Cedar Lake Triathlon Series #2

Chester, Connecticut. Cedar Lake. The Cedar Lake Triathlon Series #2 returns on Thursday, June 11, 2026, starting at 6:15 PM EDT. Choose the sprint triathlon (500‑yard swim, 10‑mile bike, 5k run) — individual or relay — or the super sprint triathlon (200‑yard swim, 5‑mile bike, 1.7‑mile run). Grassroots local racing at its best. First‑timers welcome — over 95% of racers finish each week. Families: parents can race with their child for free (accompany them for the entire race). Wetsuits strongly encouraged. No on‑site registration — preregister online. No cutoff times (except late season due to sunset).

Location — Cedar Lake, Chester, Connecticut:

• Cedar Lake is a freshwater lake in Chester, Connecticut (Middlesex County), about 30 minutes south of Hartford, 20 minutes north of the Connecticut River
• The lake is popular for swimming, fishing, and boating — clear water, sheltered from wind
• The bike course uses local roads (MapMyRide route available online)
• The run course is along the lake, flat and fast, approaching Cockaponset State Forest before turning around at the water station

Sprint Triathlon — Individual & Relay:

• Swim: 500‑yard out‑and‑back in Cedar Lake (keep the buoy to your left)
• Bike: 10 miles on local roads — cyclists must stay right, no drafting, no crossing the yellow line
• Run: 5k (3.1 miles) flat and smooth, along the lake
• Relay teams: 2‑3 participants (each completes one or two disciplines)

Super Sprint Triathlon — Returning for Second Season:

• Swim: 200‑yard out‑and‑back (roughly 10 pool lengths — must be able to swim without stopping)
• Bike: 5 miles
• Run: 1.7 miles
• Perfect for first‑timers, younger athletes (minimum age 13), and families

Family Race Option — Parent Races with Child for Free:

• 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 — a priceless family experience
• Must register both parent and child (parent's entry fee waived — check with race director for details)

What's Included:

• Chip timing (net time, split times for each discipline)
• Finisher medal
• Event t‑shirt (not specified — likely included)
• Aid stations on run course (water, electrolyte)
• Medical support on course
• Transition area with bike racks (10 bikes per rack — bring your own rack? likely provided)
• Post‑race refreshments (water, snacks)
• Awards for both the fast and the first‑timers — lots for those in between
• Special prizes for super sprint finishers (positive energy and celebration)

Grassroots Atmosphere — No On‑Site Registration, No Cutoff Times (Early Season):

• Online registration closes at 5:00 PM on race day (no on‑site registration this year)
• Race day check‑in starts at 5:00 PM; all registered racers must be checked in by 5:45 PM
• No cutoff times for early season races (later in the season, as sunset gets earlier, cutoffs may apply)
• Over 95% of racers finish each week — inclusive and supportive environment

Wetsuit Encouraged — Aqua Jogging Not Permitted:

• Wetsuits are encouraged when water temperature is below 80°F, and strongly encouraged for at least the first two races
• Aqua jogging is not permitted — you must swim the distance
• Be sure you can swim 20 pool lengths without stopping for the full sprint, or 10 pool lengths for the super sprint

Course Rules — Disqualification for Violations:

• Helmets required on the bicycle (no exceptions)
• Cyclists stay right at all times unless passing; pass within 20 seconds
• No drafting — allow 4 bike lengths from the cyclist ahead
• No iPhones, iPods, or earbuds while racing
• No crossing the yellow lines on the bike or run
• Stay to the right of the cones (inside the cones)
• No pass zone after taking a right onto Rt 148 approaching Transition #2
• No animals in the park (prohibited by the Town of Chester)

Inclement Weather — Duathlon or 5K Option:

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

Logistics — First‑Timer Friendly:

• Lots of friendly experienced volunteers and a certified tri coach on site on race days to explain transitions, buoy turns, and equipment
• In transition, you will see every type of bike: from expensive carbon TT bikes to hybrids to beach cruisers
• No pressure — just grassroots fun

Nearby Attractions (post‑race):

• Cedar Lake — stay to swim, fish, or picnic after the race
• Chester Center — historic town center with shops, galleries, and restaurants (Chester is known as "America's Small Town for the Arts")
• Gillette Castle State Park (10 minutes south) — medieval‑style castle on the Connecticut River, hiking trails
• Cockaponset State Forest — hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding
• Connecticut River Museum (Essex, 15 minutes south) — maritime history and river cruises

Contact: Ray Miller, Josh MacNiven, Chris Kopcha — via event website.