34th Annual Warsaw Optimist Triathlon
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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.
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!
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.
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/
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
An IGNITE Trail Series event. The Indiana Trail 100 has race distances of 150 miles, 100 miles, and 50 miles.
Registration will close approximately 2 weeks prior to the event
NO DAY OF REGISTRATION*
As a part of the Ignite Trail series, come enjoy beautiful Chain O'Lakes State Park in Albion, Indiana for our newest race - the Ignite Trail Marathon and Half Marathon. The course will be a 13.1 mile loop that you will run once or twice. There will be a 8 hour cut off for this event starting at 8:00am with a 4:00pm cut off.
You will enjoy 3 aid stations which we are trying to get local Cross Country teams to help man to help fundraise for their programs.
The 2024 Ignite Trail Marathon is also the RRCA Indiana State Championship Race!
Registration closes approximately 1 week prior to the event
NO DAY OF RACE REGISTRATION
BLUEBERRY STOMP
1-Mile Fun Run • 5K Race • 15K Race
Join us on Labor Day for the 52nd annual Blueberry Stomp, a nonprofit race supporting our local ASK Ministries, run in conjunction with the Marshall County Blueberry Festival. The Blueberry Festival regularly draws a crowd of 200,000+ over the weekend so there are PLENTY of activities leading up to the Monday race.
START TIMES & START LINE
All athletes line up on Michigan Street near the entrance of the KFC parking lot.
The 1-mile Fun Run starts at 8:00am and all participants must finish before the 8:30am start of the Stomp.
A cannon fire announces the start of the 5K & 15K Races at 8:30am. Strollers are allowed, but please ensure that all children and items such as cups, snacks, etc. are secured at all times. For the safety of all participants, pets are not allowed.
1 -MILE FUN RUN: 8:00am start
This non-competitive run/walk starts at the south edge of Centennial Park on Michigan Street. All runners and walkers have 30 minutes to complete 1 mile (out and back course). At 8:30am the 5K & 15K must start. If you are not finished, you will be asked to step off the course. You may finish once the 5K & 15K runners have passed.
5K Race: 8:30am start
Starting at the south edge of Centennial Park on Michigan Street, this is a beautiful out-and-back tree-lined course through residential Plymouth. Nearly the entire course follows the Blueberry Parade route, giving you the opportunity to participate in front of approximately 50,000 spectators! See course map below.
15K Race: 8:30am start
This course also starts at the south edge of Centennial Park on Michigan Street, running through downtown Plymouth and out into the beautiful countryside. This is an out-and-back course that follows the 5K course for the first & last mile, viewed by approximately 50,000 spectators! The 5K & 15K courses split on Oakhill Ave. Soon after, the 15K course becomes a challenge to even the best of runners with its rolling hills. There are water stops available at several locations throughout the course. See course map below.
The finish line closes at 10:50am, allowing tear down before the course reopens to traffic at 11:00 am. The finish line CLOSES at 10:50am. This allows 2hrs and 20min for the 15K participants (15:01/mile). All athletes who have not finished, and who wish to continue, must move to the sidewalks & follow normal traffic laws. All volunteers and aid stations are not available after 11:00 am. For your safety, we ask that you choose the distance you can finish in the allotted time.
Race numbers must be visible (preferably still attached) to receive prizes & food. No refunds will be given including inclement weather.
Registration
Online registration through RunSignup is the ONLY way to register for the event. We have staff present at packet pick-up and on race morning to help you register if needed, but it will still be done online through RunSignup and a credit card will be needed.
Shirt sizes are only guaranteed with registrations completed by 7/31
5K race entries on or before 7/31 - $30
15K race entries on or before 7/31- $40
5K race entries 8/1 to 9/6- $40
15K race entries 8/1 to 9/6- $50
5K race entries on 9/7 (race day)- $45
15K race entries on 9/7 (race da)- $55
1-Mile Fun Run on or before 9/6- $10
1-Mile Fun Run on 9/7- $15
ONLINE REGISTRATION FOR EITHER THE FUN RUN OR 5K/15K RACES WILL REMAIN OPEN UNTIL 15MIN PRIOR TO START OF EACH RESPECTIVE RACE.
NOTE: There is no longer a mail-in registration option.
PACKET PICK-UP
Packet pick-up is available at the Road Runner Pavilion in the SW corner of Centennial Park on Sunday, Sept 6th, from 1-4pm and on race day from 7:00-8:15am. Parking is available in several lots around the park for a small fee. Due to the large number of out-of-town participants, there is always a large rush of participants showing up around 7:45-8:00am on race morning. If you wish to avoid long lines, arrive early or, better yet, grab your packet on Sunday!!
AWARDS (UPDATED JULY 2024)
Cash prizes to the top 4 male & female finishers in both the 5K & 15K races.
