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It’s time for the Step Outdoors “Trythalon” again, and like so much of life, this year it looks a little different. Thankfully, due to plentiful space at Hills Creek State Park and some creative planning, the Tryathlon is still available for all who have registered!

To accomplish the unique goal of a sporting event without a crowd, the Tryathlon course will remain open from September 12th to the 20th. Athletes are welcome to come and complete the course at any time within that window. The start line has been painted at the bottom of the hill that sits in front of the beach and swim area. All athletes will begin at this point, whether taking part in the 5k run/walk, or the full Tryathlon. “We recommend that everyone become familiar with the course to get the best time, if you’re worried about your time. However, we do have park maps available, and the event map is available online at the Step Outdoors website. So, you can go ahead and follow that map, please take that with you,” explained Race Director, Tim Morey. He went on to say that the course will not be marked, so runners familiarizing themselves with the event map will be extremely helpful.

After the 5k running section finishes by returning to the lake area, the paddling course will begin. Athletes can have their kayaks waiting for them at the edge of the water in the beach area. Large, oranges buoys have been placed throughout the lake to create a giant loop to kayak around. “If you have your own boat you’ll need to have a launch permit, or registration for that boat. Life vests must be worn. You also must have a whistle or other sound producing device,” Tim outlined.

Next, participants will transition to the biking leg of their journey. The biking course leads up the hill and out of the park. The roadways will be open, and safety is advised. “The last reminder I’d like to offer with the bike course is, our gate at the back of the campground needs to remain closed,” Tim urged. The gate can be maneuvered around or underneath.

Once participants cross the finish line of the last section of their journey, a finishers medallion and t-shirt is available at the park office. These items can be picked up Monday-Friday 8am-4pm. For more information about the annual Tryathlon, visit stepoutdoors.org.