🏴‍☠️A’Hoy Matey! Lake Metroparks Prepares For Annual Pirate Triathlon

A’Hoy Matey!

Lake Metroparks’ annual Pirate Triathlon, sponsored by Balance Foot & Ankle Wellness Clinic, will take place on Sunday, July 21 at Fairport Harbor Lakefront Park. The race will begin at 8 am. Whether a seasoned triathlete or first-time competitor, this time-honored tradition is both fun and safe for racers of all ages and abilities.

Lake Metroparks’ annual Pirate Triathlon, sponsored by Balance Foot & Ankle Wellness Clinic, will take place on Sunday, July 21 at Fairport Harbor Lakefront Park. The race will begin at 8 am. Whether a seasoned triathlete or first-time competitor, this time-honored tradition is both fun and safe for racers of all ages and abilities.

Beginning in the sheltered waters of Fairport Harbor, participants swim 500 meters along the beach from the west to the east and back again. For those who don’t like to swim, there is a kayak division. Kayakers paddle approximately two kilometers (1.24 miles) on the water before returning to the sand to begin the next section of the race. The bike section takes racers 20 kilometers (12.43 miles) through the streets of Fairport Harbor and Painesville Township. Upon completion of the bike course, racers begin a 5K (3.1 miles) run to the finish. Participants must bring their own equipment for each discipline.

"Over the past 27 years, this race has grown into a great tradition—we have participants of all ages and abilities come back year after year because they enjoy the camaraderie of this event. Some racers even dress as pirates to really get into the spirit,” says Lake Metroparks Outdoor Education Manager Brian Davidson. “Some racers have completed numerous triathlons while others are competing in their first to overcome a fear or surpass a goal. After participating in this race, they can say, ‘I am a triathlete’ and that is a bucket list item for many folks.”

All participants must pre-register online by Sunday, July 14. Same-day and on-site registrations will not be accepted. Cost to compete is $40 per individual or $60 per relay team *processing fee applies.

Event information can be found here: goto.lakemetroparks.com/pirate-triathlon

Interested in partnering with us? Email elyse@tourlakecounty.com to learn more about how to partner with Tour Lake County!