Epic Races' Island Lake Triathlon, Duathlon, Aquabike

Triathletes throughout Michigan have long considered the Island Lake State Recreation Area, home of the Island Lake Triathlon, an epic training destination, ideal for any athlete preparing for a multisport event.  Set within a 4,000-acre park in Livingston County that offers an “up north” experience without leaving southeast Michigan. The terrain is a mixture of open brush land to mature hardwood forest, with some pockets of open meadows mixed in with a paved road of rolling hills weaving throughout.  You’ll swim the clear waters of Kent Lake, bike the park’s rolling, tree-lined hills, then run the panoramic final leg towards the lakeside finish line!

Island Lake Tri features 7 different events:

Olympic Triathlon — 1500 meter swim, 24-mile bike, 6.2-mile run
Sprint Triathlon — 750-meter swim (32 lengths in a standard metric pool), 12-mile bike ride, 3.1-mile run
Mini-Sprint Triathlon — 400-meter swim (16 lengths in a standard metric pool), 12-mile bike ride, 1.5-mile run
Olympic Aquabike (swim bike done) — 1500 meter swim, 24-mile bike ride
Sprint Duathlon (run bike run) — 1.5-mile run, 12-mile bike ride, 3.1-mile run
Olympic Relay — team up with one or two friends to complete our Olympic Triathlon together
Sprint Relay — team up with one or two friends to complete our Sprint Triathlon together

Certification

USA Triathlon Official Sanctioned Event

Course

Please note that in the interest of safety, all courses are subject to change at any time at the discretion of the race director.

OLYMPIC BIKE COURSE

OLYMPIC RUN COURSE

SPRINT AND MINI SPRINT BIKE COURSE

SPRINT RUN COURSE

MINI SPRINT RUN COURSE

Post-Race Party

Stick around post race for food and festivities! Our Epic staff and volunteers will be cooking up pancakes, breakfast burritos, and more for race participants.

Zero Waste Policy

The event is a Leave No Trace event. Learn more about our race-day recycling and composting efforts here. Want more information about running a great race and leaving no trace? Visit https://happyplanetrunning.com.

→ Read the Island Lake Tri sustainability report here!

Please note that in the interest of safety, all courses are subject to change at any time at the discretion of the race director.

OLYMPIC BIKE COURSE

OLYMPIC RUN COURSE

SPRINT AND MINI SPRINT BIKE COURSE

SPRINT RUN COURSE

MINI SPRINT RUN COURSE

Setting up a transition area can be a daunting experience!  The transition area is the “hub” of the race and packed with participants.

Use the following as a guideline on how to set-up your transition area for all Epic Races’ triathlons, duathlons, and aquabikes.  It is helpful to practice setting up and using your transition area.

Know exactly what items you will use for T1 and T2. Also, know the precise order in which you will use everything. Shoes, sunglasses, helmet, bike, hat, and anything else you may need or want.  Remember to keep it as simple as possible!

Rack your bike: Find your number in the transition area. Standing behind your bike, lift the back part of your bike off the ground and place the front part of your bike seat over the bike rack.

Be sure to check your front and back brake pads to prevent rubbing on your wheel during the race.
Check tire pressure. (If you are unsure about this or the brake pads or anything else technical for your bike, head over to our bike support crew and ask for help!

Make sure your bike is in a comfortable gear. Small chain ring, as opposed to big chain ring, is a lot easier to pedal after getting out of transition area.

Use a bath towel or folded beach towel (preferably lightweight and small) and claim your territory beside your front wheel. This is your area to be used during the race. Remember, you have your spot but others need space as well. Your towel should hold only the belongings you plan on using during the race. Keep all other pre and post-race items outside of the transition area. Here is a general list:
Swim goggles
Swim cap
Bike helmet
Bike shoes
Run shoes/socks
Race number (and a way to wear that number, such as a race belt)
Nutrition and hydration (longer distance races)

Place your ankle strap (w/ timing tag attached) on your ankle.

Place your filled water bottles on your bike.

