Registration for the 2020 TriMuskokan, which will be held on June 28th, opens on December 1st, 2019.  Mark it in your calendars so you don’t end up wondering why you didn’t register earlier when it is sold out…

Do you want to know what you missed at the 2019 TriMuskokan?  Take a whizz through the photos of the event … read some reviews on our Facebook page … take a gander at an article written by one of our local news outlets … then mark December 1st in your calendar with an alert to go off…

Want to read more about the event?  Scroll on down this page.  We will update it for the 2020 event soon, but this will give you an idea of what an amazing event the TriMuskokan is, and how our not-for-profit strategy makes a huge difference in our community by having you participate in what used to be Ontario’s best kept secret.  It seems the cat has been let out of the bag…

Well, we are at it again.  Back for a 6th year, and given the fact that we have sold out the last three years, we wouldn’t be surprised if we sold out again this year.  Just an FYI, last year we sold out in early April.

So, the bottom line is, if you want to be a part of the best kept secret event in Ontario when it comes to triathlons and duathlons, don’t sit on the fence.   Sign up early so you can be at the start line, and not waiting on the side line.

Why should you do the TriMuskokan on June 28th, 2020? 

Because this event focuses on everything that make an event amazing and unforgettable.    Great food.  Great swag.  Amazing volunteers.  A quiet and beautiful race course.  Safe and supportive for newbies.  Everything that you would dream a triathlon event would be. 

On top of this, all of the proceeds go to helping fund the MSCLE Project that TriMuskoka is heading up.  Yup.  That’s right.  This race is completely volunteer run, and no one takes a penny from it (unless we find it on the ground). 

The MSCLE, or “Movement for Strength, Conditioning, and active Lifestyles for Everyone”, Project will see the installation of publicly accessible fitness equipment throughout our community.  Read more about it here, and if you believe in it as much as we do, you can always donate a bit more than your race fee towards the project (see the link on the MSCLE page).

On June 28th, 2020, whether you are a first timer, or a seasoned triathlete, come take part in the TriMuskokan.  This grassroots homegrown event is an incredible and professionally run community event that focuses on a great experience for everyone!

Quick links to this page:

• The TriMuskokan: Mission Statement
• Why Participate In The TriMuskokan?
• The Different Events That You Can Participate In
• Triathlon Training Plans and Tips
• Race Course Descriptions
• The Official Athlete Guide
• Volunteer and Spectator Information
• Schedule of Events
• Registration Information
• Getting To The Race and Where To Stay
• Results from The TriMuskokan
• Photos fromThe 2017 TriMuskokan
• Our Incredible Sponsors

A Bit Of Background About The TriMuskokan

If you have been involved in triathlon, you may be well aware of the rich history of triathlon in Muskoka. We have over 12 events in the region! Traditionally Huntsville has had both short and long course triathlons. Four years ago, the resurrection of a short course event in our community became a priority for our club. Several passionate TriMuskoka members came forth to make this a reality: and so was born “The TriMuskokan”!

The TriMuskokan is a fun event that puts forth a personal challenge for every participant.  Remember we use the word “event” more than we use “race”.  A race involves you pitting yourself against other people (and we do have a few serious racers!).  But an”event” underlines the fact that, for most of us, this is first and foremost a personal challenge.

The goals of The TriMuskokan are to:

• Be almost more fun than it is competitive
• Take place in a quality environment that is very conducive for spectators to cheer everyone on
• Be very supportive for those that are new, or relatively new, to multisport events
• Provide event options for all skill levels and athletic abilities

• From the Doppler: read the articles (first, second, third, fourth)
• From MuskokaRegion.com: read some articles (first, second, third, fourth)
• From TriChat with Lise and Gabriella: listen to a great conversation (2017 online podcast, 2016 online podcast)
• To learn about a local member’s inspirational journey, read “From Phobic to Finisher with TriMuskoka”

Why Participate In The TriMuskokan?

