White Lake Spring International & Sprint

Day 2 of the Spring triathlon weekend at White Lake features both the International distance race as well as the Sprint distance race.
Day 1 (Saturday) is occupied by the White Lake Half Pro/Am race.

Our host venue once again is the totally refurbished Grand Regal @ Goldston's Beach.
Goldston's Beach was the original race site for the first White Lake Triathlon in 1996, but the new Goldston's Beach doesn't look anything like it did in the 90s.

The Grand Regal @ Goldston's Beach not only offers a beautiful white sandy beach but a number of amenities from the full service restaurant and bar, to the sandwich shop, or from the huge arcade to the miniature golf course, and a brand new kids playground and splash pad.

The Grand Regal @ Goldston's Beach on the shores of White Lake, is a fantastic place to spend a spring weekend.

As our way of saying thank you for your service to our country, we would like to offer you a 25% discount on your race registration.  
At check out please enter coupon code USA2026
*Please present your military ID at packet pick up to validate your discount.
*Please note the military discount is not applicable with bundle pricing. 

Claiming Awards: 

Participants who win an award must be present at the awards ceremony in order to claim an award. If an award winner can't stay for the awards ceremony, they need to make arrangements with another participant to claim their award.

Physical awards will not be mailed out nor will participants wanting to take advantage of the 25% future discount (as their award choice) be able to claim that discount after the fact.

25% Award Discount:

The 25% award discount is limited to the following races only:

Azalea
Pinehurst International
Pinehurst Sprint
White Lake Spring International
White Lake Spring Sprint
Lake Norman
White Lake Fall International
White Lake Double Sprint
Sandling Beach International
Sandling Beach Sprint
White Lake Fall Swim Challenge
All Viking Dash Races
Pinehurst Turkey Trot

Same classifications for both races.

Top 3 in each of the following categories

Advanced (M & F)
Age Groups (M & F):16-19,20-24,25-29,30-34,35-39,40-44,45-49,
                                 50-54,55-59,60-64,65-69,70-74, 75-79, 80-84, 85 & Over
Clydesdales (Males - 220 Lbs +)
Athenas (Females - 165 Lbs +)
Aquabike (M & F)
Novice (M & F)
Relay Teams (1 category only)

NCTS rules state that once you compete in a particular race category in an NCTS race - you must remain in that same category for all future NCTS races in that calendar year. The exceptions to this rule are the Aquabike, Novice and Weight categories. You may begin the year as a Novice and then switch into another qualifying category (ie: Age Group, Clydesdale). For Weight categories (Clydesdale 220+ and Athena 165+) it allows for you to drop to Age Group if you go below the weight limit for the category - however you won't transfer any race results and awards to your new category.  If you switch to Aquabike you can switch back to your previous category at any time without penalty.

Below is a brief description of each race category:

Advanced - Category for Elite participants. These are typically the fastest people in the race and they compete on an Elite/Professional level.

Age Group - Participants competing in their age group.

Clydesdale - Category for men who are over 220 lbs.

Athena - Category for women over 165 lbs.

Aquabike - Category for participants doing the Swim and the Bike only. Your race ends when you cross the Bike Finish mat.

Novice - Category for beginner participants. Participants competing as a Novice have usually done less than 3 events. No age restrictions.

NOTE: You may fit into one or more of the above categories, so whichever category you choose to compete in is completely your choice. Choose the category that you feel you would have the most fun competing in.

There are no deferrals or transfers allowed after 4/19/2026.

Registered participants are allowed to defer or transfer their race registration to another Set Up Events owned race at any time UP TO two weeks before race day.
Deferral & Transfer fee is $20.
There are no deferrals or transfers allowed the final two weeks before the event.

USAT Sanctioned: This event is a USA Triathlon sanctioned event.

Cut-Off Times: 

All participants must complete the Sprint in under 2 hours - 30 minutes (from the start of their swim).
All participants must complete the International in under 4 hours - 30 minutes (from the start of their swim).

Event officials reserve the right to pull a participant off the course if it appears as though that participant will not be able to complete the race by the designated cut-off time.

Minimum Age: 

The minimum age allowed for participating in this Sprint is 10 years old.
The minimum age allowed for participating in this International is 13 years old.

Timing System: This event will be timed using the MyLaps Bib Tag Timing System. All run turn locations will have timing mats to verify completion of the course.

In the event of inclement weather the following procedures will be followed:

The event will be postponed in hopes the inclement weather will pass. If the inclement weather does not pass in time to complete the event safely in the original or modified format, the event will be canceled. If the weather passes and the event cannot be held within the permitted time limits, the event will be changed to a duathlon format and possibly modified in length to meet these restrictions.