Set up your running shoes and bike shoes if you have them in a comfortable place to grab them quickly.  Be sure to loosen laces and straps.

Place your helmet on the towel either next to or in front of your cycling shoes. Be sure the straps are unbuckled and the helmet will easily fit on your head. Your helmet should be upside down, with the front of the helmet (helmet number from race bag) closest to your feet.

Open your sunglasses and place the lenses inside the helmet with the sides of the glasses pointing up. Be sure your glasses are open so that you can grab the outside of the sunglasses and quickly put them on your face.

If you plan on wearing a hat/visor, place your visor on the very top of the towel, in front of your running shoes. Be sure the hat/visor is already adjusted to fit your head.

If you plan on using a race belt, unfasten your race belt (w/ race bib attached) and place the belt next to your running shoes. If you do not plan on using a race belt, safety pin your race bib to your running singlet. 

If you have any additional nutrition items (gels, water) or miscellaneous items (inhaler, Vaseline, sunblock) keep those items on the back of the towel (away from your feet).

Here is a great photo from our friends at Feisty Triathlon:

You can also watch this very captivating video of race director, Eva Solomon and Epic Ambassador, Matt West talking about TA setup (click the photo):

Do what works best for you and have an Epic Race!!!

All finishers receive a beautiful finisher's medal!

Age Groups (Male/Female/Nonbinary Divisions)
14-15, 16-17, 18-19, 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+

Olympic/Sprint/Mini-Sprint
1st Place Overall Male/Female/Nonbinary
1st Place Masters Male/Female/Nonbinary
Top 5 in each age group Male/ Female/Nonbinary

Aquabike & Duathlon
1st Place Overall Male/Female/Nonbinary
1st Place Masters Male/Female/Nonbinary
1st in each age group Male/Female/Nonbinary

Athena & Clydesdale Division Olympic/Sprint
1st Place Overall Male/Female/Nonbinary 39 & under
1st Place Overall Male/Female/Nonbinary 40+
Athena & Clydesdale Explained

Relay Awards
1st place team in each division

A minimum of 20 participants is required in a division of each event for an overall prize to be awarded. There is no minimum participation requirement for age-group awards.

We know your time is precious, so we offer “Grab-n-Go” Awards. Check the results by the finish line or at the award table.  If you finish overall in your division or top 5 in your age group, you win an award! Pick up your prize at the award table and get a photo on the podium before heading home. 

If you miss this opportunity and would like your award shipped, fill out THIS FORM.

Aid Stations will have water and Gatorade

Aid Station locations:
Transition Area Swim In/Run Out
Run Course Mile 1.5 (Sprint and Olympic Only)
Run Course Mile 4.5 (Olympic Only)

You will be given a bib sheet and ankle strap.  Please place the number on your bike and helmet and wear your bib for the run. The best way to do this is with a race belt that is available in our store.

Calling All Triathletes Ages 50+

Epic Races has partnered with the Michigan Senior Olympics (non-profit organization), for the Sprint Triathlon distance. Anyone who becomes a member of the Michigan Senior Olympics will have the opportunity to win a Michigan Senior Olympics medal and be QUALIFIED to attend the 2027 National Senior Games in Tulsa, Oklahoma! To become a member or learn more about the Michigan Senior Olympics please visit www.michiganseniorolympics.org. 

Anyone ages 50+ who is a member of the Michigan Senior Olympics will be given a Michigan Senior Olympics finishers medal and be included in the official Michigan Senior Olympics results book. The Michigan Senior Olympics is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization open to anyone ages 50+. We offer over 25 different events including cycling, swimming, pickleball, and track & field (just to name a few). Make sure to stop by the MSO tent after your event! The MSO will be onsite at the Island Lake Triathlon to pass out finisher medals. You will also be in the running for awards through the Island Lake Triathlon as well.
ONLY THE SPRINT TRIATHLONS WILL COUNT TOWARDS THE MICHIGAN SENIOR OLYMPICS
Sprint - 800m swim, 12-mile bike, 3.1-mile run

Parking will be available! All vehicles that enter any Michigan state park will need a Recreation Passport. The Recreation Passport is your key to accessing state parks and recreation areas, boating access sites, state forest campgrounds, thousands of miles of trails, and other outdoor spaces – all year long!

