The Wawasee Kiwanis is the host of the second leg of the "Triple Crown Triathlon Series", On July 25th, 2026.
To learn more or register for the 2026 Triple Crown Series of which includes participation in this race Warsaw Optimist Triathlon
You do not need to participate in the Triple Crown race series to compete in the Wawasee Kiwanis Triathlon. This event is open to everyone of all ages and abilities.
The race is a Sprint Triathlon.
1/4-mile (400M) swim
13.5-mile (21.7kilometer) Bike
3.1-mile (5k) run
The race is hosted at the Syracuse Community Center.
Information for the triple crown race series can be found at
Event details and schedule
Location:
Syracuse Lakeside Park (1013 N Long Drive, Syracuse, IN 46567) is located on the North side of Syracuse on Syracuse Lake. Syracuse is in northern Indiana, on State Highway 13.
USAT Age Division Assignments:
The age group of a participant will be determined by age on December 31 of the event year, NOT by age by race day. You will be assigned to an age division according to your age on December 31, 2026.
Race age restrictions:
The MINIMUM age for entry in the triathlon is 15 years. The triathlon is USAT sanctioned. This applies to solo triathlete or as a member of a team. USA Triathlon required age group divisions for solo: Adult: 15-19, 20-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 70-74, 75-79, 80-84, 85+
Sponsorship:
This triathlon is sponsored by the Wawasee Kiwanis Club, a nonprofit organization. Any and all profits go to designated Wawasee Kiwanis Charities (Some of which are Riley Children’s Hospital, Teen Parents Succeeding, Syracuse Community Center, Harold Schrock Youth Complex, Scholarships, Syracuse Food Pantry and more).
A Chip Timed Race:
All participants must wear an assigned timing chip. You will be responsible for returning your timing chip at the finish line or pay a $30 replacement fee. Teams are only assigned one timing chip (Bib number) and must transfer the chip to succeeding members of the team in the transition area.
Registration and Parking:
There is a limit of 300 entries. Same Day registration will be available if race is not full, fees for same day registration will be the After July 11^th fee plus $5 for individuals and $10 for teams. Same Day Registration is considered as Friday July 25^th and Saturday July 26^th. Get your entry in early. There will be no parking at Syracuse Lakeside Park/Syracuse Community Center the day of the race. There is public parking in Downtown Syracuse (2 blocks from Park), St Andrews United Methodist Church on Long Drive and the surrounding area.
USAT:
The Triathlon is a USAT Sanctioned Race. If you are not a USAT member there will be $15 1-time pass to participate. You may purchase an annual USAT membership by calling 719-597-9090 or log on to hhtp://www.usatriathlon.org/ for membership.
Special Note- Team Transition Requirements:
Minimum age per USAT is 15 years old for all team members. EACH AND EVERY TEAM MEMBER IS REQUIRED TO SHOW ID AND SIGN USAT RELEASE FORMS AT PACKET PICKUP. In between each leg of the race, you will always hand off the timing chip to your teammate INSIDE the transition area.
PHOTO ID:
ALL ATHLETES MUST SHOW PHOTO ID TO PICK UP THEIR PACKET TO RACE. A USAT REQUIREMENT. NO EXCEPTIONS. Additionally, USAT members must show their USAT membership cards or pay an additional $15 fee for a one-day permit.
Packet Pick Up:
Packets may be picked up at Syracuse Lakeside Park Community building on Friday night July 24, 2026, from 5:30-7:30 PM and Saturday morning July 25^th from 6:00-7:30 AM.
Arrive Early. YOU MUST SHOW PHOTO ID AND USAT MEMBERS MUST SHOW CURRENT USAT CARD.
Late registrations forfeit rights to a t-shirt
Athletes that delay registration until after July 11^th, 2026, forfeit all rights to a T-Shirt, since there is insufficient time to order a T-Shirt for you.
Pre- Race Clinic
A pre-race clinic will be held on Friday, July 24^th at 6:00PM at Syracuse Community Center. For those new to the sport, you will receive tips on setting up your transition area, do's and don'ts and an opportunity to ask questions.
The beach will close at 7:40AM and the race director will go over important announcements before the race.
