Kanuga Triathlon
EVENT GUIDE
August 9, 2026
August 9, 2026
RACE DAY QUICK GLANCE
Sunday, August 9
Athletes should arrive no later than 6:00am. We strongly recommend arriving at 5:45am to allow time to park at Pinky Elliott Playing Fields, walk to the race hub, pick up your packet if needed, and set up transition.
- 5:45am — Transition area opens
- 6:00–7:00am — Race-day packet pickup (Pickup will end promptly at 7:00am)
- 6:00am — Coffee, breakfast items, fruit and grab-and-go items available for purchase from Kanuga
- 7:00am — Transition area closes
- 7:00–7:20am — Swim warm-up
- 7:30am — Time-trial swim start
- Approximately 7:50am — Final swimmer enters the water
- 8:30am — Swim course cutoff
- 10:15am — Bike course cutoff; athletes must begin the run by this time
- 11:00am — Overall course cutoff
- 11:00am — Awards ceremony at the Lakeside Chapel
- Post-race — Complimentary athlete snacks and water; additional lunch options, ice cream, sports drinks, beer and other alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages available for purchase from Kanuga
SPEND THE WEEKEND
Turn race weekend into a true mountain retreat at Kanuga Inn & Lodging. Choose from comfortable on-site accommodations or primitive camping beneath the trees—both available at discounted participant rates. Stay close to the action, relax with fellow athletes, and wake up immersed in this peaceful Blue Ridge Mountain setting.
MAKE A RESERVATION
Packet Pickup
Location: Kanuga Conference Center
130 Kanuga Chapel Dr, Hendersonville, NC
Kanuga Lake Inn | 1st Floor Meeting Room
VIEW RACE WEEKEND HUB MAP
VIEW KANUGA CONFERENCE CENTER MAP
Pre-event Packet Pickup
Saturday, August 8th
3:30pm - 5:00pm
Pickup will end promptly at 5:00pm
If you are only picking up your race packet and are not staying for the Twilight Trail 5K, you may park in the Inn parking lot or in the parking area across from the Inn for convenient access to packet pickup on the lower level of the Inn. Look for registration/bib pick up signs.
If you plan to stay for the Twilight Trail 5K, please park in the Pinky Elliot Parking Lot and walk to packet pickup. This will help keep parking available for Kanuga Triathlon participants that are quickly picking up and leaving and allow for easier event parking as race activities begin.
Participants will receive a race bib, ankle-band timing chip and swim cap. There are no bike or helmet stickers.
- Wear your timing chip securely around your ankle throughout the entire race.
- Do not wear your race bib during the swim.
- Your race bib must be visible during both the bike and run portions.
- All swimmers must wear the provided swim cap.
Race Day Packet Pickup
Sunday, August 9th
6:00am - 7:00am
Pickup will end promptly at 7:00am
If you did not pick up your race packet on Saturday, packet pickup will be available on the lower level of the Inn on Sunday morning. Please watch for directional signage.
If you choose to use the transition area drop-off, it is for quick unloading only. Please do not unload your bike and gear and then leave your vehicle to visit packet pickup. After unloading your gear, you must immediately move your vehicle to the Pinky Elliot Parking Lot before returning to packet pickup or the transition area to set up.
To simplify your race morning, we recommend parking in the Pinky Elliot Parking Lot first, walking to packet pickup if needed, and then proceeding to the transition area with your bike and gear.
PARKING & Transition
Parking & Transition Area Drop-Off
Athletes must park in the Pinky Elliot Parking Lot and bring their bike and gear to the transition area. It's approximately a 0.25–0.3 mile walk and helps keep traffic flowing smoothly on race morning. Volunteers along the main road into the Conference Center will direct you to this parking lot.
For those who would like to use it, a limited bike and gear drop-off is available through the Inn parking lot on a first-come, first-served basis. Please follow the directions of our volunteers.
If you choose the drop-off option, unload your bike and gear promptly, place them in the transition area, and then immediately move your vehicle to the Pinky Elliot Parking Lot. Please note: No vehicles will be allowed to stay in the Inn parking lot during the race. Please do not stay to set up your transition area until after your vehicle has been moved. Once you've parked, you can return to transition and take your time setting up your equipment before the race.
Transition Area
The transition area is located in the grassy ‘Bog’ near the Inn.
- Only registered athletes are permitted inside the transition area. Spectators are not allowed in transition.
- Athletes may enter transition to collect their equipment after finishing but must remain aware of participants who are still racing and stay out of all active athlete paths.
- Helmets are required during the bike portion.
- Your helmet must be securely fastened before removing your bike from the rack.
- Do not remove your helmet until your bike is completely returned to the rack.
- Riding inside the transition area is not permitted.
- Do not mount your bike until after crossing the mount line.
- Dismount before crossing the dismount line when returning.
