The Great River Challenge
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The Great River Challenge
The Great River Challenge is a non‑traditional triathlon held at Northfield Mountain Recreation Center in Northfield, MA on October 3, 2026. The event combines a paddle leg on the Connecticut River, a trail run, and a mountain bike leg. Land and water safety personnel and water stations are provided. Timing chips are used and segment and transition times are recorded by Fast Track Timing.
The long course consists of a mass-start paddle of 5.5 miles around Captain Kidd's Island, a 4 mile run on mixed road and single track trails (about 700 ft of climbing), and a 7.5 mile mountain bike on single track (about 850 ft of climbing). The paddle course uses buoys to mark up and down stream lanes and finishes at a dock where helpers assist with boats. After the paddle, volunteers shuttle boats from the ramp into the transition area and a corral is available for relay teams.
The short course consists of a 4 mile paddle, a 2.5 mile run (about 500 ft of climbing), and a 3.75 mile bike lap (about 430 ft of climbing). The bike route includes a sequence of single track sections, a ten switchback climb on the long course, and a final descent across grass to the finish area. Transitions use timing mats with separate procedures for solo and relay competitors. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