Transition Area:
The transition area will be guarded. Only the participants will be able to be in the transition area and will be the only one to pickup bike and equipment. Your body ID must match up with your bike number. The transition area will close at 7:50AM the morning of the race. All athletes must leave the transition area at this time and head down to the start line. DO NOT FORGET TO WEAR YOUR TIMING CHIP.
Racecourse Characteristics:
Swim – ¼ mile total (out and back), USAT rules govern the use of wet suits. Bike 13.49 miles with a few rolling hills early on, then mostly a flat, fast course. Bike Helmets must be always strapped before-during-after the race to prevent disqualification. You must furnish your own water on the bike course. The run is 3.1 miles along the rolling hills of the north shore of Syracuse Lake. Runners must wear race number in front.
Per USAT rules, the sole responsibility of knowing and following the prescribed cycling course rests with each participant. No adjustments in times or results shall be made for participants who fail to follow the proper course for any reason whatsoever. Please drive the course before the race or study the maps provided.
Race Safety:
We have the right to remove anyone from the race if we feel that your safety, or the safety of others, is at risk if you continue. We will not allow you to make this an unsafe race for you, and or other participants. You cannot wear any headphones, air pods, earbuds of any kind.
Changing of Swim waves:
If you entered as an individual and you feel and have evidence that you may be an overall race winner, you may contact the race director prior to race day to request a change to the first wave. If you entered as a Team, the swimmer on your team may not change waves.
Insurance:
Triathlon – Your personal insurance will be the primary carrier. USAT will be the secondary carrier.
Awards and Prizes:
Triathlon Race awards will be presented to the female and male overall winners. Awards will also be given to female and male 1^st, 2^nd and 3^rd place winners in five-year age groups, Clydesdales, Athena’s and teams. Swim caps for everyone. T-shirts for those who signed up prior to July 11^th.
Food and Refreshments:
Water, Gatorade, and food will be available for all athletes after the race.
Race Results:
Race results will be posted at the race, and on the website: www.wawaseekiwanis.org penalties will also be posted immediately after the race. Also results will be on https://rubletiming.com.
Event Cancellation Policy:
If Natural Disaster, Foul Weather or Community Disaster occurs, we will work with local officials to help make decisions based on safety first. Courses and/or race segments can be altered if possible, as agreed upon with local officials.
Refunds:
THERE ARE NO REFUNDS. In the event the race should be canceled for reasons beyond the control of the Race Director or Race Committee (inclement weather or unsafe weather conditions; local, state or national emergency; public health emergency), refunds will not be made. The Syracuse Wawasee Kiwanis club is a 501c3 charity and all proceeds from this event are donated to charity.
EVENT INFORMATION:
The Parade 5k race runs the Elkhart County Fair Parade route with thousands of spectators. Temperatures are usually very warm. Be sure to hydrate the day before and morning of the race if hot temperatures are forecast. We recommend that all competitors have trained prior to this run and are able to complete the 5K in 50 minutes or less. The Parade will follow the last runner on the route, which is why we need competitors to finish in a timely manor. Respectfully, this event is not intended for casual walkers or anyone that will have difficulty finishing the course. Running with strollers is acceptable, but please no pets. Costumes are also always fun to see!
To guarantee a race shirt, please register by July 1, 2026.
Prizes for Top male and female finishers
Check-in will take place at Corporate Tent 1 located on the northeast end of the fairgrounds, directly north of the race track (near gate 5) the day of the race from 10am-11:30am. This is is when you will pick up your race shirt and race number bib. You must pick up these items prior to the race to be able to participate.
All registered runners will be bused to the starting line at Rogers Park by Cardinal Buses. Those without the current issued Parade 5K race number will NOT be allowed to use the transportation provided, nor run in the race.
The race itself begins approximately at 1:20 pm or whenever the race route can be completely cleared.
Two water stations are available during the route, as well as ice towels at the finish line.
Results will be displayed at Wattsmytime.com & www.runsignup.com
*Bandits will not be tolerated! -all participants must be showing their official race number to start the race. Race organizers will be checking to ensure the race is fair to all participants that sign up officially.
*A youth mile fun run may take place on the horse track before the finish of the Parade 5K, but is separate from this event. Those interested should visit 4hfair.org for more information.
We sincerely appreciate all of you that have properly supported this race over the years or for the very first time!
