Pioneer Spirit Triathlon - Sprint, Mini, & Challenge | 5k Run

The Pioneer Spirit Sprint and Mini triathlon are a mid-spring tri-series that enables seasoned triathletes or beginning triathletes to test out their abilities in a short-distance, heated indoor pool, triathlon. If you take on the Tri-Challenge you participate in the mini-sprint as well as a sprint distance to test your stamina and talent for the triathlon.  We are very proud that this event was selected as one of Triathlete’s 2025 Best Beginner Triathlons in the U.S.!

5k: Run/Walk 

Event (All Ages): 3Mi Run/Walk

• The 5k will begin at 9:15 am.
• There will be a gun start. 
• All participants will complete the same route as the running portion of the Sprint Triathlon. 
• Participants will have 2 hours to complete the route.  

5k: VIRTUAL Run/Walk 

Event (All Ages): 3-Mile VIRTUAL Run/Walk

• Virtual 5k participants will NOT participate on race day.
• Packets must be picked up locally or pay for shipping on checkout (no international shipping). 
• Participants will have one week (Sunday through Saturday following race day) to submit their results. 
• Virtual participants do not qualify for awards.

MINI:

Event (All Ages): 100 Yard Pool Swim • 5Mi Bike • 1Mi Run

• The Mini Triathlon will begin at 8:30 am.
• The race includes a 100-yard swim, a 5-mile bike ride down a flat rural road, and finishing with a 1-mile run.
• This event is tailored to the novice triathlete and will serve as a great introduction to triathlon for children and adults.
• Athena/Clydesdale options are also available for the mini-triathlon.
• There are no team registrations.

SPRINT: 

Event (Ages 12 & up): 300-Yard Pool Swim • 13Mi Bike • 3.1Mi Run

• The Sprint Triathlon will begin at 9:30 am.
• The race includes a 300-yard swim, a 13-mile bike ride on a rolling and flat prairie road, and finishing with a 3.1-mile run through picturesque Petersburg. The run will take you past century-old architectural structures and through a historic cemetery. 
• Athena/Clydesdale options are also available for the sprint triathlon.
• There are no team registrations.

TRI-CHALLENGE:

Event (Ages 12 & up): 100 Yard Pool Swim • 5Mi Bike • 1Mi Run & 300-Yard Pool Swim • 13Mi Bike • 3.1Mi Run, back to back.

• The Tri-Challenge will begin with the Mini starting at 8:30 am and the Sprint starting at 9:30 am.
• The mini race includes a 100-yard swim, a 5-mile bike ride down a flat rural road, and finishing with a 1-mile run.
• The sprint race includes a 300-yard swim, a 13-mile bike ride on a rolling and flat prairie road, and finishing with a 3.1-mile run through picturesque Petersburg. The run will take you past century-old architectural structures and through a historic cemetery. 
• Athena/Clydesdale options are also available for the Tri-Challenge.
• There are no team registrations.

GENERAL INFORMATION:

• All ages are welcome for the mini triathlon. Ages (12+) are welcome for the sprint and challenge triathlons.
• An awards ceremony will follow after the last runner crosses the finish line of the Sprint.
• Post-race showers will be available at the PORTA pool.
• Fee includes: Use of timing chips (chips must be returned), BIB #, race-specific SWAG, finishing medals for all athletes, placement awards, water, and post-race food.  

Run Courses

• Please review the run course routes on the website map.
• The course will be open to local traffic and farm machinery.
• Each course will be marked in advance of their respective turn-arounds using arrows, signs, and cones.
• Main intersections will have traffic control with race marshals and/or police, but racers should pay attention to their surroundings and race accordingly.
• There will be water at the water stops. Please deposit in a trash can or carry with you and deposit in a trash can.

Bike Course & Road Hazards

• Please review the bike course routes on the website map.
• The course will be open to local traffic and farm machinery.
• Each course will be marked in advance of their respective turn-arounds using arrows, signs, and cones.
• Main intersections will have traffic control with race marshals and/or police, but racers should pay attention to their surroundings and race accordingly.
• Although all attempts have been made to make your event safe and successful, giving your attention to this issue will ensure that you are prepared for conditions.
• It is your responsibility to know your course. It is highly suggested that you drive the bike course before the event.
• Your safety and success depends on knowing the course and your riding abilities. Ride fit, smart, and be aware of the terrain, other racers, and traffic.

Hydration/Restrooms

• Water will be available at the at the hydration station on the Sprint run course at the cemetery entrance and at the Finish.
• Restrooms are located in the Pool area and in the school commons area. There are no on-course facilities due to the relatively short distances.

First Aid/Medical

• Medical personnel will be on the course. Menard County Ambulance and Police departments can be reached at 911.

Mini Run: Download GPX File

Mini Bike: Download GPX File

Sprint & 5K Run: Download GPX File

Sprint Bike: Download GPX File

Finish & Transition Area

• NO BIKE OR GEAR WILL BE REMOVED FROM TRANSITION WITHOUT PROPER IDENTIFICATION/RACE NUMBERS.  NO EXCEPTIONS.
• Security will be provided from 8:30 am until 12:00 pm.
• All racers are required to read and understand the USAT and equipment waivers.  Both must be signed, NO EXCEPTIONS.

Food & Refreshments

• Post race food and snacks will be available for athletes. They will be located either outside or inside weather permitting.
• Fluids will be available at several locations on site and along the course.

