Freedom Springs Triathlon

The 40th annual FREEDOM SPRINGS TRIATHLON  will be held at the beautiful Blue Springs Recreation Park, 5461 Blue Springs Road in Marianna, Florida on July 4th, 2026.

This is a sprint triathlon: 400 meter swim, 10 mile bike, and 5K run.
This race is great for first-time triathletes, beginners and 'all-kinds-of-bikes" riders. 

SWIM (0.25 mile/ 400 meters) takes place in spring water (68F, wetsuits are allowed).

BIKE (10 miles) is a fast, fun, out and back ride.

RUN (5K = 3.1mile) starts on a road and leads onto a fun, clay road.

The race sells out and registration may close earlier than expected. Please sign up ahead of time if you don't want to miss out!

Awards to be given:

Overall 1st, 2nd and 3rd male and female.

Top Masters winner male and female.

Top Grand Masters winner male and female.

5 year increments age groups: 12 & under, 13-15, 16-19, 20-24, 25-29 and up to 80+.

1st, 2nd and 3rd Relay Team.

But remember; YOU DON'T HAVE TO WIN, YOU JUST HAVE TRI!

Athletes are welcome to:
>arrive at the race self body marked, (sharpies or marks-a-lot work well)

or 
>self-body mark at the event prior to entering the transition area (a table with markers will be provided),

or
>wait to be body marked by volunteers prior to entering the transition area.

​

See what body marking should look like:

No refunds, no transfers available. 

Disclaimer

This is, by a 30-some year tradition a super fun, laid back, and relaxed race. We celebrate 4th of July the best way we know how - getting up very early, swimming in cold spring water, biking with the wind (or against) and running in the sun.

If you are competitive, you will have a fantastic training race. If you're beginner, you will catch the bug of triathlon and never let go. Most importantly, we will celebrate America's birthday, swim-bike-run and have some fun!

If you are uptight and extremely competitive, this may not be the best race for you. Have a great time and allow everyone else to do the same. We want to have fun!

Race management reserves the right to change the course at any time due to safety, weather conditions, or other production concerns.

​This race is sanctioned by USA Triathlon.

For safety reasons, race management reserves the right to modify or cancel a race due to severe weather conditions. When severe weather is present, all precautions will be made to ensure the safety of the athletes.

​Now the serious business

​The event waiver - please read it. 

By registering for this event participants agree to the standard no refunds and no transfers policies.

Event Waiver: 

I, for myself, and on behalf of my spouse, children, parents, guardians, heirs 

and next of kin, and any legal and personal representatives, executors, administrators, successors and assigns, hereby 

agree to and make the following contractual representations pursuant to this Waiver and Release of Liability, 

Assumption of Risk and Indemnity Agreement 

1. I hereby represent that (i) I am in good health and in proper physical condition to participate in the Event; and (ii) I am not under the influence of alcohol or any illicit or prescription drugs which would in any way impair my ability to safely participate in the Event. I agree that it is my sole responsibility to determine whether I am sufficiently fit and healthy enough to participate in the Event. 
2. I understand and acknowledge the physical and mental rigors associated with triathlon, duathlon, or other multisport events, and realize that running, bicycling, swimming and other portions of such Events are inherently dangerous and represent an extreme test of a persons physical and mental limits. I understand that participation involves risks and dangers which include, without limitation, the potential for serious bodily injury, sickness and disease, permanent disability, paralysis and loss of life; loss of or damage to equipment/property; exposure to extreme conditions and circumstances; accidents, contact or collision with other participants, spectators, vehicles or other natural or manmade objects; dangers arising from adverse weather conditions; imperfect course conditions; water, road and surface hazards; equipment failure; inadequate safety measures; participants of varying skill levels; situations beyond the immediate control of the Event Organizers; and other undefined risks and dangers which may not be readily foreseeable or are presently unknown.
Risks
I understand that these Risks may be caused in whole or in part by my own actions or inactions, the actions or inactions of others participating in the Event, or the acts, inaction or negligence of the Released Parties, staff, agents, work team, setup team, defined below, and I hereby expressly assume all such Risks and responsibility for any damages, liabilities, losses or expenses which I incur as a result of my participation in the Event. 
 I hereby Release, Waive and Covenant Not to Sue, and further agree to Indemnify, Defend and Hold Harmless the following parties: the Park, the City, the Event Owners, Organizers and Promoters, Race Directors, Sponsors, Advertisers, Host Cities, Local Organizing Committees, Venues and Property Owners upon which the Event takes place, Law Enforcement Agencies and other Public Entities providing support for the Event, and each of their respective parent, subsidiary and affiliated companies, officers, directors, partners, shareholders, members, agents, employees and volunteers (Individually and Collectively, the Released Parties or Event Organizers with respect to any liability, claim(s), demand(s), cause(s) of action, damage(s), loss or expense (including court costs and reasonable attorney’s fees of any kind or nature.
Liability
which may arise out of, result from, or relate to my participation in the Event, including claims for Liability caused in whole or in part by the negligence of the Released Parties. I further agree that if, despite this Agreement, I, or anyone on my behalf, makes a claim for Liability against any of the Released Parties, I will indemnify, defend and hold harmless each of the Released Parties from any such Liability which any may be incurred as the result of such claim. I hereby warrant that I have read this Agreement carefully, understand its terms and conditions, acknowledge that I will be giving up substantial legal rights by signing it (including the rights of the minor, my spouse, children, parents, guardians, heirs and next of kin, and any legal and personal representatives, executors, administrators, successors and assigns), acknowledge that I have signed this Agreement freely and voluntarily, without any inducement, assurance, or guarantee, and intend for my signature to serve as confirmation of my complete and unconditional acceptance of the terms, conditions and provisions of this 
Agreement.
This Agreement represents the complete understanding between the parties regarding these issues and no oral representations, statements or inducements have been made apart from this Agreement. If any provision of this Agreement is held to be unlawful, void, or for any reason unenforceable, then that provision shall be deemed severable from this Agreement and shall not affect the validity and enforceability of any remaining provisions. 