The state's parks and recreation system is largely self-supporting. Funds derived from the Recreation Passport go right back into maintaining and improving the outdoor spaces we all love, and protecting natural resources for the next generation.

Check “YES“ for the Recreation Passport when you renew your license plate through the Secretary of State.

Please CLICK HERE for current rates and information.

See map for available parking race morning:

Stick around post race for food and festivities! Our Epic staff and volunteers will be cooking up pancakes, breakfast burritos, and more for race participants.

Please join us the Tuesday before race day at noon for our Pre-Race Athlete Briefing via Zoom.  All you need to know for a successful race will be presented, followed by Q&A.  We strongly suggest you attend.  The Zoom link will be sent to all participants via email.

In case you missed it....

CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE RECORDING

Password: 7ZPAF%Us

12:00:26 From Eva's Loom Notetaker to Everyone:
    The Loom notetaker was denied recording permission so this meeting will not be recorded.
    
12:08:19 From Allison Iwaszkiewcz to Everyone:
    Are the bike spots designated, or first come, first served?
    
12:10:32 From James D'Amour to Everyone:
    Where to park, and advise?  How many participants?
    
12:12:18 From Tarrah to Everyone:
    Olympic - yellow swim cap
    
12:12:26 From Tarrah to Everyone:
    Sprint- blue swim cap
    
12:12:37 From Tarrah to Everyone:
    Mini sprint- red swim cap
    
12:13:01 From Kathy to Everyone:
    Missed answer to bike spots reserved?
    
12:13:20 From Tarrah to Everyone:
    Bike spots are first come first serve !
    
12:14:08 From Daren to Everyone:
    Can bikes be dropped off Friday night?  Or just Saturday morning
    
12:14:19 From Tarrah to Everyone:
    Just Saturday morning!
    
12:14:20 From Hilary Wickes to Everyone:
    For someone doing just the 1 mile swim, what are we getting at packet pickup?
    
12:16:29 From Brendan Wang to Everyone:
    Are bike shorts with padding allowed? How common is it to change clothes from biking to running?
    
12:16:44 From Tarrah to Everyone:
    You will be getting a swim cap to identify! We are also requiring a swim buoy for the open water swim
    
12:17:01 From Tarrah to Everyone:
    Bike shorts with padding are certainly allowed!
    
12:17:08 From Hilary Wickes to Everyone:
    Replying to "You will be getting a swim cap to identify! We are...":
    do you provide that?
    
12:17:15 From Tarrah to Everyone:
    Most people run in their biking clothes
    
12:17:26 From Tyler G to Everyone:
    Are Tri-Suits allowed in any conditions?
    
12:17:34 From Tarrah to Everyone:
    Replying to "You will be getting a swim cap to identify! We are...":
    You will also get a timing chip.
    
12:17:41 From Will Adams to Everyone:
    given that its going to be 68-74, we had passed the slide but does that mean yes to wet suites if we wish?
    
12:17:46 From Tarrah to Everyone:
    Replying to "You will be getting a swim cap to identify! We are...":
    We Will provide if you do not have one
    
12:18:17 From Maria P to Everyone:
    Replying to "You will be getting a swim cap to identify! We are...":
    Is the bouy required only for the 1 mile swim? Not the tri?
    
12:18:29 From Tarrah to Everyone:
    Replying to "Are Tri-Suits allowed in any conditions?":
    Yes!
    
12:18:48 From Tarrah to Everyone:
    Replying to "given that its going to be 68-74, we had passed th...":
    Correct
    
12:21:16 From kSlawinski to Everyone:
    Is there a place to acclimate your suit to the water before starting?
    
12:21:42 From Tarrah to Everyone:
    Yes you are welcome to go in the water before
    
12:22:28 From Tarrah to Everyone:
    Replying to "Is there a place to acclimate your suit to the wat...":
    Yes! You are welcome to go in the water to acclimate
    
12:22:30 From Noah to Everyone:
    What does it mean you require a swim bouy?
    