It’s hard to count all the reasons, but here are a few. First, for newcomers, we think it is a very friendly and supportive way to be introduced to the sport. For more experienced athletes, it is a great early season race, and a great way to prepare for the season ahead. For those doing The Muskoka 70.3, it is a perfect “tune-up” race. And of course, it gives those that don’t live here in Muskoka an excuse to come to triathlon country!

If you are new to the sport of triathlon or duathlon:

The TriMuskokan is designed to give you a personal challenge in a fun and supportive environment.  We have the pre-race Newbie clinic with our club, to give you the opportunity to ask those burning questions, and “tri” the course in a supported non-race environment.  The race day swim is in a river, so you can stay near shore and take a break should you need to, or hang onto one of the support kayaks if you need a breather.  The bike course is on a road with a shoulder and, on Sunday morning, traffic generally is light.  We hire O.P.P. officers for the major intersections. The run course is a mix of gravel roads and trails, a rubberized track, and a paved road with very little traffic.  And to finish, we have our post race festivities and food.  The TriMuskokan is all about celebrating the achievements of each and every participant.

If you are a seasoned athlete:

Even though our focus is to create the best possible event experience in a friendly and supported race environment, you can certainly also take The TriMuskokan as a racing event that will test every element of your athletic ability!  The swim lets you navigate upstream against a modest current that varies at different points across the river.  The bike is an out and back course that has a number of uphills that you can hammer up on the way out.  But watch out on the way back … as Newton said, what goes up must come down!  And fast! The run is varied, and plays to different athletes’ strengths.  There is plenty of flat and fast, but also some hills including the famed “Camp Kitchen” hill, which is long and gets steeper as you go. Many experienced athletes choose to walk part of the hill on their second loop!  In the end, this race is far from boring, and since we sell out with a modest entry cap, it is anyone’s game!

If you are doing the Ironman 70.3 Muskoka:

The Ironman 70.3 Muskoka has a large course overlap with The TriMuskokan, so it’s a great “triple brick” and tune-up opportunity, if you want to do some course recon in a race setting.  Our swim course is the end (and the technical part) of the 70.3, and our bike is the first and last 14km of the 70.3 bike course.  With The TriMuskokan just two weeks out from The Ironman 70.3 Muskoka, it is a perfect training opportunity during your taper: short and intense – just what coach asked for!

At the end of the day:

The TriMuskokan is a destination and a journey:  Race day itself is a destination, where the journey of becoming active through multi-sport is the real goal. Pursue the goal of leading an active and healthy lifestyle in a sport that supports cross training through strength, swim, bike, and run!

The TriMuskokan is an event like no other:  We call it an event, and not just a race, because for many it is a celebration: a culmination of the exercise and training that will bring a personal challenge on the big day.  Sure, you are on the course with a bunch of other people, but really the only person you are challenging is yourself, with something that is exciting, and something that is going to be a lot of fun!

If you would like to connect with others to support you on this journey, connect with our TriMuskoka Triathlon Club or your local triathlon club to help you on your way.

What Events Can You Participate In?

Whether this is your first triathlon or you are an experienced athlete, The TriMuskokan has something for everyone.  If you have never done a triathlon or a duathlon before, a nice way to start is with a relay.  These are fun ways to be active with a group of friends … pit one team against another for bragging rights, or for who has to cook the celebratory dinner!  If you are ready to “tri” all three disciplines, you can start with the “Try-a-Tri”. Or, if you’re ready or want a bigger challenge, move to the “Short Course Classic”. If you don’t like swimming, try the duathlon.  If running is not your thing, tackle the swim/bike event!

