The Great River Challenge
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The Great River Challenge
The Great River Challenge is an off road triathlon at Northfield Mountain Recreation Center, 99 Millers Falls Rd., Northfield, MA 01360. The event combines a paddle leg (canoe, kayak, or SUP), a trail run, and a mountain bike leg on single track trails. Safety staffing is provided on land and water, and water stations are placed along the course. Timing chips record segment and transition times for each participant.
Course details by discipline:
- Long course: paddle 5.5 miles, run 4 miles, bike 7.5 miles
- Short course: paddle 4 miles, run 2.5 miles, bike 3.75 miles
The paddle leg begins as a mass start on the Connecticut River and follows an out-and-back route with a counter-clockwise turn around Captain Kidd's Island on the long course. Buoys mark up and down stream lanes and helpers assist at the dock to finish the paddle leg. Boats are moved from the ramp by volunteers as racers enter the first transition.
The run leaves the riverfront, follows Ferry Rd and crosses Route 63 before entering packed gravel and single track hiking trails. The long run includes about 700 feet of climbing with two notable climbs and a downhill finish toward the transition area. The long bike contains about 850 feet of climbing on mixed grass and single track, including climbs, switchbacks, and a fast final descent. Short course distances use reduced loops or cutoff points. Registration before September determines shirt size. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
