The majesty of Waco’s Cameron Park, Brazos River and quaint country roads will be highlighted in full glory as 800 athletes descend here this weekend for the second annual TriWaco triathlon Sunday.

The USA Triathlon-sanctioned event — which includes a sprint and longer, Olympic-distance races — is expected to bring $500,000 to the local economy, said Steve Smith, vice president of the Greater Waco Chamber of Commerce, which is race co-host with the city of Waco.

But it’s not just about the money, Smith told us.

It’s about changing perceptions of the beauty that is Waco. It’s about getting locals, as well as outsiders, to realize the natural God-given assets of all that is around us. It’s about taking a plunge in the Brazos River (don’t hold your nose here) and enjoying it.

“We are changing perceptions about the Brazos River,” Smith said. “We also are bringing people to Waco who otherwise would not be here and creating new money in (Waco).”

We say capitalize on our natural beauty and lure.

“It’s a Waco showcase,” city recreation superintendent Jeff Goodman told us. “We get to showcase our river, our parks, our trails, our Suspension Bridge.”

The newly opened and renovated Washington Avenue Bridge will be the perfect viewing spot to watch as hundreds of swimmers in colorful caps flail, like spawning salmon below, as they nudge to round bridge pylons and make their way through the Brazos River.

Then they’ll ride out on bikes toward China Spring past the Waco Mammoth Site, which opened only late last year.

Racers then face a challenging run through Cameron Park. Hopefully, the beauty that transcends this great urban park will give them a second wind.

Cheering spectators could spur them on this final leg, which culminates with racers crossing our 140-year-old Waco Suspension Bridge to the finish.

So come out and cheer them on and spend a morning at our park and trails.

With enough support and enthusiasm, Smith believes, “We are positioning ourselves for the potential for triathlon championships to be held here.”

That could be big money and big pride for us.

Our natural, central location and easy highway access add to our favor. And with triathlons a fast-growing sport, the economic potential is endless.

The Waco Triathlon Club already has 50 members since its formation in 2009, said president and sports physician Chris Miars.

We want this to thrive and prosper. We don’t want it threatened, like Temple’s triathlon was after losing its swim venue. That gave birth to our event in 2009, which was started with the help of our chamber that remains open to new ideas.

After all, Waco was the first city in Texas to host a triathlon in 1980 and in 1987 attracted a 15-year-old Lance Armstrong, who set a record never broken in the event’s 12-year-history.

We’re grateful it’s back.

We’re most grateful for our natural splendor that draws folks here.

Let the races begin.