The TriMuskokan events are:

• The Try-a-Tri (400m swim, 10km bike, 2.5km run) powered by Kimberly Clark
  

  • Individual
    • Male and Female divisions
    • Participants must be 14 years old as of December 31st, 2020 to do the Try a Tri
    • 14 to 19, 20 to 29, 30 to 39, 40 to 49,50 to 60, 60 to 69 and 70 plus

• The Short Course Triathlon Classic (750m swim, 30km bike, 7.5km run) powered by BDO

  • Individual Triathlon
    • Male and Female divisions
    • Participants must be 16 years old as of December 31st, 2020 to participate in the Short Course Triathlon
    • 16 to 19, 20 to 29, 30 to 39, 40 to 49, 50 to 60, 60 to 69 and 70 plus

• Short Course Swim/Bike (750m swim, 30km bike)

  • Male and Female divisions
  • Participants must be 16 years old as of December 31st, 2020 to participate in the Short Course Triathlon

• Short Course Triathlon Relay Events (750m swim, 30km bike, 7.5km run)

  • A relay team is made up of two or three members, with one team member completing one or more legs of the race.
  • Participants must be 16 years old as of December 31st, 2020 to participate in the Short Course Triathlon
  • Short Course Triathlon Relay: Friends and family members can get together to put a team in where you work together to get to the finish line.  Here are some ideas for you:
    • The “Neighbourly” Challenge: Go knock on a neighbours door and challenge them for bragging rights on the street.  The losing team has to cut your grass the next time or do a household chore for the winning family the week following the race!
    • A “Friendly” Challenge:  Get 6 friends together, put the names in a hat and pull names for the teams.  Figure out who is doing what leg of the race, and the losing team has to cook and do the dishes for winners!
    • Come up with your own challenge…but keep it fun!
  • Corporate Relay Challenge: Grab some of your co-workers and put together a team for bragging rights around the water cooler! This is fun team building event for corporations, businesses and organizations will have teams of three working together as a relay, with one person doing each of  the 750m swim, 30km bike and a 7.5 km run legs.  Challenge your business rivals to a friendly competition for even more bragging rights!

• Duathlon (2.5km run, 30km bike, and 7.5km run)

  • Male and Female divisions
    • Age groups: Under 45, and 45 and over
  • Participants must be 16 years old as of December 31st, 2020 to participate in the Short Course Triathlon

• Triathlon Club Challenges

  • These are open to triathlon teams that are registered with Triathlon Ontario. You do not need to enter: we know who you are!
  • Triathlon Club Participation: This challenges triathlon clubs to participate in a team-building exercise. It can also serve as a high intensity training day right in the heart of triathlon country on a scenic and very quiet course.  The club with the most members participating (other than TriMuskoka) takes home the trophy!
  • Championship Team Score: This challenge adds the four best placings in four distinct age/gender categories in the Short Course Classic.
    • If a team has a 1st place, two 2nd places, and one 4th place, this total score would be 9
    • Lowest team score takes home the trophy!

*Note: There will be no race day entries. *

Don’t Know Where To Start?  Use Our Customized Training Plans

One of the biggest questions in people’s minds when they want to get into the sport of triathlon is “How do I start?”. Well, a Try-a-Tri is a great way to get into the sport, but it is also a way to have a goal that needs you to cross train in three different sports.  This reduces your risk of injuries that you might incur if you were just doing one sport, in one direction, over and over again.  There are a lot of resources out there, but we have made a custom 8-week training schedule for newcomers to follow.  Once you open up the file, you will see that the goals of each workout are achievable.

The TriMuskokan 8 Week Couch to Try-a-Tri Training Plan

The TriMuskokan 8 Week Beginner Short Course Triathlon Training Plan

Is this your first triathlon?  Want Hands On Experience?  Let Us Help Calm Your Nerves 

Join our Pre-Race Newbie Clinic on June 20th, 2020

We are once again offering our TriMuskokan Pre-Event “Newbie” Clinic to familiarize participants with the elements of a triathlon and to give them a chance to see (and exercise on) the TriMuskokan swim, bike, and run courses.

We host this clinic because we have all been there – at the start line for the first time.  Knowing that many of our participants are newcomers, whether they are doing the Try-a-Tri, a Relay, or the full Short Course, our Club felt that this would be a great way to give back and give thanks to those who helped us out when we were all new to the sport.

If you are doing The TriMuskokan, you may find this a helpful way to ‘get a feel’, and get psyched-up for race day!

TriMuskokan Pre-Event Clinic Details:

• • Where: The clinic is held at the Canada Summit Centre . We will meet behind the Summit Centre, near Alberto’s Hair Salon.