12:22:52 From James Youngblood to Everyone:
    Can you "walk us" through the Olympic run route at some point?
    
12:23:02 From Brendan Wang to Everyone:
    We set dry clothes with our bikes... Does that mean we transition / changing in that area, or do we bring those clothes to a different spot?
    
12:23:26 From Kathy to Everyone:
    "Trail" is all paved, correct?
    
12:23:42 From Connor Mullaly to Everyone:
    What time is the Olympic start?
    
12:24:17 From Tarrah to Everyone:
    Replying to "What does it mean you require a swim bouy?":
    individuals who signed up for the open water swim only will be required to wear a swim buoy. If you do not have one we will provide.
    
12:24:59 From Rajiv B to Everyone:
    What is the 'swim' start time for 'Sprint Relay' ?
    
12:26:02 From Tarrah to Everyone:
    Replying to "We set dry clothes with our bikes... Does that mea...":
    I recommend wearing the same thing for swim bike run, you could throw a dry shirt on but it will be difficult to do a full change of clothes unless you go to the bathroom.
    
12:26:10 From Tarrah to Everyone:
    Replying to ""Trail" is all paved, correct?":
    Correct
    
12:26:24 From Tarrah to Everyone:
    Replying to "What is the 'swim' start time for 'Sprint Relay' ?":
    7:30AM
    
12:26:34 From Tarrah to Everyone:
    Replying to "What time is the Olympic start?":
    7:30AM
    
12:26:46 From Tarrah to Everyone:
    Replying to "What time is the Olympic start?":
    You will need to be on the beach at 7:15AM
    
12:27:18 From Steven Kennedy to Everyone:
    Should first timers doing the sprint start at 8:25? I see it says optional.
    
12:27:51 From Cheryl to Everyone:
    Will this Zoom be available to view later (I missed some of the beginning)?
    
12:28:20 From Carly to Everyone:
    Any post race food options for celiac people?
    
12:28:22 From Tarrah to Everyone:
    Replying to "Will this Zoom be available to view later (I misse...":
    Yes it is being recorded
    
12:29:01 From Tarrah to Everyone:
    Replying to "Should first timers doing the sprint start at 8:25...":
    All races start at 7:30 AM
    
12:29:07 From Tarrah to Everyone:
    Replying to "Should first timers doing the sprint start at 8:25...":
    Seeded start
    
12:29:07 From Hilary Wickes to Everyone:
    Is there any breakfast food available to purchase for spectators there? (Lost Voices area or other)
    
12:29:29 From Noah to Everyone:
    I'm 16. Will I be in the 17-18 age group
    
12:29:43 From Brendan Wang to Everyone:
    Replying to "We set dry clothes with our bikes... Does that mea...":
    @Tarrah I see. I'll wear the same undergarment for all three events, and just have dry shorts / shirt for the transition. Do we park our bikes at the same spot we had previously, after the ride is complete?
    
12:29:48 From Gerson to Everyone:
    How deep is the lake?
    
12:29:57 From Tarrah to Everyone:
    Replying to "We set dry clothes with our bikes... Does that mea...":
    Correct
    
12:30:14 From Tyler G to Everyone:
    Would a 13 year old mini sprinter be in the 14-15 group
    
12:30:31 From Noah to Everyone:
    July I'll be 16
    
12:30:34 From Brendan Wang to Everyone:
    Are spectators allowed? What should we know for folks who may want to view the race?
    
12:31:47 From Steven Kennedy to Everyone:
    Am I able to pick up a packet for someone else who is doing the Duathlon?
    
12:32:05 From Kathy to Everyone:
    Are there provided float thingys?
    
12:32:14 From Tarrah to Everyone:
    Replying to "Am I able to pick up a packet for someone else who...":
    Yes
    
12:32:27 From Armen’s iPhone to Everyone:
    How does the buoy attach to each swimmer’s body?
    
