ROCKPORT — “No matter what, we will have this event,” Pen Bay YMCA Executive Director Troy Curtis said Monday. Whether the fourth annual Hope Tri contains a swimming element this year will be decided at the end of June.

Pen Bay YMCA organizes the Hope triathlon and 5K walk/run as part of the LiveStrong weekend fundraiser for the Y’s free 12-week cancer support program. For the past two years, the swimming portion of the swim/bike/run triathlon has taken place in Camden’s Hosmer Pond.

This year, however, increased plumes of algae in the Pond have prompted locals to demand investigations by the Department of Environmental Protection Agency and action by the Town of Camden.

Race organizers will wait two more weeks before making their final decision, which only gives registered athletes two weeks to acclimate to the modified sport scheduled for Saturday, July 16.

“We are putting contingency plans in place in case, if for some reason the water is deemed unfit for that particular event,” Curtis said.

That plan is to reduce the triathlon to a duathlon representing only the running and bicycling challenges.

Simply changing the racing route in order to use another body of water is not an option, according to Curtis.

In past years, the Tri, which attracts about 75 athletes, and the 5K, which brings about 200 participants, were held on different days. This year both races will start on the same day at the same time. Therefore, a venue with a parking lot fit for 300 vehicles is necessary. Camden Snow Bowl is the only site that works, though no portion of either contest is conducted on the property.

The LiveStrong weekend raises an estimated $25,000 per year, according to Curtis. Major support comes from commercial sponsors wishing to assist the mental health and wellbeing of cancer patients and their families at any stage of the treatment process.

According to Curtis, the cycling portion brings attention to the Hope Tri each year. Cyclers race along Howe Hill Road, which traverses over the mountain.

“It is a very challenging course, and kind of a famous component of the whole Tri,” he said.

In that regard, and in regards to the purpose of the event in general, Curtis urges the community to participate along side the cancer survivors despite the size of the event.

“We really encourage people to sign up, and come out as well. Not only because it’s a neat event to participate in, but also because it’s for a really good cause,” he said.

Volunteers are needed to assist with directing traffic, registering participants, and manning the water stations.

Sarah Thompson can be reached at news@penbaypilot.com.