• • When: Saturday June 20th from 8:30 a.m. until approx 11:15
  • How much: The cost for the clinic is $20. Registration for the clinic will pop up as an option during the event registration process  
  • What: We will have a hands-on swim, bike and run on parts of The TriMuskokan course, in a low stress environment.  We will also have brief instructional sessions on setting up transition, race-day clothing and nutrition. Our coach and several TriMuskoka members will be on hand to help lead us!

• The Order: After setting up our bikes in the bike racks, we will actually start with a 30 minute bike workout on the Try-a-Tri course. We are doing this first to take advantage of the lighter traffic, earlier in the morning. On race day we will have O.P.P. officers at key intersections, but not for the clinic. After a discussion on transition, we will do a loop of the run course. We will then stop again, for a discussion on clothing and nutrition during the final 24 hours. Then, once the day is nicely warm, we’ll jump in the river and swim the Try-a-Tri course. We will have kayaks in the water to escort you, and ‘nervous swimmers’ can swim along the river’s edge. Then we’ll finish with more Q&A, and lots of encouragement!

• Still have questions?  Please contact our clinic coordinator

Can’t make the Newbie Clinic?  Join us for the “Pre-Race Walk About” on June 27th, 2020 at 5pm

On June 27th at 5:00pm, we will meet up at the main doors to the Canada Summit Centre, and will do an informal 20 minute walk about the swim start, exits, the transition zone, and of course the finish line. We’ll have lots of Q&A too!

The Official TriMuskokan Athlete Guide

What would a triathlon be without an official athlete guide! Well we have put it all together so you can read it and re-read it and re-read it so you are ready for race day. The details are over inclusive but we want you to be prepared for when the big day comes. The document has a complete schedule, how to check in, where to do it, how to set up transition and what gear you need to bring. We haven’t updated the Athlete Guide for 2020 yet, but if you want to take a peek at the one from last year, here it is:

The Official TriMuskokan Athlete Guide

Race Course Descriptions

The TriMuskokan takes place at the Canada Summit Centre located right in downtown Huntsville.  As you can see from the photo below (click to blow it up), the event takes place on a quiet parcel of land that embraces the athletic facilities and the natural landscape that Huntsville has to offer.

The Race Experience

The Holiday Inn Express and Suites Swim Course

The Tulloch Engineering Transition Zone

The Muskoka Medical Pharmacy Bike Course

The Greystone Run Course

Getting Involved: Spectators and Volunteer Information

Schedule of Events: (subject to change, but it gives you an idea…)

• Location: The TriMuskokan takes place at the Canada Summit Centre at 20 Park Drive in Huntsville. Here is a link to the location on Google Maps

The Schedule of Events:

Saturday

• 4:00 to 6:00 pm:  Athlete check in at the Canada Summit Centre
• 5:00pm: Optional 20-minute pre-race walk around and a chance to ask any last minute questions. This may be especially useful for first-timers. Meet at the Summit Centre main doors.

Sunday

• • 6:00: Transition Zone Opens
  • 6:30 – 7:30: Athlete Check-In for Short Course Classic, Duathlon, Swim-Bike and Relays
  • 6:30 – 9:00: Athlete Check-in for Try-a-Tri
  • 7:00: Announcements start
  • 7:20: The first train will depart from the Muskoka Heritage Place train station, near  Transition. The nice thing is that it is on the way towards the swim start. We are super excited to bring back this bit of history Muskoka triathlons! This used to be a staple at our events, but has fallen by the wayside in the past number of years.
    • Trains will be leaving approximately every 10 minutes, but the train conductor will wait for the train to fill up before they leave.
    • Try-a-Tri Athletes:  The train will continue to operate for you to go down to your swim start, albeit a shorter distance to your start…but why should you be left out of the fun!!
    • But be aware that the last train leaves at 9:15am
  • 7:30: The latest time you want to head to Camp Kitchen (by foot) for the Short Course swim
  • 7:40: Pre-race meeting (mandatory) at Camp Kitchen for Short Course Classic, Swim-Bike and All relays
  • 8:00: Pre-race meeting (mandatory) for Duathletes on the steps of Huntsville High School, near transition
  • 8:00:  Transition Zone closes for Short Course, Duathlon, Relays, Swim-Bike
    • The Transition Zone is part of the race course, and we cannot have late arrivals setting-up while the lead racers come through on course. If you are not set-up, you need to wait until the last swimmer is out of the water and on the bike course.