- Swim In: Athletes will enter transition from the front near the playground after exiting the lake.
- Bike Out / Bike In: Athletes will exit and enter the bike portion of the race from the rear of the transition area.
- Bike Mount & Dismount Line: The mount and dismount line is located in the Inn parking lot, just beyond the rear of transition near the parking lot exit. Please do not mount your bike until you have crossed the Bike Mount Line, and be sure to dismount before crossing the Bike Dismount Line when returning from the bike course.
- Run Out: Athletes will exit transition from the front to begin the 5K run, heading up the dirt/gravel road past the Inn.
The Inn parking lot will be closed beginning at 7am to vehicle traffic and parking, during race hours to provide a safe area for athletes entering and exiting the bike course.
Transition Area Hours
Overnight transition setup (Saturday night) is not permitted. There will be no overnight security in the transition area. There will be no access to the transition area on Saturday evening.
The transition area will open at 5:45am on Sunday morning and will close promptly at 7:00am. All athletes must have their bikes and gear set up and be out of the transition area by 7:00am.
Post-Race Equipment Removal
After you finish the race, please remove your bike and all personal equipment from transition and carry it back to your vehicle in the Pinky Elliot Parking Lot.
Please note that vehicle access to the Inn parking lot will not be available during race hours, so there will not be an opportunity to drive up to transition to load your equipment. We recommend planning accordingly and packing only what you can comfortably carry back to your vehicle.
Race Info
Swim Start: 7:30am
Course Cutoff: 11:00am
All athletes must be out of the water by 8:30 AM, complete the bike course and begin the run by 10:15 AM, and finish the race by 11:00 AM. Athletes who do not meet these cutoff times may be removed from the course for safety reasons.
Withdrawal Instructions
If you stop participating or do not complete the entire course, please notify a race official or someone at the finish line so we know you are safe. If you need assistance while on the course, call 828-684-0812 x0.
Weather
Participant safety is our highest priority. In the event of lightning or other unsafe weather conditions, the start may be delayed, the course modified, or the swim canceled if necessary. Any updates will be communicated by race officials on race morning.
Restrooms
Portable restrooms will be available in the Inn parking lot for all participants and spectators. Please plan accordingly and allow yourself plenty of time before the race start.
SWIM
Swim Warm-Up
The lake will be open for swim warm-up from 7:00–7:20am. All athletes must be out of the water by 7:20am so we can prepare for the start.
Swim Wave Staging
The Kanuga Triathlon will utilize a time trial swim start beginning at 7:30am, with athletes entering the water individually at approximately 5-second intervals. The final athletes are expected to start the swim around 7:50am.
Athletes will be assigned a swim wave prior to race day. Please listen for announcements and only proceed to the dock when your wave is called. We will call one wave at a time to help reduce congestion and keep the swim start running smoothly.
Lake Safety & Swim Start
For everyone's safety, diving into the lake is not permitted. Athletes will enter the water feet first only from the dock.
Swimmers will line up at the swim start and cross the timing mat before entering the lake. After your timing chip is activated, step off the dock feet first and begin your swim.
The swim course is counterclockwise, heading out toward the dam and around two turn buoys before returning to shore. As you approach the finish of the swim, watch for the swim exit buoy marking your exit point on shore.
Please follow all instructions from race officials, lifeguards, and volunteers to help ensure a safe and enjoyable race for everyone.
Wave start times for all participants will be published at the top of this guide Friday, August 7th at noon.
Swim Rules + Open Water Readiness
The Kanuga Triathlon includes an open water lake swim. Participants should be comfortable swimming in open water before registering for this event.
If you are especially nervous about open water swimming, we encourage you to practice in open water before race day or consider completing a pool swim triathlon first. This is not meant to discourage anyone, but we want every participant to feel safe, prepared and confident when they enter the water.
Swim Safety
Lifeguards, kayaks and/or paddleboards will be positioned on the swim course. If you need assistance during the swim, raise your hand and a member of the safety team will come to you.
You may hold onto a kayak, paddleboard or safety boat to rest and catch your breath. You may not use a safety craft to make forward progress on the course.
If you are unable to continue, the safety team will assist you from the water.
Allowed
- Swim cap (provided)
- Goggles
- Any swim stroke
- Stopping to tread water, float or rest
- Holding onto a stationary safety craft for rest only
Not Allowed
- Wetsuits will not be permitted. We anticipate that the lake temperature will be too warm for wetsuit use.
- Snorkels
- Fins
- Hand paddles
- Kickboards
- Pool noodles
- Life jackets
- Inflatable swim buoys
- Any flotation or propulsion device
Water Depth
The swim takes place in Kanuga Lake. Water depth varies throughout the course and may change based on the lake level leading up to race day. Participants should assume they will not be able to stand during the swim and should be prepared to swim the full distance in open water.