Award Presentations

• Top 3 Male and Female Awards:
  
  • 5k participates
  • Mini participants
  • Sprint participants
  • Tri-Challengers
  • (NOTE: Challengers are not eligible for sprint and mini awards).
• USAT Age Group Awards:
  
  • Mini participants
  • Sprint participants
  • Tri-Challengers
  • (NOTE: Top Finishers, Clydesdale, and Athena are not eligible for age group awards).

This event supports the PORTA high school pool program by providing a portion of the profits and 100% of donations received. By using the link provided in this section we encourage you to make a contribution to support this event.

Your generosity is greatly appreciated. Thank you!

Roseanne & Jennifer, Race Directors

Parking, Traffic Control & Exit

• Parking:
  • Park in the main lot, west of the school.
• Traffic Control:
  • Sheridan will be closed at 13th Street and Blue Jay Road from 8:30 am until 12:00 pm.
  • To get to the High School after 8:30 am, all triathletes will turn south onto 12th Street (north of the stoplight) from Route 97. Take 12th to PORTA High School & follow the signs for parking. Refer to image below. 
  • Exit: The main entrance road will still have runners and bikers on it when you might be leaving. Exit behind the school and keep straight until Rte. 97, Take a right and you will be back in Petersburg. Refer to image below.
  • The course will be open to local traffic and farm machinery.
  • Each course will be marked in advance of their respective turn-arounds using arrows, signs, and cones.
  • Main intersections will have traffic control with race marshals and/or police, but racers should pay attention to their surroundings and race accordingly.

Packet Pickup & Transition

• Packets:
  • There is no Friday packet pickup.  
  • All packets need to be picked up on race day morning from 7:00 am – 9:30 am @ the PORTA High School, 17651 Blue Jay Rd. Petersburg, IL. 62675
  • Racers must show their PHOTO ID and their USAT card or proof of one day purchase from registration at packet pickup. 
  • NO ID, NO USAT CARD, NO RACING, NO EXCEPTIONS. Athletes may only pick up their own packets. USAT POLICY.
• Numbers & Markings:
  • Packets will contain 2 separate race numbers.
  • The sticker number is to be attached to the bike frame.
  • This number will be utilized for race identification and to allow the removal of your bike from the transition area
  • The bib number can be attached to your shirt with the enclosed pins or may be worn on a number belt during the bike and run portion. The bib must be worn at all times on the run.
    
  • NO BIKE WILL BE REMOVED FROM TRANSITION WITHOUT PROPER IDENTIFICATION THAT CORRELATES TO BODY MARKING AND BIB. NO EXCEPTIONS.
  • Body marking is done by the racer following posted guidelines using a black permanent marker, no on-site body marking will be available. Please do not apply any sunscreen or lotions until you have been marked.
• Timing Chips:
  
  • Timing chips will be distributed poolside. Tri Challengers will keep the same chip for both the Mini and Sprint races.
  • Please wear the timing chip on your left ankle so it does not interfere with your chainrings.
  • You are responsible for your chip’s return.

Race Policies

• A Mandatory Pre-Race meeting is scheduled 15 minutes before the start of each race.
• Please take the time to read the information and understand its contents and intent.
• A Message from the Head Referee to all age-group competitors:

          Welcome to this USA Triathlon-sanctioned event. You are racing under the USAT Competitive Rules. To minimize misunderstandings on race day, the following is a summary of Position Rules, which everyone can easily remember:

• • Ride on the right side of your lane.
  • Keep three bike lengths between yourself and the cyclist in front of you. Pass on the left of the cyclist in front, never on the right.
  • Complete your pass within 15 seconds.
  • If passed, you must drop completely out of the zone, to the rear, before attempting to re-pass.
  • Remember you are racing in a USA Triathlon-sanctioned event and there are USAT certified referees on the course to ensure fairness in the competition. There will be NO WARNINGS if you commit a foul during competition. A triathlon is an individual event and you must take personal responsibility to understand the rules and avoid penalties. At the end of the race, all citations by the marshals are reviewed by the Head Referee who then decides if a penalty should be assessed. The Head Referee’s ruling is final in the case of Position Violations and there are no protests or appeals of Position penalties. Marshals commonly cite the following violations:
    • Position– riding on the left side of the lane without passing.
    • Blocking – left side riding and impeding the forward progress of another competitor
    • Illegal Pass – passing on the right.
    • Overtaken – failing to drop back three bike lengths before re-passing
    • Drafting – following a leading cyclist closer than three bike lengths and failing to pass within 15 seconds.
  • Though Position Violations carry a time penalty for a first offense, two citations will result in an additional penalty and if you are cited for three violations, you will be disqualified. Be sure to check the penalty sheet before you leave the race site and have a chat with the Head Referee if you have any questions.
  • All bicycles must have appropriate handlebar end plugs. No athlete will be able to race without them. 
  • While on your bike, always have your chinstrap securely fastened – before, during, and after the event! The chin strap rule is easy to follow, so don’t forget – that’s a DQ!
  • Make sure your helmet is a CPSC-approved model. All helmets legally sold in the US are CPSC approved but if you purchased your helmet in a different country it might be illegal for use in sanctioned events.
  • Wear your race numbers, don’t leave your trash on the course, and don’t carry or use any portable audio devices.
  • Remember to treat other athletes, volunteers, and officials with courtesy and consideration. Failure to do so is called Unsportsmanlike Conduct and you will be disqualified.

Listening Devices

• Based on USAT rules no listening devices will be permitted on the courses. While these may aid your training, they make you and others around you unsafe on race day. You will be disqualified if you choose to ignore this rule. The safety of everyone on the course is our #1 goal. Keep your tunes for training. NO EXCEPTIONS, NO DEBATES, NO REFUNDS.
• If you are injured during the event, a listening device cancels any insurance claim.