Padden Triathlon
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Lake Padden Triathlon : Lake Padden Park, Bellingham
The Lake Padden Triathlon is a chip-timed swim–bike–run event held at Lake Padden Park West Entrance in Bellingham on June 26, 2027. The event offers two distance options and a set of published course maps for the bike and run legs; a triangular swim course is used for both distances.
There are two race distances:
- Competitive: Swim 1/2 mile, Bike 21.4 miles, Run 5.2 miles.
- Recreational: Swim 1/4 mile, Bike 14.4 miles, Run 2.6 miles.
Course notes: the swim is a triangular route with an onshore exit that leads up a short incline into the transition area. The bike routes were revised for 2026 and new maps are available for both short and long courses. Both events have participant limits and will close once 325 registrants are reached.
Event rules and operations include mandatory swim caps, prohibition of flotation devices except wetsuits, required and buckled bike helmets, no drafting, and no non-human propulsion such as e-bikes. Only participants may enter the transition area and participants must return timing chips at the finish or face a replacement fee.
Park and environmental measures include onshore shoe decontamination using a vinegar and water spray to reduce the spread of New Zealand mud snails; participants are asked to clean and dry anything that contacts the lake within 48 hours. Sponsors include Cascadia Daily News, WECU, and Fairhaven Runners. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