12:33:00 From Carly to Everyone:
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ATaZLr-4xqE  Epic Race Transition Setup
    
12:33:02 From Noah to Everyone:
    So I will be 16 at the end of the year
    
12:33:14 From Drew Allen to Everyone:
    Replying to "How does the buoy attach to each swimmer’s body?":
    At the hip, around the waist
    
12:33:15 From Ben Gibson to Everyone:
    How tightly is the bike drafting rule enforced? Im a first timer and would probably drift in and out of the drafting zone on a bike and get nervous about getting penalized. I may just be overthinking it though.
    
12:35:11 From Tarrah to Everyone:
    Replying to "How tightly is the bike drafting rule enforced? Im...":
    For safety it is enforced
    
12:35:13 From Craig A Williamson to Everyone:
    Where is the place for spectators to park and then watch the race?
    
12:35:38 From John Mc to Everyone:
    Are front brakes required on the bike?
    
12:36:50 From Kathy to Everyone:
    Thank you for asking that question!
    
12:37:41 From Tarrah to Everyone:
    Replying to "Where is the place for spectators to park and then...":
    Best place would be to see them in transition because you can see them get out of the water, get on the bike, come back into transition and then see them go out and in on the run
    
12:38:58 From Brendan Wang to Everyone:
    Is the ankle monitor counting our time continuously, such that time spent in transition is counted?
    
12:39:07 From Tarrah to Everyone:
    Replying to "Is the ankle monitor counting our time continuousl...":
    Correct
    

This link may still be processing so if it's not yet viewable check back later!

https://us02web.zoom.us/rec/share/1UcpE4wAdZKvQ8A2TML1mOESB1fckr55tH07jTbc4XmHMvwcXgx4YIkZnv0W3aN-.uP0oWop11H5AZd

Passcode to view recording: 7ZPAF%Us

12:40:46 From Kathy to Everyone:
    How many people total participating Sunday?
    
12:41:11 From Tarrah to Everyone:
    Replying to "How many people total participating Sunday?":
    450 so far
    
12:41:17 From Brendan Wang to Everyone:
    For hydration, I imagine we're allowed water bottles on the bikes, correct? Otherwise, the only other time is while in transition to rehydrate?
    
12:42:06 From Tarrah to Everyone:
    Replying to "For hydration, I imagine we're allowed water bottl...":
    Correct you may carry
    
12:42:18 From EReynoldsSkorupski to Everyone:
    Can you wear a camelback on the bike?
    
12:42:26 From Tarrah to Everyone:
    Replying to "Can you wear a camelback on the bike?":
    Yes
    
12:44:30 From Gunesh Kanetkar to Everyone:
    What is provided other than water?
    
12:44:32 From Wesley Stocker to Everyone:
    any water table on the run course?
    
12:45:26 From Amy Unsworth to Everyone:
    Thank you!
    
12:45:35 From Will Adams to Everyone:
    this has been helpful. thank you
    
12:45:36 From Carly to Everyone:
    Thank you!
    
12:45:51 From Brendan Wang to Everyone:
    Thank you Eva and Terrah!
    
12:46:03 From Wesley Stocker to Everyone:
    https://www.epicislandlaketri.com/Race/FindARunner/?raceId=43310
    
12:46:27 From Drew Allen to Everyone:
    Sprint has about 200 participants right now
    
12:46:46 From Joyce’s iPhone to Everyone:
    Thanks so much!  Great info, as it’s my first Tri!
    
12:48:24 From Janet Boltz to Everyone:
    The timing chip outside the wetsuit?
    
12:51:00 From Will Adams to Everyone:
    quick question - i know its on the site but it differs i think from the call yesterday. 8am start for sprint tri right?
    
12:51:55 From Janet Boltz to Everyone:
    Replying to "quick question - i know its on the site but it dif...":
    Website says 8
    
12:53:39 From Gerson to Everyone:
    Thank you very much!
    
12:53:48 From John Mc to Everyone:
    Thank for the information
    
12:53:58 From Tarrah to Everyone:
    See you Saturday!

