BEAR TRIATHLON
SPRINT | OLYMPIC | YOUTH
MAY 16-17, 2026 | Bear, DE
REGISTRATION OPENS FRIDAY, NOV 14, 2025
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GENERAL RACE INFO
The Bear Triathlon s a popular early-season race set in the scenic Lums Pond State Park, offering athletes a fast, flat, and beginner-friendly course. Featuring Sprint, Olympic and Youth distance options, the event delivers an inclusive and energizing race-day atmosphere for both newcomers and seasoned triathletes. The Bear Triathlon has become a go-to kickoff race for athletes across the Mid-Atlantic and is sanctioned by USA Triathlon.
This race is sanctioned by USA Triathlon. All RULES apply.
MAY 16, 2026 - YOUTH TRIATHLON
7-8 yr : Swim 50 yards, Bike 2 miles, Run 0.5 mile
9-10 yr : Swim 100 yards, Bike 2 miles, Run 0.5 mile
11-12 yr : Swim 100 yards, Bike 4 miles, Run 1 mile
13-15 yr : Swim 150 yards, Bike 6 miles, Run 1 mile
MAY 17, 2026 - SPRINT TRIATHLON
750 Meter Swim | 10 Mile Bike | 3 Mile Run
MAY 17, 2026 - OLYMPIC TRIATHLON
1500 Meter Swim| 23 Mile Bike | 6 Mile Run
RACE LOCATION
Lums Pond State Park
1068 Howell School Road, Bear, DE 19701.
The race will start and finish at Area 1 inside Lums Pond State Park.
AGE REQUIREMENT
Triathlon - participants must be 14 yrs and older.
Youth Splash & Dash - participants must be 7-15 yrs old.
PARKING
Parking on race day will be inside Lums Pond State Park in Area 1, 2, and 3. Area 1 is most close to the start & finish. There will be limited amount of parking at area 1 on race morning. If arriving after 6:30 AM on Sunday, please plan to park in area 2 or 3. Parking in Area 2 and 3 will require a 0.4 mile walk to Area 1. The following GPS address on race morning is suggested: 1068 Howell School Road, Bear, DE 19701. The park will open at 5:00 AM on Sunday. The transition area will open at 5:30 am. There is no vehicle park fee for participants, however, vehicles arriving after 7:00 AM may be charged a $5.00 entrance fee.
Bike Mechanic & Bike Leg Support
All participants should have working bike on race morning and carry their own flat tire kit. This race will have one race support vehicles roving the bike course that can assist with changing of flat tires but will not be able to fix bike major issues. Race support vehicles will be able to transport cyclists to the venue if they are unable to proceed on the bike course.
SCHEDULE OF EVENTS (subject to change)
Saturday, May 16 at Lums Pond State Park
3:00 PM - Athlete Check-In & Registration Opens for Adult and Youth race.
4:00 PM - Pre-Race Course Talk under pavilion in area 1.
5:00 PM - Youth Triathlon race start
Wave 1 - 13-15 yr olds (all genders)
Wave 2 - 11-12 yr olds (all genders)
Wave 3 - 9-10 yr olds (all genders)
Wave 4 - 7-8 yr olds (all genders)
6:00 PM - Athlete Check-In & Registration Closes
Recreational swimming is not permitted in Lums Pond. Athletes may only swim on race day.
Sunday, May 17 at Lums Pond State Park
5:30 AM - Athlete Check In & Transition Area Opens for bike racking and body marking.
7:00 AM – Wave 1, Sprint - Men 44 yr and under all Male Relays
7:02 AM - Wave 2, Sprint - Men 45 yr and older
7:04 AM - Wave 3, Sprint - Women 44 yr and under AND all Female/Coed Relays
7:06 AM - Wave 4, Sprint - Women 45 yr and older
Break
7:25 AM - Wave 5, Olympic – Men 44 and under, all Male Relays
7:27 AM - Wave 6, Olympic – Men 45 and older
7:29 AM – Wave 7, Olympic – Women 44 and under, all Female & Coed relays
7:31 AM – Wave 8, Olympic – Women 45 and older
9:00 AM- Sprint Award Ceremony (subject to change)
10:15 AM – Olympic Award Ceremony (subject to change)
ATHLETE CHECK-IN
Per USAT rules, each participant MUST pick up his/her own packet in person. If you do not check in during the designated check-in times in person, you will not be able to participate in the event. All participants 18 years and older must bring a valid photo I.D. to athlete check in.
Athlete Check-In will be at (please attend one of the following):
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Saturday, May 16 from 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM at Lums Pond State Park, Area 1.
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Sunday, May 17 from 5:30 AM to 7:00 AM at Lums Pond State Park, Area 1.