Every effort will be made to hold this event on time on this date. Should this event be canceled due to an Act of God or other circumstance beyond the race directors control there will be no refunds, credits, or transfers.

NO EXCEPTIONS will be made to this policy.

By registering for this event you agree to this weather policy.

*  This is a one loop course designed for PRs - the course is flat & fast with a limited number of turns and very little traffic.
*  The will be one water bottle hand-off location.
*  Bike tech support crews will be on the course during the race.

*  This is a two loop, out & back run course, that is flat & fast.
*  Aid stations will be available approx. every .75 miles.
*  Participants MUST stay inside the traffic cones for the 1/2 mile stretch along White Lake Dr. until the entrance to Camp Clearwater
*  This 1/2 mile section is the beginning and the end of each lap of the run
*  At Camp Clearwater, runners will transition to the paved trail that parallels the road

*  The International swim course is a two loop course.
*  Each loop = 750 meters
*  This will be a wave start. Wave assignments will be posted no later than Wednesday of race week.
*  This is expected to be a wetsuit legal race. A water temperature will be posted by 9:00 PM on Thursday, May 4th.

Note:  The swim course will be set up and a lifeguard will be on duty from 5pm - 7pm on Sat. (5/6) for anyone wishing to get a practice swim in.

Host Hotel:   Grand Regal at Goldston's Beach - right at the start and finish
 
​
Welcome to The Grand Regal, White Lake's newest awe-inspiring destination!  White Lake has always been a popular vacation area for North Carolina and surrounding areas.  It is located on a beautiful shoreline with 1,200 acres of crystal clear water, boasting a white sandy bottom and magnificent sunsets!

The Grand Regal was formed through the acquisition of Regal Resort Campground, Carolina Bay, The Venue, Goldston's Motel and Goldston's Beach.  Our goal is to offer a new White Lake experience!  Guests of the Grand Regal will enjoy a more modern environment, along with a vast array of amenities for all ages.

We are excited about this new endeavor and invite you to visit us at The Grand Regal!  It is a perfect place to enjoy family and friends.  Give us a call and let us help you plan your next vacation!  Beautiful White Lake is waiting for you to enjoy and make wonderful memories!

Book the Grand Regal Today

www.thegrandregalresort.com

2)  The Cottages at the Tradition
      910-862-7064

      www.thetraditionwhitelake.com

Located immediately next to Goldson's Beach with lots of options for small or large groups.

3)  Shoreliner Motel (owned & operated by Goldston's)
     910-862-2597

 
Camp Clearwater

Located on the beautiful shores of White Lake, Camp Clearwater is North Carolina's largest family campground. We offer a wide variety of sites to suit your Overnight, Seasonal, and Year-Round camping needs. Camp Clearwater also has sites to accommodate your Manufactured Home or Park Model if you are interested in camping with us for many years to come.

910-862-3365

Other Hotel/Motel Accommodations:
Motels at White Lake:

*  Carolyn's: 910-862-5363
*  Sundeck: 910-862-2358
*  Alpine: 910-862-1444
*  Isley's: 910-862-4030
*  White Lake Holiday Resort: www.whitelakeholidayresort.com
*  White Lake Christian Camp: 910-862-3473 www.whitelakechristiancamp.com

10) Melwood Court Motel: www.melwoodcourt.com

Elizabethtown (10 minutes)

Knights Inn
910-862-7444

Clinton (30 minutes)

Comfort Inn
910-592-8220

Days Inn
910-590-0660

Cottages (off site)

Cape Fear Winery: 910-645-4291 www.capefearwinery.com

White Lake Condos:

1) White Lake Pines Association - Tim Todd, LLC - 3 condos on the lake that sleep 8 people - 910-795-8799
2) Two bedroom / two bath condo - Contact Betty - 910-624-4255
3) Tar Heel Cottages (910)862-3373 www.tarheelcottages.com

Camping Information:

Tent camping is available at Jones Lake State Park which is approx. 10 minutes from White Lake.
Jones Lake State Park is located on Hwy 242 N.
From White Lake - take Hwy 701 towards Elizabethtown.
Turn right on Hwy 242 N. - Jones Lake State Park is about 2-3 miles on left.
910-588-4550
They do not take reservations.
Campsites are on a first come - first serve basis.
Tent campsites are $20 per night - Maximum of two tents and two cars per campsite.
Call for access times in and out of park in evening and in morning.

