Bear Triathlon
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Event overview
The Bear Triathlon takes place May 16-17, 2026 at Lums Pond State Park, 1068 Howell School Road, Bear, DE 19701. The event is sanctioned by USA Triathlon. Swim races use a beach entry in Lums Pond with inflatable course markers; recreational swimming in the pond is not permitted except on race day. The bike course is flat, on paved roads, marked with signage, and will have police support at turns. The run course uses both asphalt and a mixture of grass and packed dirt; two aid stations on the triathlon run course provide water and sports drink. One race support vehicle will rove the bike course to assist with flat tires but participants should carry their own flat kit. Wetsuit rules apply by water temperature: wetsuits allowed at 78 F or below; discretionary but ineligible for awards from 78.1 F to 83.9 F; not permitted at 84 F and above.
Distances and categories
- Sprint: 750 meter swim, 10 mile bike, 3 mile run
- Olympic: 1500 meter swim, 23 mile bike, 6 mile run
- Youth 7-8: 50 yd swim, 2 mi bike, 0.5 mi run
- Youth 9-10: 100 yd swim, 2 mi bike, 0.5 mi run
- Youth 11-12: 100 yd swim, 4 mi bike, 1 mi run
- Youth 13-15: 150 yd swim, 6 mi bike, 1 mi run
Race procedures and awards
Athlete packet pickup must be done in person. Participants receive a wristband for transition access, an adhesive bike number for racking, and an ankle timing chip that must be worn during the event. Race bibs must be worn on the run course. Transition access is restricted to athletes only. Adult awards include overall Top 3 for male, female, and non-binary, plus age-group Top 3; youth awards are given to top three finishers by single-year age groups. Registration fees include a short sleeve shirt and finisher medal. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