YOUR RACE PACKET WILL INCLUDE:
WRISTBAND
A unique wristband will be given to participants at athlete check-in. Participants must wear this wrist band at all times on race day. This wristband must remain on until you have removed your bike from transition after the race. This band will identify you as an official participant and allows you access to the transition area. You will not be allowed into the transition area without this band in place.
BIKE ADHESIVE NUMBER
At athlete check-in, you will be given an adhesive bike number. Your bike must have an adhesive number on to rack on race morning.
TIMING
At athlete check in, you will be given a ankle chip timing. Athletes must wear their ankle chip at all times during this event. Should you forget your timing chip or loose it during the race, please let race management know so that we can give you another timing chip. Relay teams must transfer timing chips between teammates in the transition area.
RACE BIBS
Participants must wear their race bib on the run course at all times. Athletes can either pin their race bib to their shirt or wear it attached to a race belt. Relay teams must transfer bibs between teammates in the transition area. Athletes are required to wear their bib on their front side when going in and out of transition and crossing the finish line.
PRE-RACE COURSE TALK
Please consider attending the scheduled Pre-Race Course Talk, which will provide important information about the race, and include a question and answer segment. If you are a first timer– attending a pre-race course talk is recommended!
Location: Saturday, May 17 at 4:00 PM, Lums Pond State Park, Area 1 under the pavilion.
TRANSITION AREA
You must be wearing the unique athlete wristband to enter the transition area. Your bike number adhesive must be placed on your bike as well. Please be sure to bring along items received at check-in including race numbers (bib & bike adhesive number), as well as your bike, helmet and other personal gear. Body marking will take place in the transition area prior to the start of the race. It is the athlete’s responsibility to ensure that volunteers mark their age as of December 31, 2026, which corresponds to the age division in which the athlete will compete. Please do not apply sunscreen, oil, Vaseline or lotion until AFTER you have been body marked.
Race Bike Racking & Transition Area Protocol
All bikes will be racked on race day only. To enter the transition area, athletes must wear the security wristband received at athlete check-in. The transition area is RESTRICTED TO ATHLETES ONLY**.
POST RACE
Race Results
The Bear Triathlon will be publishing LIVE results throughout the race. Use your mobile phone and go to www.ripitevents.com/results and click on Bear Triathlon results. On the results web page, enter your bib number or name to view your individual or team results.
AWARDS
Adult awards will be given to following categories. Awards will NOT be mailed to participants. Friends of runners may accept an award on your behalf.
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Overall Male - Top 3
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Overall Female - Top 3
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Overall Non-Binary - Top 3
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Age Group - Top 3 (male & female) 14-19, 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, 85-89
Youth awards will be given to the top three finishers in the following categories for both boys and girls:
7 yrs, 8 yrs, 9 yrs, 10 yrs, 11 yrs, 12 yrs, 13 yrs, 14 yrs, 15 yrs. There are no overall awards for the youth race.
REGISTRATION
Registration fee for Adult AND Youth includes soft cotton t-shirt and finisher medal.
SPRINT INDIVIDUAL
$90, Nov 14 - Nov 16, 2025
$100, Nov 17, 2025 - Feb 6, 2026
$110, Feb 7 - Apr 3, 2026
$120, Apr 4 - May 14, 2026
$130, Race Weekend
SPRINT RELAY TEAM
$130, Nov 14 - Nov 16, 2025
$140, Nov 17, 2025 - Feb 6, 2026
$150, Feb 7 - Apr 3, 2026
$160, Apr 4 - May 14, 2026
$160, Race Weekend
OLYMPIC INDIVIDUAL
$100, Nov 14 - Nov 16, 2025
$110, Nov 17, 2025 - Feb 6, 2026
$120, Feb 7 - Apr 3, 2026
$130, Apr 4 - May 14, 2026
$130, Race Weekend
OLYMPIC RELAY TEAM
$130, Nov 14 - Nov 16, 2025
$140, Nov 17, 2025 - Feb 6, 2026
$150, Feb 7 - Apr 3, 2026
$160, Apr 4 - May 14, 2026
$160, Race Weekend
YOUTH INDIVIDUAL
$60, Nov 14 - Nov 16, 2025
$65, Nov 17, 2025 - Feb 6, 2026
$70, Feb 7 - Apr 3, 2026
$75, Apr 4 - May 14, 2026
$75, Race Weekend
In-person registration takes place at Athlete Check-In on May 16-17. Relay Team price is for the entire team not per individual. The captain will “Create a Team” and pay the full price. The additional team members will “Join a Team” at no cost. USAT fees may apply.
Registration transfers are not permitted to other RIVAL events. Race organizers reserve the right to close registration due to capacity limits. Race organizers reserve the right to delay or cancel event due to extreme weather conditions or unforeseen circumstances. Pets, baby joggers/strollers, in-line skates, bicycles, and any other non-official wheeled vehicles are prohibited.
