Chester Rotary's 48th Four on the Fourth

Cedar Lake Triathlon Summer 2026 Season - Race #1

This is the first of our 6 race summer series held every other Thursday night at Cedar Lake for local, grassroots racing at its best.

For 2026, we will offer two races:

Individual and Relay Sprint Triathlon: Our individual and relay sprint triathlons consists of a 500(ish) yard lake swim, a 10 mile bike, and a 5k road run. They are perfect races for first timers who want to see what they can achieve, experienced triathletes looking to fine tune for a longer fall race, or anyone who just wants an active, family summer Thursday evening. We have awards for both the fast and the first (timers), and lots for those in between. Relay teams are welcome and celebrated. Wetsuits are encouraged when the water temperature is below 80 degrees, and strongly encouraged for at least the first two races. Aqua jogging is not permitted.

Super Sprint Triathlon: Returning for its second season is our popular super sprint race: all of the triathlon experience just in a smaller package! The super sprint consists of a 200(ish) yard swim, a 5mile bike, and a 1 mile run. First timers love this race: you can start your Thursday as a regular human, finish it as a Triathlete, and let us share the joy of your success with special prizes (and a whole lot of positive energy!!). Younger races are welcome, but you have to be 13 to toe the line. And we love families. If your child is racing, you can race with them for free as long as you accompany them for the entire race. Swim, bike and run with your child; it's a priceless family experience.

Gun Times:

• Super Sprint: 6:10 p.m

• Individual / Relay Sprint: 6:15 p.m.

Preregistration: Racers must preregister. Register early to secure both a spot and a lower entry fee, which will increase on race day. Last season, the races sold out several times and once we hit our cap, we can't accept any more entries.

Online registration will close at 5:00 p.m. on each race day. There will be no onsite registration this year.

Race day check in starts at 5:00 p.m. and all registered racers must be checked in by 5:45 p.m.

First Time? Come on down to Cedar Lake!! We love first timers and a significant part of our weekly field of racers are athletes getting their feet wet for the first time. In transition, you will see every type of bike racked and ready to race: from expensive carbon TT bikes headed for an Ironman to hybrid bikes and even the occasional beach cruiser. Not sure you can do a triathlon? Finding out is half the fun. Over 95% of our racers finish each week. We don't use cutoff times, except for later in the season as the sun starts to set earlier (typically the last race or two). Not sure exactly how it works? We have lots of friendly experienced volunteers and even a certified tri coach on site on race days to explain the mysteries of buoy turns, transition and equipment. Before you race, be sure that you can swim 20 pool lengths without stopping for the full sprint, or 10 pool lengths for the super sprint. Aqua jogging is not permitted.

Come join us this summer!

Inclement Weather: In the event of inclement weather on race day, the race organizers reserve the right to change the race to a duathlon, a 5K or cancel the race.

Choose between a 4 or 9 mile trail race in the Cockaponsett State Forest in Chester, CT.

The 4 miler is the first part of the 9 mile course. The course consists of roots, rocks, muddy sections and several hills. The first 1/2 mile is on a road which helps spread the runners out prior to the start of the trails. Water stations are at miles 2, 4, 6 and 7.

NO RACE DAY REGISTRATION. Bib pick up opens at 8 am. Race starts at 9 am. Please note if you have out of state plates, the park requires you to pay a parking fee.

FREE registration to runners 75 or older.

Trails to a Cure is part of the Blue Blazed Trail Race series.

All proceeds benefit PanCAN in memory of Steve Hancock.

Not a runner but want to support the race? Volunteers are needed to assist with check in process, aid stations and sweeping the course. If interested, please email [email protected].

The Ivoryton Pumpkin Chase is a 5K Road/Trail Race and a Kiddie Pumpkin Fun Run (age 7 and below) to benefit the Ivoryton Library and takes place in peak foliage season of southern New England. The course begins along North Main Street for approximately ½ mile before turning left down Falls River Drive. At the one mile mark, the course enters the Falls River Preserve for a 1.1 mile trail loop that meanders along the Falls River. The trail is double track for about ½ mile before it turns into hilly and rocky single track. Care must be taken on the trail due to the presence some jagged rocks and roots. Please be aware that the trail can be slippery in wet conditions.

Participants will receive a free t-shirt with registration before September 18. Registrations after September 18 and day of registrations will receive a t-shirt while supplies last.

Contact Ivoryton Library at [email protected] if you or your organization would like to be a sponsor and have your logo included on our t-shirts.

Celebrate St Patrick's Day and try to Catch A Leprechaun in support of the Region 4 Education Foundation. The race route follows a 5K course around the town of Essex

Registration & Race Schedule

• Registration is available on-line only, even on race day,

• Race day check in opens 8:30 am

• 5K Start - 10:00 am

Entry Fees

• Advance registration - $33 before March 10, thereafter $38

• Region 4 students and staff - $18 before March 10, thereafter $23

• Note: Entry fees include on-line processing fee.

Custom Short Sleeve T-Shirts provided to registrations received before February 10, 2026. Thereafter, race shirts will be subject to availability on race day.

Awards

• First male / female overall winners

• Top three male / female in age groups:

• 12 and Under

• 13-18

• 19-29

• 30-39

• 40-49

• 50-59

• 60-69

• 70+