 Race Info
Race Distances:
Sprint Triathlon: 1/4 mile swim, 6 mile bike, 2 mile run
Int’l Triathlon: 1.5K swim (0.9 miles), 40K bike (24.8 miles), 6.5 mile run
Elevation:
Donner Lake: 6000’. Donner Summit: 7200’.
Course Information
Swim: The swim courses are rectangular-shaped courses in Donner Lake. Corners are marked by large buoys and kayakers/boats are along the course to ensure your safety. The average water temperature of Donner Lake in July is 64-69 degrees. Wetsuits are optional. The swim course maps are posted on our Course Maps page.
Bike: The bike course takes place on Old Highway 40. The entire course is paved.
The sprint course is 6 miles total- 3 miles each way up to Donner Summit and back. The total climb on the bike for the sprint course is about 1000’. The turnaround point is at the view area on Rainbow Bridge (will be well marked and staffed on event day). There is no aid station on the sprint bike course and athletes are encouraged to bring a full water bottle with them on their bike.
The international course is 40K (24.8 miles) and is also an out-and-back course. Cyclists start their ride with a climb up to the top of Donner Summit (about 1200’). This portion of the bike course is closed to all vehicular traffic (except emergency vehicles). Upon reaching the summit you will have a great view of Donner Lake and the Truckee Valley. You continue westbound along Old Highway 40, passing Sugar Bowl and Donner Ski Ranch, cabins, ponds and other wonderful scenery. This portion of the course is relatively flat with small rolling hills. Upon reaching I-80, you will cross over the freeway and continue towards Kingvale. This portion of the coures is surrounded by trees. The turn-a-round point will include an aid station where you can toss your water bottle in exchange for a new one (either filled with water or fluid replacement). The course concludes with the descent down Donner Summit where we remind you to use extreme caution.
The Foot Down Stop: Whether you are competing in the sprint or international distance, you will be required to perform a foot down stop at the bottom of the descent, before continuing on to re-enter the transition area. A foot down stop means one of your feet comes out of your bike clips (or off your pedal) and rests on the ground while your bike is at a complete stop for a minimum of 3 seconds. The reason for the foot down stop is a purely a safety issue. Should the foot down not be enforced, we would be cleaning up cyclists’ carnage as they attempted (unsuccessfully) to make the 130 degree turn back into the transtion area at 55 mph. Everyone has to do the foot down stop so there is no advantage/disadvantage for anyone. Failure to comply will result in a DQ and there are absolutely no exceptions.
Mount/Dismount Area: At the Donner Lake Triathlon, you are not permitted to ride your bike in the transition area. There is a mount and dismount area outside of the bike start / bike finish tents.
Run: The sprint course features a 2 Mile out-and-back run on South Shore Drive. Triathletes leave the transition area on the South side of the parking lot. You will pass two aid stations while on the run: one as you leave the transition area and the other at the turn-a-round point.
The international course includes a 6.5 mile run. Triathletes head out of the transition area on the North side (same as bike in/out) and turn right on Donner Pass Road. Athletes travel along Donner Pass Road with views of the lake to their right for about 3 miles. This portion is relatively flat. Then participants turn right and head into Donner Memorial State Park. Here a slight portion of the course is on a trail (the rest is on paved (asphalt).roads. As participants exit Donner Memorial State Park, they will start the final portion of the run course on South Shore Drive. South Shore Drive features three hills. Both courses conclude at the finish line at the West End Beach’s Pavilion Area (southernmost portion of the West End Beach). There will be four water/fluid replacement stations along the international run course.
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