Independence Triathlon
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Independence Triathlon
The Independence event is a sprint and Olympic triathlon plus aquabike held at Lake Nockamixon State Park in Quakertown, Pennsylvania. Races use the park swim area, a closed bike course through forested roads, and a run course on the shoulder of Route 563.
The swim takes place on a rectangular course in the lake. The Sprint distance is one 750 meter lap and the Olympic distance is two 750 meter laps (1.5K). Yellow triangle buoys mark corners and orange sighting buoys appear every 75–100 meters. Swims are expected to be wetsuit legal with water temperatures reported in the low to mid 70s; an official reading is taken by USAT officials on race morning.
The bike course is closed to traffic, well paved, wide, and mostly rolling. Sprint athletes complete one loop while Olympic athletes complete two loops. The course includes roughly 600 feet of climbing per sprint loop and about 1,200 feet total for the Olympic bike distance.
The run follows the shoulder of Route 563 with rollers, a mix of sun and shade, and intermittent lake views; Sprint is one loop (5K) and Olympic is two loops (10K). Aid stations are located about every mile serving Gatorade and ice water. Because the bike course is closed, vehicles remain at the race site until the course is cleared.
The event is USA Triathlon sanctioned. Race entries receive a tech shirt, socks, finisher medal, post race food, and free finisher photos. Packet pickup requires photo ID. No swimming in the lake outside of the race. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