"No Shirt/No Swag" Registration Option:

Participants racing as individuals have the option of registering for a race at a discounted price and NOT receiving the race shirt and any “swag” given away at the race. If you opt to do this, select the registration category that fits you (Age Group, Clydesdale, Athena, etc.), and when you get to the stage during this registration process where you pick your race shirt size – you’ll see a “No Shirt/No Swag” option – and the discounted amount.

Relay team members do not have this option. They will automatically receive race shirts.

Race Shirt Deadline: 

In order to receive a Race Shirt - participants must register no later than April 19th, 2026.

Race Shirt Purchasing:

If you registered after the Race Shirt deadline - check at the finish line at the conclusion of the race. If any inventory remains, Race Shirts will be sold for $10.

• Relays can comprise of a 2-person (one person does 2 legs, and one person does 1 leg) or 3-person teams (each person does 1 leg of the event). Teams can consist of any mix of genders.
• EACH Relay member MUST pick up his/her own packet.
• EACH Member MUST have their photo ID and USAT card (if applicable) to pick up their packet.
• If a member is a minor (17 or under), then a parent/guardian must show an ID to get their packet.
• If a member turns 18 by the end of 2021 they are considered an Adult per USAT, thus they must pick up their own packet.
• If you need to replace a relay member you can e-mail us using the Contact Us button at the top of the page with the changes.
• If it is the week of the event and you need to make a change to a relay member then you can make this change at packet pick up.
• At packet pick up you will be given a sheet of paper that explains how the relays will work (timing strap handoff, tagging spot, etc.).
• If you are an individual that wishes to switch to a relay team, log into your profile and click on change category next to the event you wish to convert to a relay. It will walk you through the steps to change from an individual to a relay.

NEW bike course for 2023

*  The Sprint bike course is now 18.5 miles
*  One loop course

This is an out & back - one loop run course 
Participants MUST stay inside the traffic cones for the 1/2 mile stretch along White Lake Dr. until the entrance to Camp Clearwater
This 1/2 mile section is the beginning and the end of the run
At Camp Clearwater, runners will transition to the paved trail that parallels the road

*  The Sprint swim course is a one loop course.
*  This will be a wave start. Wave assignments will be posted no later than Wednesday of race week.
*  This is expected to be a wetsuit legal race. A water temperature will be posted by 9:00 PM on Thursday, May 4th.

Note:  The swim course will be set up and a lifeguard will be on duty from 5pm - 7pm on Sat. (5/6) for anyone wishing to get a practice swim in.

The newly renovated, remodeled and re-branded Grand Regal @ Goldston's Beach has much to offer participants and spectators

Bar:

The lakeside bar "The Glass Bottom" is open for service beginning at 6pm on both Friday & Saturday. This is also our new location for packet pick-up.

Restaurant:

San Jose - Mexican themed restaurant 

Sandwich Shop:

Opens at 11am - closes at 10pm

Arcade:

The huge arcade opens at 10am and stays open until 10pm

Dairy Queen:

The on-site DQ is inside the arcade and is open from Noon to 10pm

Mini-Golf:

Enjoy mini-golf rom 5pm to 10pm

Store:

The on-site "Lake Store" will handle your food/snack needs and is open from 9am to 10pm

Holy Moly Donut Shop:

Open 7:00am - 12:00pm

Splash's Fun Park:

Their newest addition - a splash pad that was opened on Memorial Day weekend (2024)

Added for Race Weekend Only:

The Set Up Events merchandise store will be located in a large tent right next to the race finish line.
Make sure you stop by and check out some unbelievable bargains on a variety of merchandise.

Most Commonly Violated USAT Rules:

Most Common

Blocking

Drafting

Position

USAT INFORMATION:

ALL USAT members must show proof of a current membership at packet pickup. If you have recently renewed a membership, then you MUST print out a temporary card or receipt of payment (that shows the length of the membership period) to show at packet pick up. We will not take your word for it that your membership is current; you must SHOW us. Failure to do so will result in having to pay the one-day fee of $15.

CLICK HERE to be taken to the USAT website where you can renew your membership or print out a temporary card. You can also renew your membership at packet pick up if that's easier for you.

If I entered my USAT information when I registered, then why do I need to show my card at packet pick up? USAT rules state that all USAT members must show a valid membership card at packet pick up and failure to do so will result in having to pay the 1-day fee. Our events are sanction by USAT, therefore, we must follow these rules. Our website is not connected to USAT's website, so the information that you enter when you register could be incorrect. We must physically document the current expiration date of your membership when you pick up your packet as this is the only way we can confirm 100% that your membership is in fact current.