The 11th Annual Rock the Quarry Triathlon and Mile Swim scheduled for Saturday, August 8, 2026 at the beautiful Fidler Pond Park located in Goshen, Indiana. Formerly a rock quarry, the pond will be open to the public for this sprint triathlon and mile swim, which is the only day of the year people are permitted to swim in the quarry. The quarry’s pristine water make this event a special destination swim experience!
Sprint Triathlon- This competitive but shorter sprint-distance race is great for both veteran and novice athletes.
500 Yard Swim: If you are comfortable swimming in open water, you will absolutely love this rare opportunity to swim in a quarry nestled in a picturesque setting. The course is a triangular counter-clockwise course beginning and ending at the same point.
15.8-Mile Bike: This is a flat, out-and-back course with both right and left turns. The first section extends through an industrial park and then into the country to Millersburg and back.
5K Run: This course is two laps (3.1 miles) on the flat aggregate track that encircles Fidler Pond. While on the course runners are able to see the rest of the field, and there are plenty of great spots for spectators to cheer.
Mile Swim Event- If you like to swim in open water, you will absolutely love this opportunity to swim in thispristine quarry. The deep, clean, clear water makes for quite the swim experience! The Mile Swim Event will be set up in a counter-clockwise course, tracing the perimeter of the pond. Swimmers will be chip-timed, and timing will end upon crossing a timing mat placed on land at water’s edge of the swim exit
The Nappanee Apple Festival Donut Dash 5K will be held on September 19, 2026, at Nappanee Missionary Church, located at 70417 SR 19 North, Nappanee, IN 46550. The church is situated 2 miles north of downtown Nappanee and south of Wakarusa. The event will start and finish at Nappanee Missionary Church. Whether you are an experienced competitive runner or a beginner, everyone is welcome to participate! After your run or walk, be sure to explore the small-town shops and enjoy all that the Nappanee Apple Festival has to offer with your family and friends. Ample parking will be available for easy access and exit after the run.
We will Celebrating the Apple Festival 50th Anniversary
When you register 4 or more individuals simultaneously, you qualify for the Multi-Person Pricing option, which allows you to save $3.00 per registrant. Whether you choose to join an existing group/team or establish your own, the choice is entirely up to you! This is a fantastic opportunity to bring your friends or family members together and take advantage of this fantastic offer.
Start Times
1 Mile run starts at 8:00 AM
5k run/walk starts at 8:30 AM.
PACKET PICK UP
Will be held Friday night September 18 from 5-8 PM
Saturday morning September 19 from 6:30 AM - 8:15 AM
Participants will be able to pick up their shirts and race bibs at these times at Nappanee Missionary Church, 70417 SR 19 North Nappanee, IN 46550 .
Shirts
After August 31st, shirts will be available on a first-come, first-served basis until they are gone!
Unclaimed shirts WILL NOT be mailed out if you do not pick up your shirt at the event. Any remaining shirts will be given to runners who were unable to receive one or will be donated.
Refreshments
All participants will receive apple, donut, and apple cider at the finish line.
Awards Information:
1 Mile Awards: Awards will be given to the top 3 boys and top 3 girls in the following age groups: 12 and under, and 13 and older. -
5K Awards: Overall prizes will be awarded to the top three men and women finishers. -
Age Group Awards for the 5K: The top 3 male and female runners in each of the following age groups will receive a custom apple award:
Awards age grouping for 5K only:
The top 3 male & female runners will receive custom apple award
Male: 9 – under, 10 -14, 15-19, 20-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60 - 64, 65 - 69, 70 -74,75 -79, 80+
Female: 9 – under, 10 -14, 15-19, 20-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60 - 64, 65 - 69, 70 -74, 75- 79, 80+
Award Distribution
Awards will be presented shortly after the last participant crosses the finish line of the 5K.
Please note that awards will not be mailed after the event.
Referrals -
Refer 5 friends to signup and receive $10.00 back on your registration! Look for your referral code in confirmation email or share on your facebook!
Parking & Bathrooms
Parking and bathrooms is available at Nappanee Missionary Church, 70417 SR 19 North Nappanee, IN 46550 .
Timing
Chip timing by Watt’s My Time
Guidelines for Dogs Attending the Event
All dogs must be kept on a NON-retractable leash and under supervision at all times.
Owners are responsible for cleaning up after their dogs.