5:45 - 7:00 A.M. PACKET PICK-UP AND RACE-DAY REGISTRATION TRANSITION AREA OPEN 

6:00 A.M. TRANSITION AREA OPEN

7:15 A.M. TRANSITION AREA CLOSES

7:20 A.M. MANDATORY MEETING ON THE BEACH

7:30 A.M. ALL OLYMPIC ATHLETES + 1 Mile Open Water Practice Swim START (TRIATHLON, AQUABIKE, & RELAYS)

8:00 A.M. ALL SPRINT ATHLETES (TRIATHLON, DUATHLON, & RELAYS)

8:15 A.M. ALL MINI-SPRINT ATHLETES + 400m Open Water Practice Swim

8:25 A.M.  ALL FIRST-TIMERS (OPTIONAL)

9:00 A.M. POST-RACE PARTY BEGINS9:30 A.M. ``GRAB AND GO`` AWARDS
We know your time is precious, so we offer “Grab-n-Go” Awards. If you are an overall or age-group award winner (see award section for details), before heading out, stop by the podium, grab your award (don’t miss the photo-op), and go!

Everybody must be on the beach ready to race at 7:20 a.m.  The start times above are estimates and may change to ensure a safe race.  Please note that the start times and course can change at any time at the race director's discretion.

Part 1: Registration
If you are a Team Captain:
Click “Register”
Select “Relay”
Continue with Registration, including filling out the following questions:“CREATE TEAM”
Pay for the registration in full, your team members will pay you back!
If you are Team Member:
Team members are invited to join a team or already have plans of joining an existing relay team. Since your team captain paid for your event in full, you are not charged during registration. Please be sure to pay them back!

CLICK HERE to register for our event.
Select: “Relay – “JOIN A TEAM”
Continue with Registration
Finish and complete the registration. You are now registered on the team and your Team Captain will be receiving an email that you joined.
For further explanation about how to register and/or join a team CLICK HERE.

As a Team Captain:
You’ll get an email every time somebody registers for your team.
You will be responsible for getting individuals registered on time for your team.

As a Team Member:
You must know your team name before signing up.
You are responsible for registering yourself, on time, for your correct team.

Part 2: Race Day
THE BASICS
The relay team usually consists of one swimmer, one biker, and one runner. At our events, we will allow one of the relay members to do two of the “legs,” meaning one person can choose to do two of the three sports and the other team member does one.  Teams can be all male, all female, or mixed gender.  (Unless, of course, it is an all-female race.)

CAN AN INDIVIDUAL RACER BE PART OF A RELAY TEAM?
Yes, they can! If you have trouble finding a person to complete your relay team, we will allow someone competing as an individual to do your first segment or first two segments of the event, then pass off the relay timing device to you. It is important for the individual racer to know that they have to go to the designated relay-team exchange point (as described below) to give their team member the relay timing chip before they proceed with their own individual competition. The most popular example of this is an individual racer “doing the swim leg” for a team.HOW THE RELAY PROCESS IS CONDUCTED ON RACE DAY 

Relay teams will be assigned a race number.
Your team will use your assigned number for all race logistics.
All relay team members need to be body marked with the assigned team number.
The relay team runner must have the race bib number and is required to present this number to pick up the team timing chip and give it to the relay team swimmer on race morning before the start.
There is a sign in the transition area designating the relay “timing chip” hand-off area. All relay chip exchanges will take place by this sign. Please locate the sign before the start of the race.
The swimmer wears the timing chip during the swim. The swimmer will proceed to the relay exchange point and pass the chip to the biker in the exchange area ONLY.
The biker can be fully dressed with helmet and shoes on if they so choose.
The biker proceeds to your assigned bike rack (bike racks are assigned by your race number range),  gets the bike, and exits transition to start the bike portion of the race.
The biker returns to transition and racks the bike in same assigned bike rack location. The biker then proceeds to the relay exchange point and passes the timing chip to the runner. All exchanges of chips take place in this area ONLY to minimize congestion in the transition area.
The runner proceeds out of transition from the relay exchange point with the paper race bib number on the front of their body.
The runner crosses the finish line with the paper race bib number on the front of their body. If desired, the other members of the relay team can join their teammate as she approaches the finish chute and run the last stretch across the finish line with her. Just make sure that only the team member designated to do the running leg is wearing the team bib and timing chip. Please be aware of individual participants and do not block them as they are running towards the finish line!
The timing chip will be collected at that time.
All relay team members receive their own finisher’s medal.

