This is why I prefer ocean swim triathlons!

Okl. Officials: River Water Made Triathletes Ill


By THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
Filed at 4:12 p.m. ET


OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) -- Health officials are blaming bacteria and parasites in the Oklahoma River for sickening dozens of international triathlon participants last month.
The Oklahoma Department of Health said Wednesday that river contamination caused gastrointestinal problems for at least 45 participants in the Boathouse International Triathlon in Oklahoma City.
The department says a few athletes tested positive for different illnesses, including norovirus and bacteria that could be ''associated with exposure to water contaminated with human or animal waste.''
Athletes practiced in the downtown river and swam 1.5 kilometers as part of the triathlon. Some participants later reported diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal cramping and fever.
The river has tested high for bacteria, particularly after high runoff from storms. The triathlon was held May 16-17 after a heavy rain.