The Oregon Dunes Triathlon is the first open water triathlon of the season in Oregon. It’s also the first USAT triathlon of the season and the only Olympic distance triathlon on the Oregon coast. Held on Saturday, May 13th in Dunes City, the Oregon Dunes Triathlon offers a Sprint and Olympic distance triathlon, plus a Duathlon and Aquabike, so a little something for everyone. For anyone new to the multi-sport thing, a sprint distance means a 750 meter swim, 10.5 mile bike and 3.1 mile run and an olympic distance means a 1500 meter swim, 24.8 mile bike and 6.2 mile swim. Registration includes a race shirt*, swim cap, timing chip, post race food and finisher medal. Military discounts are offered, which makes me want to do this race even more, as well as group discounts.
Keep in mind that prices do not include USAT licensing. If you do not have a USAT membership, you must purchase either a 1-day license for $15 or an annual membership is $50 during registration. Youth annual memberships are $10 (under 18). Each team member must have a license. If you have a current annual USAT membership, no addition charges apply. Annual members must verify annual membership during registration.
The triathlon starts with a swim in Woahink Lake, a clean and clear coastal lake that warms up quickly when the weather cooperates since it’s shallow. Ideally the lake might be in the 60’s so a wetsuit is a good idea. The conditions might require a wetsuit, so make sure to check the website to stay up to date. The bike course follows quiet coastal roads with some gentle rolling hills and seriously scenic views. The duathlon participants start at the bike course as soon as the last triathlete exits the water, no later than 8:15am. The Olympic course follows the same route as the Sprint distance triathlon with an extra out and back and offers an aid station at mile 16.6.
The run begins with a cross-country loop around East Woahink, before joining the trails through Honeyman State Park. The run takes you through the campgrounds and includes a little bit of everything with relation to terrain. You’ll run through grass, gravel, dirt, along paved roads and even sand along the way with numerous aid stations spread throughout the course. Participants get to finish in the sand and even better they get to climb the dune along Cleawox Lake to get there.
Homegrown Public House in Florence will provide all of the post race food. Finishers can re-fuel with some local clam chowder, fresh rolls, cookies and fruit. All participants and volunteers will receive 10% of any meal they purchase at the restaurant during race weekend. Bring in proof of attendance, with a race bib, volunteer shirt or something so they know you’re legit and support a local business, plus get a deal.
This triathlon is definitely on my bucket list. With a shallow swim and gorgeous course, I can see why people make it an annual tradition to head West for the first open water triathlon of the season and then stick around for a little coastal exploration. It would be a fun first-time triathlon for the views or a great opportunity to push yourself with some speed on the hills and up the dune.
What: Oregon Dunes Triathlon and Duathlon and Aquabike
Where: Honeyman State Park 5543 Canary Rd, Florence, OR
Schedule of Events:
Friday, May 12, 2017
4:00 PM Packet Pickup Opens
5:00 PM Pre-Race Talk #1
6:15 PM Pre-Race Talk #2
7:00 PM Packet Pickup Closes
Saturday, May 13, 2017
6:30 AM Transition Opens
7:45 AM Pre-Race Announcements
8:00 AM Olympic Triathlon Start
8:00 AM Olympic Duathlon Starts
9:00 AM Olympic Swim Course Cutoff
9:00 AM Sprint Triathlon Starts
9:00 AM Sprint Duathlon Starts
9:40 AM First Sprint Duathlon Finisher Expected
10:00 AM First Sprint Triathlon Finisher Expected
10:00 AM First Olympic Duathlon Finisher Expected
10:15 AM First Olympic Triathlon Finisher Expected
11:15 AM Bike Course Cutoff
12:00 PM Awards
12:30 PM Run Course Cutoff
**There will be a free shuttle available to take you from the finish line back to the bike transition, but plan to carpool since parking will be limited.
