USAT sanctioned · Solo or relay

Bellingham Off-Road Triathlon

Sunday, August 30, 2026

Lake Padden Park, Bellingham, WA

Swim, mountain bike and trail run in and around Lake Padden. Race it solo or as a relay team. We’ll see you there!

Registration is closed. Check back soon for next year's race. Race info
  • 800 m swim
  • 9 km mountain bike
  • 4.1 km trail run

Race info

Race day at Lake Padden

  • Sunday, August 30, 2026
  • Lake Padden Park, west entrance near the swimming beach. Directions

An 800 meter swim in Lake Padden, a 9 km mountain bike loop on the Lake Padden horse trails, and a finish on the classic 4.1 km (2.6 mile) gravel loop around the lake.

Transition is on the grass between the parking lot and the swimming beach, near the west entrance to the park. Fair warning: the mountain bike course is a challenging one.

Race day schedule

  1. 6:30 – 8:15 amTransition area open
  2. 6:30 – 8:00 amPacket pickup
  3. 8:10 amPre-race meeting
  4. 8:30 amRace start
  5. 10:00 amBike course closes
  6. 11:30 amRun course closes
Triathletes running out of Lake Padden after the swim
Swim800 m in Lake Padden
A mountain biker on forest singletrack
Bike9 km of horse trails and singletrack
Two runners on the gravel trail around the lake
Run4.1 km gravel loop around the lake

Course maps

Swim, Bike, Run

Every athlete and every relay team covers the same three legs. The courses are well marked with arrows and tape.

Bike course map: a loop from transition through the trails south of the lake

Bike

9 km 5.6 mi

Exit east from transition onto the gravel path, watching for pedestrians, and ride around the lake past the boat launch, the playground and the dog park into fun singletrack. Climb into the Expert Loop, which drops you down some sweet switchbacks, until the trails wind back to the main gravel trail. Turn left and ride the gravel past the tennis courts back to transition. Enjoy the ride!

View the route on Strava →
Run course map: one clockwise lap of the gravel trail around Lake Padden

Run

4.1 km 2.6 mi

Exit east from transition onto the gravel path and stay on it, keeping the lake on your right all the way around. Always stay right as you run clockwise: if you have turned off the gravel trail, you have gone the wrong way.

View the route on Strava →

Registration

Solo or relay

Race all three legs yourself, or split them across a 2 or 3 person relay team. Relay teams exchange the timing chip inside the transition area.

Registration is closed. Check back soon for next year's race.

A USAT one-day license is included with every entry.

Entry fees

Prices for the next race are posted when registration opens.

Results

Race results

The 2023 race was cancelled due to wildfire smoke.

Age group winners on the podium at Lake Padden

Photos

Race photos

Find yourself on the course. Albums from every year, newest first.

BORT Bike, Finish, and Awards2026BORT Bike, Finish, and AwardsDarren Steinbach2026 Bellingham Off-Road Tri2026Bellingham Off-Road TriRegina Nicolardi2025 Race Photos2025Race PhotosDarren Steinbach2024 Race Photos2024Race PhotosBen Groenhout2022 Race Photos2022Race PhotosEric Mickelson2022 Race Photos2022Race PhotosBen Hansford

Thank you

Partners

City of Bellingham
Premier Tents
Bellingham Whatcom County Tourism

FAQ

Questions, answered

Do I need a wetsuit?

A wetsuit is not required.

Can I ride my gravel bike?

Yes, but this is a very challenging bike course and we recommend a mountain bike. Whatever you ride, we highly recommend pre-riding the course in training.

What is the water temperature on race day?

Lake Padden will likely be in the 68 to 74°F range on race day.

How does the relay work?

Relay teams exchange the timing chip inside the transition area.

What if I only want to do one of the sports, like running?

That works. Find teammates to form a relay: they can do the swim and bike legs while you run.

What is your refund policy?

Until July 1 we can refund your entry minus 15% (to cover credit card processing and administrative fees), or transfer your registration to the following year. No refunds or transfers after July 1.

I’m not a USAT member. Can I still race?

Yes. USAT offers a one-day license, and it is included in your race entry, so you are covered.

Can a friend pick up my packet?

No. USAT rules do not allow it: you must show your ID and pick up your own packet.

Is drafting allowed?

Yes. USAT section 5.10 Position Fouls (Drafting) “shall not apply to off-road triathlons and duathlons and shall be excluded from enforcement at those events.”

What time should I arrive?

Check-in and transition open two hours before the race starts. Plan according to your needs.

Contact

Get in touch

Questions about the race? The Pacific Multisports team is happy to help.