Any dog displaying aggressive behavior toward people or other dogs must be immediately removed from the event by its owner.
Dogs are not allowed inside Nappanee Missionary Church.
Race day registration will be online only...NO PAPER REGISTRATION ON RACE DAY.
We look forward to seeing you at the starting line!
No Refunds!!
More information for the Nappanee Apple Festival can be found at https://www.nappaneeapplefestival.org/
Join us for the heartwarming and energizing LITE the Way 5K, a fundraising initiative dedicated to supporting the LITE Recovery Café. This event is not just a race; it's a celebration of community, hope, and resilience. Whether you're an avid runner or prefer a leisurely walk, this 5K welcomes participants of all ages and abilities to come together for a worthy cause.
Enjoy a scenic route that winds through our small community, and vibrant neighborhoods, designed to inspire and uplift. Beyond the race, enjoy family-friendly activities suitable for all ages, including live music, face painting, and interactive booths. Celebrate your achievement with medals for top finishers and raffle prizes for participants. Connect with fellow participants, volunteers, and supporters who share a commitment to making a positive impact.
NOTE A: Registrations placed October 1st or later will NOT include a shirt, but will still receive swag bags and be eligible for prize drawings & the finisher / winner medals. Past years' event shirts will be available for purchase ($5) if desired.
NOTE B: There will be NO paper registration forms for same-day registration. On race day, all registrations will be submitted online through this website so that racer data is in the system at race start. If you prefer to use the paper form, you can download it on the webpage below and drop it by Heartline on or before Thursday, October 8th so we can enter your registration manually.
RACE INFO / FAQ PAGE: https://heartlinepregnancycenter.org/donut-dash-5k/
HELP US REACH OUR $30,000 FUNDRAISING GOAL!
All Heartline services are free to clients, meaning we're entirely dependent on the generosity of our community to continue serving the most vulnerable hearts in our area - and the Donut Dash is one of our major fundraisers during the year. THANK YOU for taking part in this important work!
Heartline's 5K Walk/Run for Life Donut Dash starts and finishes at the Kosciusko Health Pavilion (1515 Provident Drive, Warsaw, IN) and winds through the picturesque Lake City Greenway. This year's event will be on Saturday, October 10, 2026 beginning at 10:00 am (check-in /packet pickup starts at 8:30am). Each participant who registers by September 30th will receive an event shirt in their size.
YES, THERE ARE MEDALS! Along with winner's medals for each gender/age group, ALL finishers get a medal!
Awards will be given for the top 3 male and female finishers in each age category. Awards are also given for the Donut Dash Champions: the top three male and female finishers who eat a donut at each station (10 and under are only required to eat donut holes). The Donut Dash is a timed event (Tempo Run Timing).
Age Categories: 9 and under, 10-14, 15-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, 70+
A Beginning of a Tradition in Kosciusko County! You must be pre -registered to guarantee a medal, pumpkin, shirt or hoodie. Pre-registraion ends on November 1st st at1 PM. You may call our office 574-267-0969 if you have questions about registering after 1 PM.
All Bibs, shirts, pumpkins will be picked up day of race and day registration will be 7:45 am to 8:45 am (extends to 9:15 am for 5K participants) on Nov 7th
You will park in parking lot near the camp ground area and by the Pike Lake beach area.
Get ready for a great 5K event!! Our run/walk is a beautiful road course in Warsaw, IN. You will enjoy the view of Pike Lake and includes an amazing course as you go through the Beyer Farm trail. Runners and walkers have said this is a wonderful course and can't wait to participate each year. After crossing the finish line, enjoy a cup of apple cider while you choose the perfect pumpkin!
The Pumpkin Mile Run will be a great time for kids and they will get to pick out their very own pumpkin at the end of the run. Finishing medal for all participants.
Pumpkin painting and carving will be available for all.
Registration for Pumpkin Mile: This is a FREE run/walk!
Run or walk a mile and at the finish line you will get your very own pumpkin and a finisher medal to celebrate your accomplishment! The top 5 boys and girls overall winners will be recognized and given a special gift.
Registration for the Pumpkin Run 5K includes:
-Entry to the 5K
-2026 Lightweight Hoodie, Great for fall running
-2026 finisher's medal
-Cup of apple cider at the finish line
Overall Male and Female winner.