USAT's "Age Up" Policy:

An athlete's age for any USAT sanctioned race will be his/her age as of Dec. 31, 2026. The age he/she is on 12/31 will determine his/her racing age group. If an athlete is due to "age-up" into the next group, it will happen at the beginning of the year, not after the athlete's birthday. This action aligns regular U.S. age group racing with the method used by USA Triathlon for its National Rankings Program.

Examples:
John Smith is 39 and will turn 40 on November 20, 2026. John will be considered 40 for all 2026 races - and will race in the 40-44 age group at all 2026 races.
Sally Jones is 29 and will turn 30 on July 3, 2026. Sally will be considered 30 for all 2026 races - and will race in the 30-34 age group at all 2026 races.

USAT rules state that competitors may wear wetsuits if the water temperature is 78 degrees or lower. 
USAT rules also state that if the water temperature is between 78.1 – 83.9 degrees, competitors may wear wetsuits but will not be eligible for awards or USAT ranking points.
USAT rules also state that if the water temperature is 84 degrees or higher, wetsuits may not be worn.

2021 marked the 25th anniversary of the White Lake Triathlon and now we are going on the 26th year. Originally only a Sprint distance race, White Lake now offers triathletes the choice of a Sprint, an International, or a Half in the Spring.  The Half is now Co-Produced by Without Limits and Set Up Events.  Tom Clifford and Aaron Kolk have joined me in creating a PRO-AM race that focuses on the athlete experience!
  
It was back in 1995, when I was the owner of a sporting goods store in Wilmington, when an older guy walked in and was looking around at our unusual décor. Being an avid triathlete throughout the 1980s, I had started the practice of never wearing the race shirts that were given out - I just folded them up and saved them. When we opened our sporting goods store in Wilmington in 1992, my collection of about 100 triathlon shirts were used as store décor. Every shirt was hung up from the ceiling and against the walls all the way around the interior perimeter of the store.
 
But this particular guy spent quite a bit of time checking them all out. His name was Jack Riel and Jack was 67 in 1995, but looked like he was 47. He was ripped. The reason he was even in our store was because he was filming a movie in Wilmington. This was back in the day when Wilmington was a hot spot for movie and television production (Dawson’s Creek, Matlock, etc.).  Jack had gotten a few “gigs” – all secondary, extra type roles – but he loved it.
 
Eventually, Jack walked over to the counter, and asked me about the triathlon shirts. After a few minutes of conversation, Jack told me that he’d like me to come up to where he lived – a little town called White Lake. Not being a North Carolina native, White Lake meant nothing to me.
 
A week or so after Jack came into my store, I was standing on one of the piers at Goldston’s Beach marveling at what I was looking at. This was the prettiest lake I had ever seen. Jack took me out on his boat for about a 15-minute tour of the lake. Things progressed rapidly after that and the first race was held in May of 1996.
 
During the post-race activities at that first race, Jack Riel “entertained” everyone as he did karaoke out on the pier – sound system and all. Jack had carefully negotiated this term into the agreement that we had with the Town of White Lake.
 
Sadly, Jack passed away in 2008. I will always remember Jack for being the inspiration behind the White Lake Triathlon. I’ll also never forget the faces of our triathletes and their families as they watched Jack sing “New York, New York”. If this had been American Idol, he would have heard a buzzer after about ten seconds.

Today, Jack's son Tom sits on the Elizabethtown City Council. Elizabethtown is the "big" city near White Lake - only five miles away. And a youngster who was there for that very first race, now owns and operates the family business at Goldston's Beach - Jake Womble.
 
Bill Scott
Set Up Events

Registration begins - November 1, 2025

International start:  7:30am

Sprint Start:  8:30 am

Sprint:

Swim:  750 meters
Bike:  18.5 miles
Run:  5K

International:

Swim:  1500 meters
Bike:  28 Miles
Run:  10K

Location:

Race Site:  The Grand Regal @ Goldston's Beach - 1608 White Lake Dr. - White Lake, NC 28337

Days/Times:

Saturday, May 2nd:  5:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Sunday, May 3rd:  6:00 AM - 7:00 AM (International ONLY)
Sunday, May 4th:  6:30 AM - 7:30 AM  (Sprint)

Important things to remember :

•   A photo ID is required for packet pick-up.
•   Cash, Check or Credit Card are accepted.
•   All participants must pick up their own race packet. (Including all relay team members)

PARTICIPANT MEETING:

We will no longer be holding in person participant meetings the night before races.
We will now be posting a participant video on the website a few days before the race that will take the place of the in person meetings.