Polar Bear Triathlon
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The Polar Bear Triathlon and Duathlon
The event takes place on Saturday, May 2, 2026, in Brunswick, Maine at 35 Watson Drive on the Bowdoin College campus. It is held annually on the first Saturday of May to open the triathlon season in New England. The race offers multiple event options including the Polar Bear Triathlon, College Student Sprint Triathlon, Duathlon, College Student Duathlon, Triathlon Relay, Student Triathlon Relay (sold out), Sprint Aquabike, Virtual Triathlon, and Virtual Duathlon. Many events list age eligibility as 13 to 99. Some entry fees and team pricing are shown on the event page.
Course, facilities and rules
The race is a pool swim triathlon or duathlon that combines a pool swim, a bike course on country coastal roads, and a run on hard packed trails and neighborhood streets. The event uses campus facilities including a 16-lane pool, locker rooms with showers (pending availability), and a flat grass transition area. Distances for the main course are:
- 525 yard swim or 2 mile run for duathletes
- 11.5 mile bike
- 3 mile run
Virtual participants may complete the events together or separately; participant swag for virtual entries will be mailed after May 4. The event will be sanctioned by USA Triathlon; nonmembers must purchase a $15 one-day USA Triathlon membership when registering. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
