Tri Goddess Triathlon

Tri Goddess Tri celebrates women of all abilities, inspiring them to reach new heights of health and set new fitness goals by training for and completing a triathlon.  Held just 12 miles west of Chelsea at the Portage Lake Unit of Waterloo State Recreation Area, surrounding our participants in scenery as beautiful and inspiring as themselves.

Tri Goddess Tri features min-sprint, sprint, and Olympic distance events:

All bike distances are on paved roads, rolling hills.
All runs are a mix of road and trail.
See course maps under "Event Details"

Sprint Triathlon — 800-meter lake swim, 10.3-mile bike ride, 3-mile run 
Super Sprint Triathlon — 400-meter lake swim, 10.3-mile bike ride, 1.5-mile 
Sprint Duathlon (run bike run) — 1.5-mile run, 10.3-mile bike ride, 3-mile run
Sprint Aquabike (swim-bike)— 800-meter lake swim, 10.3-mile bike ride
Sprint Relay — team up with one or two friends to complete the Sprint Triathlon together

Park Entry
A State Park permit or Recreation Passport is needed to enter Waterloo State Recreation Area. Visit the Michigan Department of Natural Resources' website here for pricing and more information.

Certification

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. The annual membership fee is $50 and the one-day fee is $15. To learn more about USAT visit https://www.teamusa.org/USA-Triathlon/.

To learn more about USAT, USAT membership, USAT rules, and USAT most violated rules, CLICK HERE.

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. 

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. You can view all courses here.

Post-Race Party

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

Everybody must be on the beach for a mandatory pre-race meeting at 7:15 A.M.  The start times

5:45 - 7:00 A.M. PACKET PICK-UP AND RACE-DAY REGISTRATION TRANSITION AREA OPEN
 
 7:15 A.M. TRANSITION AREA CLOSES
 
 7:15 A.M. MANDATORY MEETING ON THE BEACH - ALL EVENTS
 
7:30 A.M. Sprint Tri and Duathlon 

8:00 A.M. Super Sprint Tri

Aquabike, Relay and Open Water Swim start with respective distances. 

Triathlon and Open Water Swim will be a time-trial start. 2 at a time, 3 seconds apart.

9:00 A.M. POST-RACE PARTY BEGINS

9:30 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!

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!

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.

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. 

Download the USAT rule book HERE.

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. 

Aid Stations will have water and Gatorade

Aid Station locations:

Transition Area Swim In/Run Out

Run Course Mile .5 (Mini, Sprint and Olympic)

Run Course Mile 1.1 (Sprint)Run Course Miles .5, 2, 3.7 & 4.5 (Olympic Only)

You will be given a bib sheet and an ankle strap. 
Put your ankle strap on your left ankle following THESE INSTRUCTIONS.

Remove your bib number from the sheet.  You will wear it on your front during the run.  The simplest way to wear your bib number during a tri is with a race belt. If you don't have one, they are available in our store here.

Your helmet sticker will go on your helmet and the seatpost sticker will go on your bike.  The other stickers are just for fun! :-)

Aberdeen Bike will be on-site to help you with any last-minute bicycle needs before the start of the race!
We also recommend visiting Aberdeen in Chelsea, MI before race day to make sure your bike is race-ready! 

Meet Kevin, owner of Aberdeen bike! He has been working towards the dream of owning a shop since his first year working in a shop back in 2006. He started working in Ann Arbor at Great Lakes on the sales floor and quickly moved to wrenching at REI. Next he was hired at Two Wheel Tango, where he became a senior mechanic until the store closed in 2013. From there he moved to Sic Transit Cycles with an idea of building a machine of a service center. Over those eight years, Kevin learned about the bumps and curves of leadership, and observed how to run a store with compassion and intelligence. When Aberdeen reached out about the possibility of taking over, Kevin jumped (Although somewhat reluctantly) at the opportunity. He has been the head of service at Aberdeen since February 2023 and finally achieved his goal this fall. 

He fell in love with bikes at the age of 5 when he learned how to ride. Fell in love again the first time he hit the trail. Fell in love again when he took a 10,000+ mile tour through four countries over the course of a year. All these experiences mixed with his passion for bikes has led him to settle in Chelsea and call it his forever home. He celebrates this with his Wife Jae and two sons Huemac and Kyrian. He is a dog lover (the dog on the new logo is Maddie, his heart dog that passed away a week before he purchased Aberdeen), a musician, and a crafty fella (He's been known to make knives and jewelry). Come say hi! He will likely be in his office filling out forms and making phone calls, but he will take a break for a good chat.