BIKE
The 13.5-mile bike course reflects the rolling and curvy terrain typical of Western North Carolina. The course is approximately 85% paved road, with two non-technical packed dirt/gravel service road sections totaling about 2 miles. This is not a mountain bike or trail course — it’s primarily a road ride with a bit of character mixed in.
There are no water stations on the bike course - please plan to carry your own nutrition and hydration on your bike.
Surface conditions can vary year to year. This is not your traditional aero-only triathlon course. It’s best suited for:
- Road bikes with wider tires
- Gravel bikes
- Cyclocross bikes
- Mountain bikes
This is a mostly road bike course (85%). The two 'off-road' sections are packed dirt/gravel service road (not technical trail) and riders should come prepared.
Bike Course Cutoff
Athletes must return from the bike course by 10:15am to begin the run. Athletes returning after 10:15am will not be permitted to start the run. Overall course cutoff is 11:00am.
An e-bike division will be offered and scored separately. Review standard bike and e-bike rules, and learn more HERE.
Bike Course Safety Rules
The bike course is open to vehicle traffic. Athletes must ride safely, remain to the right, stay on their side of the road and follow all instructions from police officers, course marshals and volunteers.
- Drafting is not permitted.
- Ride predictably and announce when passing.
- Headphones and earbuds are not permitted on the bike course.
- Athletes are responsible for knowing the bike route and following course markings and volunteer instructions.
RUN
The 5k course showcases the variety and character of the Kanuga trail system. Runners will experience a mix of single-track and double-track trail, forest road, and paved sections, creating a dynamic and approachable trail race. Gentle climbs are balanced with runnable flats, making the course engaging without being overwhelming. This blend of terrain offers something for everyone—whether it’s your first off-road race or you’re looking for a fun, scenic challenge.
A water station will be available on the run course at approximately Mile 1.5 and again at Mile 2.8. Water and Gatorade will be available at both locations to help keep athletes fueled and hydrated through the finish.
Run Course Safety Rules
Because this is a trail course, athletes must remain aware of other runners, changing trail conditions and instructions from race officials. If listening to audio, it must be kept at a low volume or limited to one earbud so you can hear participants approaching and instructions from volunteers.
SPECTATORS
Spectators will park at Pinky Elliott Playing Fields with the athletes. The race hub near the Inn is the best place to watch because spectators can see activity from the swim, bike and run portions of the race.
Please remain outside the transition area and stay clear of all participant paths, course entrances and course exits.
Awards
The awards ceremony for both the Twilight Trail 5K and the Kanuga Triathlon will take place at the Lakeside Chapel, one of Kanuga's most picturesque locations overlooking the lake.
Twilight Trail 5K Awards: 7:00pm
Kanuga Triathlon Awards: 11:00am
We hope you'll join us as we celebrate the day's accomplishments and recognize our top finishers in this beautiful lakeside setting.
RUN WNC Performance Towels will also be awarded to those who completed the Kanuga Trail and Tri Weekend Challenge. A group photo will be taken.
More information on awards is located HERE.
If you're unable to stay for the ceremony and you're local, you may pick up your award at Sycamore Cycles (743 Locust St, Hendersonville, NC 28792), beginning Tuesday, August 11th.
Out of town? Please reach out to support@idaph.net for a payment link to have yours shipped!
POST RACE
Celebrate your achievement at the post-race party!
Complimentary water and a selection of post-race snacks will be available for all athletes at the finish line.
In addition, Kanuga will have coffee, grab and go food, ice cream, sports drinks, and a variety of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages available for purchase throughout the morning.
Food and beverages can be purchased with a credit card at the Kanuga food and beverage kiosks located near the race hub. Whether you're looking for a pre-race coffee, a post-race meal, or a cold drink while cheering on fellow athletes, there will be plenty of options to enjoy.
We encourage athletes, family, and friends to relax and take in the beautiful setting at Kanuga after the race.
- Visit with Coach Jay Hamvas of Jbird Multisport Coaching to see how he can help you reach your goals!
- Need bike support? Motion Makers Bicycle Shop will be onsite on race day!
- Check your race goody bag for discounts from Chick-fil-A Hendersonville
- Race merchandise is available at the iDaph Merchandise Tent
- Visit Candis at Shine Well Massage for a complimentary post-race massage
- Keep the adventure going at Ride Kanuga! Kanuga Weekend participants can save 15% on Ride Kanuga day passes for the remainder of 2026. Passes must be booked online using coupon code RK_iDaph_Coup.
Charity Partner
iDream Athletes Foundation
It is the mission, duty and purpose of iDream Athletes Foundation to provide opportunities for Western North Carolina youth and adults who are unable to pay for sporting event fees, coaching, travel expenses and/or equipment to train for and/or participate in our WNC sporting events. This tax-exempt non-profit provides needs-based scholarships. The amounts to be gifted are determined on a case-by-case basis through a criteria-selection process.
