Every run, swim, ride and race

The 2026 VBLA Ocean Swim Series 3K or Mile Swim is the second of three races on the VBLA Ocean Swim Series Calendar. The 3K moves the distance from the 1 Mile range closer to 2 miles while the 1-Mile option can test improvement from the first race (although every race is different in open water - that's the beauty of it!) The VBLA Swim Series is meant for experienced ocean racers and novice open water swimmers alike. Come find out how much fun it is to race without lines to guide you, rather a community of motivated swimmers ready to race and enjoy open water fun together!

3K SWIM:

Start at 17th Street / Finish at 42nd Street

Mile Swim:

Start at 28th Street / Finish at 42nd Street

Escape to the tranquility of the Shenandoah Mountains for this ultimate 4-day triathlon training getaway. The Shenandoah Valley is close to major east coast cities, but offers a serene and inspiring training environment. Here is what our experienced professional athletes and coaches have on tap:

• Pool swim session at JMU to refine your stroke and improve your proficiency.

• Elevate your open water swimming with expert coaching at Arrowhead Lake. Sunday's OW swim will be on a buoyed course, and will refine your technique, sighting, pack swimming, and start positioning.

• Gain confidence and conquer the mountains on your bicycle. Our expert coaching will empower you to improve your climbing and descending skills as you explore the scenic creeks and breathtaking vistas of the Appalachian ridgeline.

• Escape the pavement and embrace the trails. Our runs on double and single track combine adventure with traditional triathlon training, offering a refreshing alternative to monotonous pace based road work.

• Option of double occupancy, or upgrade to single occupancy. Daily buffet style all you can eat breakfast is included.

• You belong here, no matter your experience or ability. If you have specific training goals, we'll work with you (and your coach, if applicable) to get you your ideal training weekend. We understand that not everyone is in the same place in their training journey and scaled workouts will reflect that. Your Goals Are Our Goals!

Proficiencies & safety requirements:

Swim

-Must be able to swim 400 yards continuous open water

-Swimmers must have a swim buoy / tow float

Bike

-Must be able to ride 20 miles on rolling terrain

-Must bring proper gearing to be able to climb

-All bikes are welcome

-Must be able to change a flat tire

-Must ride with a red flashing light

Run

-Must be able to traverse hills and uneven surfaces

What’s Included:

• Three nights of accommodation at the Hotel Madison

• Daily breakfast at the Hotel Madison, group welcome dinner

• Swag bag

• Experienced technical coaching

• Daily route support for all levels

• Entrance fees for all activities

• One picnic/BBQ lunch

• One dinner on opening day

• Stocked and staffed aid stations with additional on call support

Itinerary:

This itinerary is packed with a variety of workouts. We encourage participants to pick and choose activities like they are at a buffet.

Thursday check-in begins at 11 am ahead of our opening stroke/speed session at James Madison University (JMU) pool. We will start with a light drill set, getting our feel of the water. Then we light the afterburners for a high octane set of 25 and 50’s. We will then get on the bike for a light group spin to the base of a small climb in which we will work on various climbing and descending techniques. These will be key tools to have in your toolbox as this camp will put your climbing and descending skills to the test. The day concludes with an optional track workout of 15x200 meters. An opportunity to turn over the legs while they are still fresh.

Friday is when multisport gets reimagined. The morning starts with a swim set at JMU learning open water skills within a swim set. We will work on drafting, staying efficient in traffic and different self-preservation skills.

Then, refuel and gear up for a brick workout. Starting off with a ride, the group will head out of Harrisonburg rolling toward the mountains. At the midway aid station, we will have your run shoes awaiting. This will be your long run for the weekend on gravel Forest Service roads. Most will perform an out and back course while others may opt for a looped trail which includes some ridgeline running. After the run athletes can either call it a day and hang out in compression boots or jump on their bikes and roll downhill to Harrisonburg.

Saturday is pure and simply a long ride day. At Paul State Park riders will shed anything they do not want to climb with. This is where the day starts in earnest as the terrain kicks up and riders climb 9 miles at an average 5.8% grade. Most riders will finish between 1 and 2 hours. A support vehicle will follow today's ride and meet riders at the summit to savor the views and take some photos before enjoying the long flowing paved descent. Riders will have the option to descend back down to Paul State Forest completing a 35 mile ride or roll down the backside completing a 75 mile loop totaling more than 7500’ of climbing.

Sunday is the legendary 4 hour points event at Arrowhead Lake. This is the essence of multisport fun. Some design their dream triathlon, and others will choose to bounce between their favorite two sports. Then there are those few that just stick to seeing how far they can go in 4 hours in a single sport. A 500 yard open water swim course, 17 mi bike course, and 5k run course will be supported for 4 hours. Athletes will get a designated amount of points for completing each of the loops. The multisport extravaganza will be followed up by a closing BBQ.

Travel:

Athletes are responsible to arrive at the Hotel Madison by 11am on Thursday.

Hotel Address:

710 S Main St

Harrisonburg, PA

Athletes can leave from Arrowhead Lake after multisport day or be transported back to Hotel Madison.

Weather:

Average high 85

Average low 65

Sound too difficult?

We call it our escalator. Jump in the van and we will bring you up to the ridge. This will set you up to have the most scenic and enjoyable experience possible.

What kind of bike?

We recommend a time trial bike or road bike.

Time trial bikes are welcome, but a road bike is preferred given the technical nature of most of the roads.

Bike rentals are available for an additional $250.

Water Temperature:

Expected open water temperature will be between 76-84F. Wetsuits may be packed, but are not required/recommended.

This camp is being organized by Good Stuff Coaching, French Creek Racing, and FA.S.T. Racing. Jointly, we have produces dozens of successful camps at various locations.

Questions - Please email John Kenny at [email protected]

The VBLA Ocean Swim Series 5K or Mile Swim ends a summer of racing for the series participants. The 5K is a challenge for swimmers ready to set big goals and achieve them, while the 1-Mile option tests improvement from the first &/or second race (noting that conditions, tides and wind make every race different) The VBLA Swim Series is meant for experienced ocean racers and novice open water swimmers alike. Come find out how much fun it is to race without lane lines to guide you among a community of motivated swimmers ready to race and enjoy open water fun together.

5K

Start: 4th Street

Mandatory Water Stop: 14th Street prior to the Pier, reentry 15th Street north of the Pier.

Finish: 42nd Street

Mile

Start: 27th Street

Finish: 42nd Street

Since 1984, the Reston Triathlon has been a staple in our community. It opens with a 1500-meter open water swim in Lake Audubon, followed by a 25-mile bike ride and a 10K run on local paths. The Olympic distance event has challenged athletes from around the country and has affectionately been called the Reston Triathlon World Championship.

During the pandemic, the previous board worked tirelessly to keep the tradition alive. Unfortunately, in 2021, they announced they could no longer financially or logically sustain the Reston Triathlon. CORE Foundation, working closely with the previous board, is thrilled to revive the event and continue the legacy. The Reston Triathlon made its comeback debut on September 10, 2023! This year's race date is September 28, 2025.

CORE Foundation is grateful for the loyal athletes and local community. They received overwhelming support while pursuing the opportunity to restore this community event.

To join our list of wonderful partners, please email [email protected].