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 video with Ambassador, Matt West and Race Director, Eva Solomon.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ATaZLr-4xqE

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.

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

Pre-Race Athlete Briefing
We had an encore presentation of our Pre-Race Athlete Briefing this past Tuesday. In case you missed it, you can view the recording here.  Here is a summary of the Q & A from the chat (names are removed).

🧜‍♀️ Tri Goddess Tri Pre-Race Athlete Briefing – Q&A Recap
🏊 Swim Questions
Q: What is the current water temperature?
A: As of the briefing, the water temperature is 79.2°F.

Q: Can I use earplugs for swimming?
A: Ear plugs are permitted on swim, headphones are not. You won't be able to hear instructions in an emergency or incident etc

Q: Can I swim on my back if I need a break?
A: Yes, you may swim on your back as needed.

Q: What is a swim safety buoy?
A: It’s a floatation device swimmers attach to their waist for visibility and support. 

 
🚴 Bike Questions
Q: What does "bike mounting" mean?
A: It means getting on your bike at the designated mount line after walking/running it out of transition.

Q: Are bikes racked by number?
A: No, bike spots are organized by distance and event type, not by number.

Q: Can we ride side-by-side?
A: No, for safety reasons, please ride single file.

Q: Is there bike support during the race?
A: There is no mobile SAG support, but mechanics will be available near transition before and after the race.

Q: Can we use smartwatches or bike trackers?
A: Yes, these are allowed! 👍

Q: Can I carry extra water in a pannier on my bike?
A: Yes, panniers are allowed.

 
🏃 Run & Duathlon Questions
Q: Does the duathlon follow the same route as other events?
A: The duathlon uses the Mini Sprint route for Run 1 and the Sprint route for Run 2.

Q: Are the trails paved or dirt?
A: Some parts of the trail are single track and dirt.

Q: Would you recommend trail shoes?
A: Trail shoes are a good option, especially for those dirt sections.

 
🏁 General Race Logistics
Q: Are there time cutoffs or limits?
A: No time cutoffs and no time limits. You got this! 💪

Q: How many participants are racing?
A: We have 320 goddesses registered right now! ❤️

Q: Is there a designated “last person” on the course?
A: Yes, we make sure everyone is supported to the finish.

Q: What’s the transition from beach to bike like?
A: It’s a short walk/run uphill from the swim exit to the transition area.

Q: Are porta-potties available near transition?
A: Yes!

Q: Can my cheering section stay near transition?
A: Absolutely—they’re welcome there!

Q: Are the roads closed during the race?
A: No, roads are open to live traffic, but the run course is coned for your safety.

Q: What time is Friday packet pickup?
A: Friday packet pickup is from 4–6 PM.

Q: Can I buy merch at the race?
A: Yes! Merch will be available at packet pickup and on race day (while supplies last!).

Q: Is there a checklist available for first-timers?
A: Here you go: https://www.trigoddesstri.com/Race/TriGoddessTri/Page-41

Q: Any rules I should definitely know?
A: No drafting which means keep 5 bike lengths between you and the person in front of you. Also, no riding 2 abreast.

Tri Goddess Tri is proud to be part of the 2023 USAT Women's Series!

The USA Triathlon Women's Series aims to highlight prominent women's-focused multiport events across the country. USA Triathlon supports women's races across the country that give female athletes, beginner to advanced, a space to celebrate and engage with other women in the multiport community.

The women's series spans the multiport season and will feature women's-focused events across the country. Race series participants will receive special USA Triathlon Women's Series stickers, as well as recognition on usatriathlon.org and USA Triathlon's social channels. Qualification is not required to participate in series events.

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

SWIM COURSE:

Olympic Distance Bike

Olympic Distance Run


Sprint Distance Bike

Sprint Distance Run

Mini-Sprint Distance Bike

Mini-Sprint Distance Run

All finishers receive a beautiful finisher's medal!

Age Groups 
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+

Sprint/Mini-Sprint
1st Place Overall 
1st Place Masters 
Top 5 in each age group 

Aquabike & Duathlon
1st Place Overall 
1st Place Masters 
1st in each age group 

Athena Division Sprint
1st Place 39 & under
1st Place 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.

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. 

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.

Click here for the list of USAT-approved skinsuits.

Book your group rate for the 2026 Tri Goddess Triathlon!

Holiday Inn Express - Ann Arbor for 179.00 USD per night

Book Online Here!

Complimentary full hot breakfast buffet, parking & internet is included in room rate.

*Last Day to Book : May 26, 2026!