• • 8:00: Short Course Race Start!
    • • 8:00am: Men 39 and under, and all relay swimmers (regardless of age, gender)
    • • 8:03am: Women 39 and under
    • • 8:06am: Men 40 and over
    • 8:09am: Women 40 and over, and all Swim-Bikers

• • 8:10: Duathlon start: adjacent to the Transition Zone, in front of the high school (one wave)

• • 8:30: Try-a-Tri meeting is at 9:00 at the train station platform.  You will then take the train down to the swim start and get ready to rumble!

• • 9:00: Try-a-Tri Race Start!
    • • 9:00: all men
    • • 9:03: women, aged 39 and under
    • • 9:06: women, aged 40+
    • Your swim cap colour will identify your wave number. We use waves to manage the total number of athletes in the water, and to avoid crowding.

• • Transition Re-Opening: The transition zone will re-open after the last athlete has returned from the bike and started the run (separately for the Short Course and Try-a-Tri sections of transition)

• 11:30 (approximately): Post-race celebration and awards!

Registration Information for the 2020 TriMuskokan

Registration for the 2020 TriMuskokan opens at midnight December 1st, 2019.

The TriMuskokan registration fees were developed to provide a fee that is affordable, yet is able to cover the costs of the event. Any profits go directly back into our community to support athletes and coaches, regardless of level of experience, through unique learning opportunities or local infrastructure.

Things to note before you register:

• CCN:  We are using CCN Bikes, the new registration partner for Triathlon Ontario (TriOntario), for our TriMuskokan Online Registration. If you have not registered via CCN Bikes before, you will be prompted to create an account (it’s free) before you register. If you are already a member, you will be asked to Log In to the CCN site in order to access the TriMuskokan Online Registration.
• TriOntario Membership: You must have or purchase a 2020 TriOntario membership (annual or one-day) that extends to race day. If you do not have one, you will be prompted by the TriOntario website to do this and add it to your cart (it’s all integrated). The TriOntario one-day fee, or annual membership, will be added to the prices below. For information about Triathlon Ontario memberships, please visit their membership page.
• T-Shirts: If you register before June 6th, you will receive a commemorative TriMuskokan Shirt.  This is the date our t-shirt order must be sent to our supplier in order to have them made.
• Refunds and Transfers:
  • Unfortunately we won’t be able to return your money if you can’t make it to the race.  However if you advise us before May 1st, we can provide you with the following options:
    • You can defer your race entry to the following year’s TriMuskokan (maximum of one deferral)
    • You can change the race you are doing (e.g. you could change from a triathlon event to either the Duathlon or Swim/Bike, Short Course Triathlon to Try a Tri, etc).
    • For logistical reasons, transfers of your race registration to another individual is not being offered.
    • The above options are only available until May 1st, 2020.  After this date, no options will be offered
• Relay Prices: Relay prices will be displayed as “per athlete” cost.  This allows the Captain to register and pay for one person (himself/herself), two people or the whole team. Depending on how many people registered through the Captain’s log-in, the system will calculate the correct cost.  The individual athlete cost will also depend on when that person registers and pays.  This seems fair to the teams members who pay by the earlier date.

Yes, we have sold out for the last three years.

Thats a bonafide fact.  Every year it sells out earlier, so best to get registered sooner than later!  If you don’t get in, you can always volunteer….volunteers are offered registration a week before the event is launched to the rest of the public.  Just another thank you to our amazing volunteers for helping out!

Registration for the 2020 TriMuskokan opens at midnight December 1st, 2019.