1st: $200
2nd: $125
3rd: $75
4th: $30
Age group awards to the top 3 finishers in each age group in both the 5K and 15K races. Age groups are as listed: 14 & under, 15-19, 20-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69, 70-74, and 75+
Elite Athletes
Athletes that meet one of the time qualifications below are welcome to apply for Elite entry which includes complimentary race registration and, upon request, free housing. Housing is limited and offered on a first-come-first-served basis. Please email [email protected] with a link to your results (must be within the last 2 years) and interest in housing, if applicable.
Women
5K- 18:20
10K- 38:00
15K- 1:00:00
Half Marathon- 1:27:00
Men
5K- 15:45
10K- 32:45
15K- 51:30
Half Marathon- 1:15:00
REMINDER THIS IS A CHARITY and in order to keep costs & entry fees down we DO NOT mail unclaimed prizes or prize money. It is your responsibility to see that your winnings are picked up during the awards ceremony.
FOR GENERAL QUESTIONS OR INTEREST IN SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES:
Contact race directors at [email protected]
ALSO FOLLOW US on FACEBOOK at BLUEBERRYSTOMP INDIANA for periodic updates
FOR BLUEBERRY FESTIVAL INFORMATION:
Please visit: https://www.blueberryfestival.org
The Blueberry Stomp is managed by the Adams Street Ministries, Inc. of Plymouth, IN, in conjunction with the Marshall County Blueberry Festival.
The Pathfinder Early Learning Center Turkey Trot is a Thanksgiving tradition in Huntington County. The Turkey Trot is a 5K run and 1 Mile Walk. Our new location starts at Pathfinder’s Administrative offices, going around the beautiful Pehkokia Woods and passing the Izaak Walton League on the way back. We plan on seeing our 1,100+ participants, along with spectators and fans. Money raised supports the children and programming at the Early Learning Center.
Join us for the 11th Annual Veterans Day 5K & Bike Ride event! The start line will be outside the Indiana National Guard at 9 AM in Huntington. Sign up for the scenic 5K, 1 Mile Family Fun Walk or the 17 mile (approximately) Bike Ride. Free refreshments and top place awards will be given out following the race on-site.
Huntington Veterans Day 5K Inc. is a registered 501C3. Thanks to our generous donors and money raised from events like this, we were able to complete our first installation to the Memorial Mile!
Welcome to the 2026 Pumpkinvine Classic!
The Pumpkinvine Classic is back for it's 25th year! Starting and ending at Das Dutchman Essenhaus, in Middlebury, IN, riders can enjoy the crisp fall air while touring the Pumpkinvine Nature Trail, the MapleHeart Trail and the scenic countryside. This year, there will be extended on-trail options allowing cyclists to continue beyond Abshire Park in Goshen all the way to Studebaker Park in Elkhart as well as some longer road routes for those looking to get a bit further afield! Then, everyone will finish up with a hot lunch and amenities back at Essenhaus. There will also be a variety of festivals and goings-on in the area, so check out the lodging options below. Come for the ride and stay for the weekend!
For more events in the area, check out the Elkhart County CVB and the LaGrange County CVB!
Route Maps:
Select each route tab for a preview, then choose ‘view full’ to view elevation profiles, SAG locations and open times, etc. These routes are subject to change between now and ride day. For more detailed route descriptions, SAG info, the most current navigation files, etc., head over to our website here!
A couple route notes:
For riders considering taking on the Bike Elkhart Century (B.E.C.), due to the constraints of location and volunteer availability, please note that to hit all of the SAG open hours, you'll need to be able to maintain a roughly 15mph pace throughout the day. Due to this, feel free to begin your ride before the stated 8am start time, knowing that your first SAG option (Studebaker Park at mile 22) opens at 8:30.
The route maps for the Pumpkinvine Full Ride and the Whole Enchilada indicate a route that starts heading west to Goshen when leaving Essenhaus. Riders taking on these two routes may start in either direction and the routes are fully signed both ways.
The Pumpkinvine Classic is a fundraising event to support the development and maintenance of the Pumpkinvine Nature Trail through the work of the Pumpkinvine Trails Coalition, a 501(C)(3) based in Elkhart County.
Lodging:
There will be a block of rooms available to rent at a discount in Middlebury and in Shipshewana. To book a room at either location, CALL (don't book online) and let them know you're ‘participating in the Pumpkinvine Classic’ to receive the group rate:
Middlebury - Das Dutchman Essenhaus Inn & Conference Center - (574) 825-9471 - Must book on or before August 10, 2026 to get the discounted rate. Essenhaus has availability Friday and Saturday nights. This is the location of the start/finish for all routes as well as where the after-ride meal will be held.
Shipshewana - Bluegate Garden Inn - (260) 768-4725 - Must book on or before August 9, 2026 to get the discounted rate. The Bluegate only has rooms blocked for Friday evening. Located in downtown Shipshewana, the Bluegate is blocks away from the Shipshewana trailhead of the Pumpkinvine Nature Trail, allowing you to ride to the start in Middlebury if you'd like! The Bluegate only has rooms blocked for Friday evening.