Ideal Beach Triathlon
About this race
Join us for the Ideal Beach Triathlon, an exhilarating event set against the stunning backdrop of Elkhart, Indiana! This triathlon is designed for athletes of all ages and skill levels, offering a variety of race formats to challenge and inspire participants.
Event Types:
Sprint Individual Triathlon: Perfect for seasoned triathletes and newcomers alike, this event features a 400-yard swim, a 12-mile bike ride, and a 3.1-mile run. Test your limits and race against the clock in this fast-paced challenge!
Sprint Relay Triathlon: Gather your friends and form a team for the Sprint Relay! Each member will tackle a segment of the race: one will swim 400 yards, another will bike 12 miles, and the final teammate will complete the 3.1-mile run. It's a fantastic way to experience the thrill of triathlon together!
Kids Competitive Triathlon: Young athletes can showcase their skills in this competitive event, featuring a 25-yard swim, a 1-mile bike ride, and a 0.5-mile run. It's a great opportunity for kids to challenge themselves and enjoy the spirit of competition.
Kids Non-competitive Triathlon: Designed for younger participants who want to have fun without the pressure of competition, this event includes a 25-yard swim, a 1-mile bike ride, and a 0.5-mile run. It's all about participation, enjoyment, and building confidence!
Location:
The Ideal Beach Triathlon takes place in the picturesque setting of Elkhart, IN, where participants can enjoy the beauty of nature while pushing their limits.
Whether you're a seasoned triathlete or a first-time participant, the Ideal Beach Triathlon promises an unforgettable experience filled with camaraderie, competition, and fun. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to challenge yourself and create lasting memories! Sign up today and be part of this exciting event!
Heart of a Warrior Award
This award is meant to honor Toby Deweese’s personality, character, and ability to overcome adversity. If you or someone you know is competing in the triathlon for the first time or has overcome life challenges to get to the starting line of this year’s race, please nominate them!
Click Here to submit a nomination.
Packet Pickup:
Friday, June 25th from 4-6pm
Ideal Beach Waterpark
52256 Ideal Beach Rd, Elkhart, IN 46514
Saturday, June 27th from 6-7:30am
Ideal Beach Waterpark
52256 Ideal Beach Rd, Elkhart, IN 46514
Pick your distance
Triathlon
Sprint Triathlon
Swim The swim portion of the Sprint Individual Triathlon covers 400 yards, featuring two right turns at large orange buoys. After completing the swim, participants will exit the water and make a short run across the sandy beach to the transition area. The beach area has a sandy bottom, making it easy to enter and exit the water. Bike The bike segment consists of a flat and fast 12-mile loop that takes you along the scenic Indiana-Michigan state line. This course is designed for speed, allowing athletes to maximize their performance. Run The run is a 3.1-mile course that leads you along the picturesque Heaton Lake. Participants will navigate over a toll-road overpass and through an industrial park, where there will be a turnaround point before returning along the same route.
Sprint Triathlon Team Relay
Compete as a team by having each member do a leg of the race. Swim The relay begins with a 400-yard swim, where one team member will navigate two right turns at large orange buoys. After completing the swim, the swimmer will exit the water and make a short run across the sandy beach to the transition area. The sandy bottom of the beach ensures a smooth entry and exit for all participants. Bike Next, the second team member will take on the 12-mile bike segment, which features a flat and fast loop along the scenic Indiana-Michigan state line. This course is designed to allow for quick times and an exhilarating ride. Run Finally, the last team member will complete the 3.1-mile run, which takes participants along the beautiful Heaton Lake. The route includes a crossing over a toll-road overpass and a passage through an industrial park, where there will be a turnaround point before heading back along the same path.
Kids Competitive Triathlon
This exciting event is designed for kids aged 6 to 14 years old who can swim 25 yards unassisted and ride a bike without training wheels. The Kids Competitive Triathlon is a timed event, and participants must complete the race without parental assistance. They may receive help only from race staff, lifeguards, and volunteers. Pre-Race Meeting A mandatory pre-race meeting will take place at 9:30 AM near the kids' transition area. During this meeting, each stage of the race will be explained to the athletes, and they will walk as a group down to the lake to begin the race. Lifeguards will be present in the water to ensure safety, and the 25-yard swim will start with a group launch by age group. Race Details After completing the swim, participants will make a short jog to the transition area, where they will mount their bikes for a ¾-mile ride. Monitors will accompany the kids on their bikes, and volunteers will be stationed at corners to guide them along the route. For the run segment, additional monitors will be present to support the young athletes as they navigate the course. The race will conclude as the kids cross the same finish line as the adult participants. Each athlete will be body marked and must wear a timing chip (provided by the race). Participants must have their own bike (no training wheels or tricycles) and a helmet, as no one will be permitted to compete without a helmet. Athletes must also be able to swim 25 yards unassisted. Awards and Recognition Awards will be presented to the top finishers in both male and female categories, with age groups divided into 6-7, 8-9, 10-11, and 12-14
Kids Non-Competitive Triathlon
This exciting event is designed for kids aged 6 to 12 years old who can swim 25 yards unassisted and ride a bike without training wheels. The Kids Non-Competitive Triathlon is not a timed event; instead, we encourage participants to focus on finishing safely and having fun. Parents are welcome to run and bike alongside their kids during the race, providing support and assistance throughout the transition. Pre-Race Meeting A mandatory pre-race meeting will be held at 9:30 AM near the kids' transition area. During this meeting, each stage of the race will be explained to the athletes, emphasizing the importance of learning and enjoyment. Participants will then walk as a group down to the lake to begin the race, with several lifeguards present in the water. The 25-yard swim will start in a time trial format, allowing each child to enter the water safely. Race Details After completing the swim, participants will make a short jog to the transition area, where they will mount their bikes for a ¾-mile ride. Monitors will accompany the kids on their bikes, and volunteers will be stationed at corners to guide them along the route. For the run segment, additional monitors will be present to support the young athletes as they navigate the course. The race will conclude as the kids cross the same finish line as the adult participants. Kids have the option to be body marked and will receive a swim cap for the event. Each athlete must have their own bike (no training wheels or tricycles) and a helmet, as no one will be permitted to compete without a helmet. While athletes must be able to swim 25 yards unassisted, personal flotation devices are allowed. Awards and Recognition Finisher's award to celebrate their participation.
Typical race-day weather
Based on 9 years of historical conditions on this event's race dates in Elkhart.
About Elkhart
Ideal Beach Triathlon takes place in Elkhart, Indiana, United States. The local timezone is America/Indiana/Indianapolis.
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🏃 Plan Your Next Race in Elkhart
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- Elkhart Running Calendar 2026 See all upcoming race dates.
Race information has been sourced from the event's official website and other publicly available resources. For the most up-to-date details, please refer to the official website directly. If you notice any incorrect or missing information, don't hesitate to reach out to us by email.
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