Have an epic race!

Each participant will receive a shirt in unisex or fitted sizing and each finisher will receive a custom finisher medal!

Triathlon 101

Time: 5 p.m. (during packet pickup)

Place: Transition Area at the race site 

What:  Meet the race director to learn what you need to have the best race ever! She will address course details, equipment, rules, and race hints.  You will have the opportunity to have all of your questions answered!

While this talk is primarily for first-timers, the information could be helpful to all.

Last year, 22 first-time athletes joined us at the USA Triathlon Multisport Championships in Omaha — and their experience was unforgettable.

This year, the Inclusion Experience is expanding to five races across the country, giving even more new multisport athletes the chance to dive in. 

Epic Island Lake Tri is proud to be featured in the USA Triathlon Inclusion Experience, a national initiative designed to welcome new athletes into multisport. Selected participants receive free race entry, training support, and community connection to help them confidently reach the start line.

If you’re a beginner interested in triathlon, duathlon, aquabike, or any multisport event, apply today for a chance to receive:

A free race entry
Personalized training plans
Coaching support
A welcoming community of fellow first timers, and more!
No experience needed. Just enthusiasm, curiosity, and a desire to cross your first finish line.

Apply now and make this your year to tri!

Learn more and apply here:
https://www.usatriathlon.org/belonging-and-access

Time-Trial Swim Start
The race will be a time trial swim start.  What does that mean? This means that swimmers line up on the beach and, at the race starter’s signal, enter the water individually 3 seconds apart. See the race schedule to know when to line up for your race.

Open Water Swim

ALL OPEN WATER SWIMMERS MUST WEAR A SWIM BUOY FOR IDENTIFICATION PURPOSES ! (If you do not have one, Epic Races will provide you with one.

Epic Lifeguards
Members of the Epic Lifeguard Team have American Red Cross Waterfront Lifeguarding Certification in addition to basic American Red Cross Lifeguarding Certification. This means that they have all taken and passed an additional course in which they received training in the knowledge and skills needed to prevent and respond to emergencies in non-surf, open-water areas. Our superbly trained lifeguards are yet another reason our races are so Epic! 

If you or somebody you know is interested in joining our lifeguard team, CLICK HERE for an application.

USAT Rule 4.4 Wetsuits
Each age group participant shall be permitted to wear a wet suit without penalty in any event sanctioned by USA Triathlon up to and including a water temperature of 78 degrees Fahrenheit. When the water temperature is greater than 78 degrees, but less than 84 degrees Fahrenheit, age group participants may wear a wet suit at their own discretion, provided however that participants who wear a wet suit within this temperature range shall not be eligible for prizes or awards. Age group participants shall not wear wet suits in water temperatures equal to or greater than 84 degrees Fahrenheit. The wetsuit policy for elite athletes shall be determined by the USAT Athletes Advisory Council. The AAC has set the wetsuit maximum temperature for elite athletes at 68 degrees for swim distances less than 3000 meters and 71.6 degrees for distances of 3000 meters or greater. Any swimmer wearing a wetsuit with a thickness measured in any part greater than 5 millimeters shall be disqualified.

This race is sanctioned by USA Triathlon (USAT) therefore all participants must have an annual membership or purchase a one-day membership. These options will be available during the registration process. You can see the current membership options and pricing here: https://www.usatriathlon.org/membership

CLICK HERE  for the USA Triathlon Rule Book.

The race director, Eva Solomon, is a USAT Level 2 Certified Race Director.  This is the highest level available, she is the only Level 2 USAT Certified race director in Michigan and 1 of only 11 in the country.