RACE SWAG
Registration fee for both Adult and Youth race includes a short sleeve shirt and finisher medal.
SPRINT & OLYMPIC TRIATHLON - RACE INFO This race is sanctioned by USA Triathlon. All RULES apply.
SPRINT TRIATHLON
750 Meter Swim | 10 Mile Bike | 3 Mile Run
OLYMPIC TRIATHLON
1500 Meter Swim| 23 Mile Bike | 6 Mile Run
RACE START
Athletes will be called onto the starting line (inflatable arch at swim start) by assigned wave number. It is the athlete’s responsibility to know their starting wave number. Each wave will start on land under the inflatable arch and walk/run into the water when prompted to begin.
Triathlon Relay Teams - Athletes who are participating in a relay may remain in the transition area to wait for their swimmer to exit the water. Athletes will exchange race bib and timing chip with their partner in the transition area only. Only one team member is allowed on the course at any given time. Only one team member may start the race and cross the finish line.
SWIM COURSE
Triathlon - The swim course will be in Lums Pond. This race will use a beach entry wave start. Participants will keep the inflatable course markers on their left shoulder at all times. Participants can expect the water temp to be between 68-70-75 degrees.
USAT Wetsuit Temperature Policy:
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78 F or below - wetsuits ARE allowed.
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78.1 F to 83.9 F - participants may wear a wetsuit at their own discretion; however, wearing a wetsuit in this temperature range will mean that an athlete is ineligible for awards.
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84 F and above: wetsuits are NOT permitted—this is for your own safety.
Required Distances:
Sprint Race – 750 Meter Swim (one loop)
Olympic Race – 1500 Meter Swim (two loops)
To view the swim course map, click HERE.
BIKE COURSE
The bike course is flat along well-maintained and paved roads. The route is marked with signage and there will be police support at every turn. Please familiarize yourself with the route, as it is the athlete’s ultimate responsibility to know the course. There are no water stations on the bike course.
The bike course is open to vehicle traffic during the race. All competitors are required to follow the prescribed course. Cutting the course is an obvious violation and going outside the course is a safety issue. Cyclists shall not cross a solid yellow center road line for ANY reason. Cyclists must obey all applicable traffic laws/officers at all times.
Please remember that local community members use the bike course roads. You are an ambassador for the sport and the event. While on the course, always be courteous to local residents.
Required Distances:
Sprint Race - Bike ONE loop - 10 mi
Olympic Race -Bike THREE loops - 23 mi
To view the bike course map, click HERE.
RUN COURSE
The run course will be on both asphalt and natural surface. The natural surface portion of the run course if very tame and easy to navigate. It is a mixture of grass and packed dirt. Standard running shoes are appropriate. There are two aid stations on the triathlon course offering water and sports drink. Athletes will pass through each aid state twice per loop. The course is marked on race day with signage. Please familiarize yourself with the course, as it is ultimately the athlete’s responsibility to know all courses.
Required Distances:
Triathlon Sprint Race- Run ONE loop - 3 mi
Triathlon Olympic Race- Run TWO loops - 6 mi
To view the run course map, click HERE.
YOUTH TRIATHLON - RACE INFO
This race is sanctioned by USA Triathlon. All RULES apply.
RACE START
Athletes will be called onto the starting line (inflatable arch at swim start) by assigned wave number. It is the athlete’s responsibility to know their starting wave number. Each wave will start on land under the inflatable arch and walk/run into the water when prompted to begin.
SWIM COURSE
Youth Triathlon - The swim course will be in Lums Pond. After exiting the swim, participants will walk/run directly to the transition area and prepare for the bike leg of the race.
Required Distances:
7-8 yr : Swim 50 yards
9-10 yr : Swim 100 yards
11-12 yr : Swim 100 yards
13-15 yr : Swim 150 yards
To view the swim course map, click HERE.
BIKE COURSE
The bike course is flat along well-maintained and paved roads. The route is marked with signage and there will be race volunteers at every turn. Please familiarize yourself with the route, as it is the athlete’s ultimate responsibility to know the course. There are no water stations on the bike course.
Required Distances:
7-8 yr: Bike 2 miles
9-10 yr: Bike 2 miles
11-12 yr: Bike 4 miles
13-15 yr: Bike 6 miles
To view the bike course map, click HERE.
RUN COURSE
The course is marked on race day with signage. Please familiarize yourself with the course, as it is ultimately the athlete’s responsibility to know all courses. There are no aid stations on the run course. 11-15 yr olds will wear blue wrist bands. 7-10 yr olds will wear pink wrist bands. The color of the wrist band will help our race staff direct runners to the correct turn around point on the run course. See map illustration link below.
Required Distances:
7-8 yr: Run 0.5 mile
9-10 yr: Run 0.5 mile
11-12 yr: Run 1 mile
13-15 yr Run 1 mile
To view the run course map, click HERE.