We have to place our order with the printing company first thing on Monday morning, June 2nd, to have them on time for the event. We will order plenty extra but we cannot guarantee you will get the size you want if you sign up after June 2nd... we didn't know you were coming to race! So, if you like race t-shirts, sign up now!

2022 Results

2021 Results

2020 Results

Congrats to all finishers!

Here are some race day pic. Photos can be purchase for $0.49 a piece:

 https://www.suwanneesports.com/Triathlons/Freedom-Springs-Triathlon-July-4-2025-Marianna-Florida

https://www.suwanneesports.com/Triathlons/Freedom-Springs-Triathlon-July-4-2025-Marianna-Florida-2

We'll see you in 2026 for the 40th anniversary! 

No Friday packet pickup, keeping it simple - get your race packet and timing chip on race morning.
No race day registration.

​Race Day Schedule:

Packet Pickup
5:30am Packet pickup, timing chip pickup and body marking begin (self body marking is encouraged. Black sharpies work great)
6:45am Pre Race Meeting, last updates.
6:45am Access road will be closed to vehicular traffic. If you're not in the park, you can ride your bike in or get in on foot but no cars will be allowed through.
6:50am The National Anthem
7:00am Race Starts
9:15am Awards Ceremony

Swim
The swim start is a self-seated time-trial. 
Swimmers will form a single-file line based on their abilities and projected swim time. If you are a fast swimmer, line up at the front. If you are still asking yourself what are you doing here and why are you doing this to yourself, line up at toward the end of the line.
Wetsuits are allowed. Swim caps are provided and must be worn during the swim. 

You must wear a helmet. Cyclists not wearing helmets will not be allowed on the course. 10 miles to complete - keep you eyes open, head up, follow signage and obey the laws. Say 'thank you' to volunteers and law enforcement officers.
We would not be able to race without them. This course is flat, fast and fun!

Run
Take off your helmet, put your shades on, wear your bib & run like the wind! Be kind, enjoy the day, hurry back to eat breakfast!

​Post race

Fresh breakfast is included for all registered participants.

9:15am Awards ceremony 

Race management reserves the right to change any event schedule at any time due to safety, weather conditions, or other production concerns.

COMPETE AS A RELAY TEAM! Relay = team of 2 or 3 participants. All Relay Team Members must check in at packet pickup individually and pick up their race number.

All 2 or 3 members of a relay team will share one race number and one timing chip. Timing chip is to be handed off to the next member at the bike racked in the transition area. As the swimmer arrives at the bike, he or she will give the chip to the cyclist. As the cyclist completes the bike course and arrives at the bike, he or she will hand off the timing chip to the runner. Bicycle must be placed on the bike rack while chip exchanges take place.

Fees listed are per person. To register a relay team, the first person (captain) will register him or her self and name the team. Other members of the team will join the team name.

Awards will be given to the 1st, 2nd and 3rd team.

USA Triathlon Rules are to be followed; USAT Multisport Rules

General Safety and Common Sense Race Rules

• Competitors must have their helmet on and strapped before mounting the bike. Helmet must stay strapped and closed the entire time of the race until bike is racked in the transition area. 
• Competitors must walk or run in the transition area – no riding is allowed until competitors have reached the mount line.
• Competitors must be body marked have their race number pinned on and visible and their numbers on their clothing or race belt.
• Competitors must not follow the biker in front of them too closely. They must be at least two bike lengths behind them.
• Competitors must ride their bike as far to the right side of the lane as possible. They can only pass on the left (within the lane) and then must immediately return to the right. You must let the faster riders pass by. The center line is never to be crossed.
• Competitors must rack their bike properly and respect your fellow competitors’ equipment. 
• Competitors must follow the directions of the Race Officials and Marshals without question.
• Competitors must not wear headphone. They must be alert and aware and must know the course.
• Competitors must wear their timing chip throughout the race. 
** Please return timing chips into provided marked buckets. 

Not following rules may result in disqualification. 

Thank you for racing with us!

Have a great time and allow everyone else to do the same. 

In the event of inclement, unprecedented or severe weather, the start time of this event may be delayed by up to 1 hour. Past this time, the event course may be shortened or altered to protect the participants.

​Rain is not considered inclement weather. The event will take place in rain. Lightning, flooding or dangerous winds are considered inclement weather. If conditions turn unsafe, the event may be cancelled. Event changes and cancellations are at the discretion of the Race Director and participating Law Enforcement Agencies. 
We always strive to produce a full and safe multi sport event, but sometimes the weather conditions can affect those plans. 

Considerable amount goes into planning a multisport event and we do so with the best intentions. Unfortunately, no one can control the weather and race directors are not the exceptions.
Our goal is to always produce a full event as scheduled and only modify these plans due to safety concerns some of which can be caused by weather conditions. 

Thank you for your understanding of these policies and we appreciate your participation.