The maximum for individual entries is 375 .  This includes entries for the Short Course Triathlon/Duathlon/Swim-Bike and Try-a-Tri.

The maximum number for relay entries is 20 relay teams in either of the General Relay or Corporate Relay Challenges

Note:  TriMuskoka does not charge HST.  We are a not for profit organization and we don’t qualify for HST.  As such, what you see it what you pay. 

• There will, however, be an administrative fee for CCN Bikes, who manage our online registration, and you will notice this fee added to your final bill at checkout on the CCN site 

Shirts:

• The shirts are technical cotton shirts; they are not a loose fit.  If you want one that is looser, please consider ordering a size up. 
• Registrations after June 6th will unfortunately not receive a commemorative t-shirt.  We need time to order them and make them! 

Registration for the 2020 TriMuskokan opens at midnight December 1st, 2019.

Getting Here and Where To Stay

For this event, we have two of our sponsors that have paired up with us.

• The Holiday Inn Express is offering accommodations located in the Howland business park, which is 5 minutes from race site.  Follow this link to access the group code, which is TRI.  Additionally, you can call the hotel itself at 705-788-9500 and ask for the TriMuskoka group code “TRI”
• The Comfort Inn Huntsville is offering accommodations close to the race site.  The Huntsville Comfort Inn is proud to be a supporter of the Trimuskokan and is located minutes away from the start of the race. We offer a Free Full Breakfast to all our guests, rooms with fridges and microwaves and select rooms have patio door access.  Simply contact the Huntsville Comfort Inn and ask for “The TriMuskokan” which will provide you with a special TriMuskokan rate

To access other options, please click over to our Accommodations Page and our Directions Page

Results from The TriMuskokan

Here is a link to the results for the various events!

Photos  From The 2019 TriMuskokan

If you weren’t able to make it this year, don’t worry, we are going to have next years event on June 28th, 2020!  In the meanwhile, take a look at some pictures of the 2019 event….it’s not just a race…it’s an experience…

Thank You To Our Fantastic 2020 Sponsors

We are looking for sponsors!  If you are interested, please email us at info@trimuskoka.com for more information and we will send you a sponsorship package

Short Course Title Sponsor	Try A Tri Title Sponsor
Duathlon Title Sponsor	Swim Course Sponsor
This could be your business!
Bike Course Sponsor	Run Course Sponsor
Transition Zone Sponsor	Finish Line Sponsor
Volunteer Sponsor	Swim Bike Sponsor
This could be your business!	This could be your business!
Post Race Food Sponsor	Post Race Food Sponsor
Post Race Food Sponsor	Post Race Food Sponsor
Official Thirst Quencher of the TriMuskokan
Swag Sponsor	Swag Sponsor
Swag Sponsor	Swag Sponsor
Swag Sponsor	Registration and Awards Sponsor
Photo Sponsor	Photo Sponsor
Photo Sponsor	Official On-Course Liquid Nutrition Sponsor
Race Bib Sponsor	Race Bib Sponsor
Race Bib Sponsor	Race Bib Sponsor
Event Expo Participant	Event Expo Participant
This could be your business!	This could be your business!
Race Equipment Sponsors
Community Cheering Squad

 Interested in supporting this great community event as a sponsor?  Email us at info@trimuskoka.com for more information or click here to download the 2020 package

Getting Here and Where To Stay

For this event, we have two of our sponsors that have paired up with us.

• The Holiday Inn Express is offering accommodations located in the Howland business park, which is 5 minutes from race site.  The Holiday Inn Express works hard to make their clients stay as comfortable and as easy as possible.  Every morning, there is a continental breakfast with health options available for people who stay at the hotel.
• The Comfort Inn Huntsville is offering accommodations close to the race site.  The Huntsville Comfort Inn is proud to be a supporter of the Trimuskokan and is located minutes away from the start of the race. We offer a Free Full Breakfast to all our guests, rooms with fridges and microwaves and select rooms have patio door access.  Simply contact the Huntsville Comfort Inn and ask for “The TriMuskokan” which will provide you with a special TriMuskokan rate