Event Details
Our event is split into three groups, the Duathlon (ages 6-9), the Triathlon (ages 10-13) and the Triathlon Relay (3 participants, co-ed, ages 10-13).
The Duathlon includes biking and running, and is split into two races, ages 6-7 years old and ages 8-9 years old. The Triathlon includes indoor swimming, biking and running, and is split into three races, ages 10-11 years old, 12-13 years old, and a relay, 10-13 years old. All races are run as Co-ed, but the awards are timed and split out by male and female, awarding trophies to first, second, and third places. The relay is the exception, awarded as first, second and third place as a Co-ed team. The relay may be composed of any combination of entrants, for example, two boys and one girl, three girls, two girls and one boy, three boys, etc. where each entrant takes part in one segment of the race. Each participant in the relay registers independently, and an email is sent to BHYR stating the members of the relay team. Any entrant may be of any age in the 10-13 age bracket.
The Duathlon is held at Spearfish City Park, with check-in from 7am-9am, the first race (6-7 years old) starting at 9am sharp.
The Triathlon is held at Black Hills State University Young Center, starting at the pool, with check-in from 10am to 1pm. The first race (10-11 years old) starts at 1pm sharp.
Our family-friendly adventure will include other events in Spearfish City Park for the younger ages, including Strider bike races for kids 2-5. Please provide your own food and drinks for lunch and snacks, and snacks and hydration will be provided for entrants only.
We hope that you can join us! We love to show off our beautiful Black Hills, and invite you to experience it while offering a healthy activity for the youth of our communities. We encourage you to check out VisitSpearfish.com for more information regarding places to stay, our many fine restaurants and the many activities the area has to offer!
Registration
Online registration opens on January 23, 2026, and will be available until May 22, 2026. Last-minute, on-site registrations will be available the day of the event 7am-9am, and the first race starts at 9 am. On-site registrations for the Triathlon will be available at BHSU Young Center pool at 10am-1pm, with the first race starting at 1pm.
Rates
Duathlon: $30
Triathlon: $45
Triathlon Relay: $20 each (3 participants)
Upon completion of the online registration and receipt of the payment, a packet will be mailed to the participant. This packet will include ID bracelets, bibs with assigned numbers for the bikes, race information, and a raffle ticket with assigned number. Because we will be implementing a new electronic chip timing system, the Duathlon participants will be given a bib with a chip, and the Triathlon participants will receive a waterproof, reusable band to be placed on the ankle with a chip. The chip numbers will be the same number as assigned for the bike bibs, which will be sent in the Registration packet before the races. The bands will be turned in after the event, as they are reusable (and expensive!). The chipped bibs and bands will be handed out at check-in before the races begin. The Raffle prizes will be exciting and will be drawn after each award ceremony, so don't forget to bring your ticket! Please check in at the Registration table before the race to receive your t-shirt and water bottle.
Raffle Drawing
All participants will receive a numbered raffle ticket that will be entered into one of two drawings. The two raffle drawings (one during the Duathlon Awards ceremony and one during the Triathlon ceremony) will include substantial prizes, to include a bike, a helmet, an athletic shirt/short outfit, shoes, etc, gift certificates, etc. Participants can receive additional raffle tickets to enter into the raffle drawing by referring friends to the races! For each referral, one additional raffle ticket will be entered. The additional number will be emailed to the referring participant, and the additional physical ticket will be entered into the drawing. The person referred will also receive a raffle ticket in their Registration packet.
Check-In
All participants are asked to check-in at the Registration table located at the starting line at least one hour prior to their event on May 23, 2026. They will receive a complimentary water bottle at this time, along with the assigned chip bibs (Duathlon) or chip bands (Triathlon), as well as other race information. Duathlon participants need to check in early, one hour before the first race, which begins at 9am at Spearfish City Park, South Shelter. Triathlon Participants will check in between 10:00am-1:00pm at Black Hills State University, Young Center (pool). There are two Duathlon races at Spearfish Park (6-7 and 8-9 year olds), and three Triathlon races starting at BHSU Young Center pool (ages 10-11, 12-13, and the Triathlon Relay (10-13). The races will be run consecutively, with trophy awards given after each age group. The next race will start immediately after the awards, so please be prompt and ready to go! Duathlon Raffle drawing will occur after the two races at Spearfish Park, and the Triathlon Raffle drawing will occur after the three races at BHSU Young Center.
Equipment
Duathlon
Provided by Participant:
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Bike
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Helmet (required)
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Adequate footwear
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Water bottle (optional)
Provided by BHYR:
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Complimentary T-shirt
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Bib numbers with chips (pins provided)
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Snacks and hydration (for participants only)
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Water bottle with sticker
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Raffle drawing prizes
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Trophies for 1st, 2nd, 3rd places (boys and girls are separately awarded)
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Name wristband for participant and parent
Triathlon
Provided by Participant:
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Swimsuit
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Towel
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Bike
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Helmet
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Adequate footwear
Provided by BHYR:
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Complimentary T-shirt
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Reusable, waterproof bands with chip for timing (to be collected after race)
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Snacks and hydration
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Raffle Drawing prizes
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Water bottle with sticker
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Trophies for 1st, 2nd, 3rd places (boys and girls are separately awarded, but all 3 participants (Co-ed) receive a trophy for the Triathlon Relay
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Name wristband for participant and parent
Race Day Itinerary
Saturday, May 23, 2026 (Memorial Day Weekend)
Please provide lunches and snacks for family and participants. Information for local restaurants is provided in the Registration packets and we encourage you to check out the many restaurants Spearfish has to offer! Snacks and hydration will be provided to participants only.
