Sourdough Starter Triathlon 2026

The inaugural Sourdough Starter Triathlon will be held at North Lake within the Chena Lakes Recreation Area. The lake is accessible by crossing over the (locked access) Chena River weir and continuing another 1.5 miles or so to the end of the dike.

Participants will swim 500 yards in a one-lap circle around buoys in the shallow pond. Then the 6.7 mile bike leg is on dirt trails and roads. Finally, the 3.1 mile run goes counter-clockwise around the pond and down a two-lane track to the river and back. There is a 99-participant limit.

We want to encourage people who are ready for a next-level challenge after the Breakup Triathlon to do an open water race. You won't find calmer water than this for your first open water swim. Come check it out!

Sourdough Starter?

It makes perfect sense, actually. The Sourdough Triathlon, a 34-year tradition and the only 70.3 mile race in Alaska, saw its final run in 2025. We wanted to offer something in its place and opted for a sprint to help grow racers' confidence in open water swimming. We hope some competitors will stretch after this race to a longer event, like our North Pole Olympic distance race, and eventually enter a 70.3 mile event and maybe even an Ironman.

Event details and schedule

Sourdough Starter Triathlon will be held at North Lake within Chena Lakes Recreation Area, starting at noon on Saturday, June 27. All transitions will be at the lake.

Access to the lake and the entire course is only available by appointment. We plan to offer two course previews in June, one on a weeknight and another on a Saturday. Registered participants will receive an email with the details.

Registration opens Feb. 1 and will close when 99 participants have registered. If registration fills up, we will keep a waiting list and will contact those folks if participants cancel. Those on the waitlist will not be charged until their registration is confirmed.

​Entry fees are listed below. USA Triathlon membership is also required. If you are not a USAT member you will need to buy either a single-event pass ($14 for age 18+) or an annual membership ($10 age 17 and under, $40 age 18-23, $64 age 24+) to participate. Minimum age to participate is 14 years as of 12/31/26. Refunds are only available to those who purchase ACTIVE Refund. Transfers to another event are not available. Note: it is not necessary to be an Active member to register.

Registration Prices

Feb 1 – June 9 $45

June 10 – June 23 $65

June 24 $85

​Registration closes at 5:00 pm AST on June 24

We do our best to mark the course clearly, however RACERS ARE ACCOUNTABLE TO BE FAMILIAR WITH THE ROUTE.

An optional course preview is available on Saturday, June 13. Meet at the very end of Lawrence Road where there's an uphill ramp to the locked gate; we will depart promptly at 11 am to drive through the gate. Once inside, we will drive another 1.5 miles to the lake for a look at the pond, the bike and run courses. Bring your bike and/or running shoes. We will have a two-hour window to look around then return to the gate at 1:00 pm to be let across the river once again. Please respect the park ranger’s time and be punctual.

​A second course preview opportunity will be provided on Tuesday, June 16 when we will gather to cross the river at 6 pm and stay until 8 pm.

Other things to know:

• Race packet pickup will be Thursday, June 25 from 5:30 pm to 7:00 pm at HooDoo Brewing. USAT card and photo ID are required to pick up your bib. One day memberships will need a photo ID only. Due to USAT rules, each racer must pick up their own packet.

• On race day, the transition area opens at 10 am and closes at 11:30 am. All racers, spectators and others – except race officials – must clear this area at 11:30 am. The transition area will remain closed until all athletes have completed the race.

• Bike racks will be available for everyone

• The pre-race meeting will be at 11:30 am

• Check-in must be completed no later than 30 minutes prior to race start; those arriving after this time will not be allowed to participate

​Awards will be given to the top three men and women.