an important cause.

While the main events take place on Sunday, Saturday features races for kids and first-time triathletes at Foster Beach.

The Kids Tri Chicago, a family-friendly race designed for young athletes, will begin at 7 a.m. It will be followed by the Super-Sprint race, which is a favorite for first timers looking for a fun, fast challenge, at 10 a.m.

Last year's Supertri Chicago generated $17.5 million for the city. And the Supertri Corporate Challenge supports Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, with a goal of raising more than $125,000 for pediatric cancer and blood disorder research.

On Sunday, thousands of racers of all levels and abilities will race the sprint, Olympic, and relay races through the streets of downtown Chicago.

Saturday, 8/22
5 a.m. 8/22; reopens 7 p.m. 8/23: E Balbo Dr, DuSable Lake Shore Dr to S Columbus Dr.
10 a.m. 8/22; reopens 5 p.m. 8/23: N Lake Shore Dr / NB Randolph exit ramp.
4 a.m.-1 p.m.: Simmonds Dr, from Montrose Harbor Dr to Foster Ave

Sunday, 8/23
2 p.m.-7 p.m.: S Columbus Dr, E Balbo Dr to E Roosevelt Rd.
5 a.m.-noon: Lake Shore Dr SB lanes, E Randolph St to W Hollywood Ave.
5 a.m -12:30 p.m.: E Randolph Lower St, S Columbus Dr to lakefront.
5 a.m.-noon: E Lower Wacker Dr, Randolph to State.
5 a.m.-noon: W Lower Wacker Dr, State to Lake.
5 a.m.-noon: N Wacker Lower Dr, State to Madison.
5 a.m.-noon: S Wacker Lower Dr, Madison to Jackson.
6:30 a.m.-11:45 a.m.: N Columbus Dr, E Randolph St to Lower Wacker.