Wristbands with matching numbers to participant’s parent/representative must be worn at all times. Participants will gather in a specified area after the event to meet with their parent/representative. Waivers to be signed at Registration Table.
Duathlon Races
Spearfish Park start and finish
Race One Duathlon: Ages 6-7
Start time: 9:00 am sharp
START and FINISH at South Shelter, Spearfish City Park
Awards Ceremony to follow
Race Two Duathlon: Ages 8-9
Starts immediately after award ceremony for previous age group --BE READY!
START and FINISH at South Shelter, Spearfish City Park
Awards Ceremony to follow
DUATHLON RAFFLE DRAWING AFTER BOTH RACES AND AWARDS!
Triathlon Races
Location change to Black Hills State University, Young Center Pool
Race Three Triathlon: Ages 10-11
1:00pm SHARP! Meet at the pool 20 minutes before race start.
START and FINISH at Black Hills State University, Young Center
Awards Ceremony to follow
Race Four Triathlon: Ages 12-13
Starts immediately to follow the previous age group Award Ceremony --BE READY!
Meet at the pool 15 minutes before the race starts.
START and FINISH at Black Hills State University, Young Center
Awards Ceremony to follow
Race Five Triathlon Relay: Ages 10-13
Starts immediately to follow the previous age group Award Ceremony --BE READY!
Meet at the pool 15 minutes before the race starts.
START and FINISH at Black Hills State University, Young Center**
Awards Ceremony to follow
TRIATHLON RAFFLE DRAWING AFTER RACES AND AWARDS!
The entire race will occur on the Spearfish Rec Path, a paved, widened route.
IMPORTANT:
It is highly encouraged that the parent/representative accompanies the participant at the beginning of the bike ride to assist.
PLEASE KEEP UP WITH EMAILS! Directions regarding real-time race result tracking will be provided when the information is available.
Races & Routes 2026
Race One Duathlon: Bike / Run
6-7 YEAR OLDS: 9:00 am (Award ceremony to follow)
BIKE: Spearfish Park loop around park (1.0 mile) back to Spearfish Park
Drop bikes at Spearfish Park, start run
RUN: Spearfish Park to straight along Spearfish Creek/campground R/T to Spearfish park (0.45mi to Finish line)
TOTAL ROUTE: 1.45 miles
Race Two Duathlon: Bike / Run
8-9 YEAR OLDS: Starts immediately after award ceremony for previous age group --BE READY! Award Ceremony to follow
BIKE: Spearfish Park loop around park, back to Spearfish Park (1.5 miles)
Drop bikes at Spearfish Park, start run
RUN: Spearfish Park to Campground loop (0.65 miles), finish at Spearfish Park
TOTAL ROUTE: 2.15 miles
DUATHLON RAFFLE DRAWING TO FOLLOW THESE TWO RACES! Have your tickets ready!
Race Three Triathlon: Swim / Bike / Run
10-11 YEAR OLDS: 1:00om SHARP! Award Ceremony to follow
SWIM: Start BHSU pool, swim 2 laps (50M)
BIKE: Start BHSU bike staging area, ride Sawmill Trail 1.5 miles RT to Lions Park
RUN: Start Lions Park run 1.0 miles estimated to Spearfish Park (Finish line)
TOTAL ROUTE: 2.5 miles (plus 2 swim laps)
Race Four Triathlon: Swim / Bike / Run
12-13 YEAR OLDS: Starts immediately after award ceremony for previous age group --BE READY! Award Ceremony to follow
SWIM: Start BHSU pool, swim 4 laps (100M)
BIKE: Start BHSU bike staging area, ride Sawmill Trail 2.0 miles RT to BHSU
RUN: Start BHSU run 1.48 miles to Spearfish Park (Finish Line)
TOTAL ROUTE: 3.48 miles (plus 4 swim laps)
Race Five Tri-Relay: Swim / Bike / Run (3 kids, co-ed)
MIXED AGES (10-13): Starts immediately after award ceremony for previous age group --BE READY! Award Ceremony to follow
SWIM: Start BHSU pool, swim 4 laps (100M)
BIKE: Start BHSU bike staging area, ride Sawmill Trail 2.0 miles RT to BHSU
RUN: Start BHSU run 1.48 miles to Spearfish Park (Finish Line)
TOTAL ROUTE: 3.48 miles (plus 4 swim laps)
TRIATHLON RAFFLE DRAWING TO FOLLOW THESE TWO RACES! Have your tickets ready!
Safety
All routes will be clearly marked with flags and signs. Road crossings have two Volunteers to direct and stop traffic. Volunteers are present along the entire route for guidance and safety. Bike transitions will be assisted by Volunteers.
WAIVER MUST BE ACKNOWLEDGED BY PARENT/REPRESENTATIVE at time of Registration. No child will be allowed to participate without acknowledging the waiver, which is included on the Registration form.
Contact
Questions? Email: BlackHillsYouthRaces@outlook.com.