Whitefish Lake Triathlon returns to town next month

Those looking for a new challenge have just a few weeks to get ready for the Flathead Valley’s only triathlon.

This year’s Whitefish Lake Triathlon will take place Sunday, Aug. 4, beginning at City Beach at 9 a.m.

Being a sprint triathlon — the shortest classification for triathlon races — the race is a good gateway for anyone open to a new sport, said Stan Watkins of the Kalispell Athletic Club.

“It’s an entry level race. That’s the one people start with and put their toes in the water, so to speak,” Watkins said. “If somebody’s in a moderate amount of shape, they should get through this triathlon.”

The triathlon consists of a half mile swim, a 20-kilometer bike ride and a 5-kilometer run. After crossing the finish line, participants will be treated to pizza and beer after receiving trophies, medals and more than $1,000 in prizes. The cost to register is $63 for individuals and $180 for teams.

Contestants will start with the point-to-point swim, going from the right side of City Beach out to a buoy and back. The biking portion begins behind the beach parking lot and follows Wisconsin Avenue to Hellroaring Creek and back. Finally, runners will race through city streets to The Lodge at Whitefish Lake and back.

Participants can race as individuals or as part of a team, with separate award categories for each. Age divisions include 18 and under, 19 to 29, 30 to 39, 40 to 49, 50 to 59, and 60 years and older. Teams are divided into men, women and mixed. The top three finishers in each division will receive medals. Ribbons will be awarded to winners in the team categories.

A “Lil Guy” race for ages up to 6 and 6 through 14 years old will immediately follow the adult race and is free to enter.

While other triathlons exist in Montana, Watkins said in his opinion, Whitefish’s is the most scenic — though he admits he might be biased.

“It’s on a really good-looking race course,” he said. “I’ve been to race courses in Bozeman, Missoula and Helena that are kind of gnarly — they’re not as pretty as ours.”

Watkins said he’s expecting around 80 to 90 competitors for this year’s race, including both seasoned veteran racers and those brand new to the sport.

For the latter, some different training options are available.

At the Kalispell Athletic Club, Watkins said he’s handing out workout plans for anyone looking to spend the rest of July preparing for the triathlon, and he noted that The Wave in Whitefish will also be holding a triathlon training class this month.

There will be a pre-race meeting at 6 p.m. on Saturday at City Beach. The race starts at 9 a.m. Sunday at City Beach.

The event is sponsored by Don K Whitefish, Sportsman & Ski Haus, Hammer Nutrition, Sweet Peaks Ice Cream, Glacier Bank, Whitefish Therapy and Sports and Competitive Timing.

Watkins said the race is still looking for more volunteers to help out.

To register, visit https://www.trisignup.com/Race/MT/Whitefish/WhitefishLakeTriathlon.

Those interested can call Watkins for more information or to get a training plan at 253-4103.