3.1 miles too easy? Choose the Tough Pumpkin 5K option and we'll supply you with a pumpkin to tag along during the 5K!
How it works:
Add Tough Pumpkin during registration.
Choose your pumpkin at packet pick-up (sizes range from a couple of pounds up to 15 pounds).
After crossing the finish line, you'll receive the exclusive Tough Pumpkin medal finisher medal!
34th Annual Warsaw Optimist Triathlon
---8AM START TIME---
INFO - Triathlon – The OPTIBULLETTE (warsawoptimist.org)
TRIATHLON - 440 yard lake swim; 14 mile bike; 3.1 mile run
TRIATHLON 2 AND 3 PERSON RELAYS
TRIATHLON PHYSICALLY CHALLENGED -MY TEAM TRIUMPH
DUATHLON - 2 mile run; 14 mile bike; 3.1 mile run
AQUABIKE - 440 yard swim; 14 mile bike
YOUTH 11-12 and 13-14 year old division triathlons
PROMO - FIRST 100 ENTRIES ARE $70 FOR ADULT RACES
Event details and schedule
Athlete Guide: 34th Annual Optimist Triathlon
Event Date: Saturday, June 26, 2027
Location: Winona Lake Park, 1590 Park Ave, Winona Lake IN 46590
Thank you for registering for the 34th Annual Optimist Triathlon! Whether you are a seasoned triathlete or a first-timer, we are thrilled to have you join us. Please read through this guide carefully to ensure a smooth, safe, and exciting race day.
📅 Event Schedule
Timing is tentative; final wave times will be emailed the week of the race.
5:30 AM – Transition Area & Packet Pickup Open
6:45 AM – Packet Pickup Closes
6:50 AM – Mandatory Athlete Safety Briefing (at the swim start)
7:00 AM – Race Starts (Wave 1)
10:30 AM – Course Closes & Post-Race Celebration / Awards Begin
🏊♂️ Course Information
Please familiarize yourself with the course maps online prior to race morning.
Swim: A [Insert Distance, e.g., 400m] open-water swim. The course is marked by large buoys. Lifeguards and water safety personnel will be stationed throughout.
Bike: A [Insert Distance, e.g., 12-mile] loop on open roads. Helmets are mandatory and must be buckled before you leave the transition area.
Run: A [Insert Distance, e.g., 3.1-mile] flat course. Water and hydration stations will be available at every mile.
🚗 Arrival & Parking Info
Arrive Early: We highly recommend arriving by 5:45 AM to allow ample time for parking, body marking, gear setup, and warm-up.
Parking Location: Free participant parking is available at [Insert Parking Lot/Location Name].
Road Closures: Please note that roads surrounding the main venue will close promptly at 6:45 AM for athlete safety. You will not be able to drive into the venue after this time.
🪪 Waivers & ID (Don't Forget!)
You must bring a valid photo ID to pick up your race packet.
Under 18: Must have a parent or legal guardian present to sign their race waiver.
USAT Members: If this is a USAT-sanctioned event, please have your USAT membership card (digital or physical) ready at check-in to avoid the one-day license fee.
Note: You cannot pick up a packet for another athlete; every participant must check in individually.
🎒 What to Bring
Your Photo ID
Timing chip and race bib (provided at check-in)
Goggles and bright swim cap (provided)
Your bike, tuned up and ready to ride
Bike pump (it’s always good to check your tires race morning!)
Running shoes and socks
Towel for your transition area station
Nutrition (gels, bars) and water bottles for your bike/transition
👟 What to Wear
Trisuit or Swimsuit: A tri-specific suit is best as it can be worn for the swim, bike, and run. Otherwise, form-fitting athletic wear that dries quickly works well.
Wetsuits: A final water temperature reading will be taken race morning to determine if wetsuits are legally permitted.
Race Bib: Must be worn facing forward on your shirt or a race belt during the run.
⚠️ Crucial Reminders
Body Marking: Stop by the body marking station immediately after picking up your packet so volunteers can write your race number on your arms and legs.
No Headphones: For your safety and the safety of those around you, headphones, earbuds, and personal audio devices are strictly prohibited on the course.
Trash: Please respect the venue and the community. Pack out what you pack in, and only discard trash at designated aid stations.