THE HARVEST MOON SWIM COURSE (1.2 Miles): Aurora Reservoir features some of the cleanest water in all of Colorado since they don't allow motorized boating, a swimmers dream!  Swimmers will complete a 1.2 mile Out-and back swim route in the Aurora Reservoir, starting on the right side of the beach and finishing on the left, the run up to the transition area is fully carpeted. The start will be in waves which will be posted at packet pick-up locations and on our website 1 week before the event.  Water temperature in the reservoir in September is typically in the high sixties, so wetsuits are encouraged. Water temperature in 2013 was 71 degrees.

THE HARVEST MOON BIKE COURSE (56 Miles): Riders will complete a 56 mile course, with an out-and-back spur located in the first half of the course. The route will follow rural country roads that are open to light local traffic. The route covers a mix of hilly terrain and long flats through the farm & ranch country of eastern Colorado. The start/finish will be the hilliest part of the course.

NOTICE FROM STATE PATROL: Pre-riding the course is fine, however you must follow the rules of the road. Pack riding that impedes auto traffic is not allowed. Rolling through stop signs is not allowed. Riders who are caught violating these rules will be ticketed by State Patrol, and we will not allow you to start the race - entry fees will not be refunded. Please follow the rules or it will jeopardize our ability to continue holding this event

BIKE AID STATIONS: There will be 3 water bottle hand-ups on the bike course stocked with chilled water and Gatorade drink. Please discard all empty bottles at these zones only. Aid stations will be located approximately at miles 11, 30, and 45. These locations are equally spaced by the time it will take to ride between them, based on terrain and normal wind direction.COURSE DIRECTIONS: Head out on Aurora Reservoir down Powhaton, right on Quincy(turn-around is the top of a long gradual climb), head back down Quincy, right on Watkinsrd, Right on HW 36, right on Kiowa-Bennett Road, right on Quincy, Left back to Aurora Reservoir

HARVEST MOON TRIATHLON RUN COURSE (3.1 Miles):  The 13.1 mile run course is a winding route on the bike path that wraps around the Aurora Reservoir. The run will be an out and back format, with aid stations at each mile. The terrain is flat to gently rolling, with some hills near the beginning and end. The course is completely closed to motor vehicles and follows a mix of dirt roadways, concrete, and asphalt bike paths. The run leaves the back corner of the upper parking lot and travels counter clockwise around the lake to a turn-around point on the dam, and then returns via the same route to finish near the pavilion at Aurora Reservoir swim beach.

AID STATIONS: Will be located at each mile of the run. Each aid station will be stocked with: Ice Cold Water, Gatorade drink, CLIF Gel, flat coke, pretzels, cookies, and CLIF Bars. Each aid station will have a Beljum Budder squeeze pump along with Sunblock! It's get's hot out there and sometimes the chamois cream and sun block you put on at 7:00am just isn't enough.

DUATHLON 5K RUN TO START:  The 1st Duathlon run (5k) will be a single loop course.  Athletes will meet our timer outside of transition at 7:20am and walk to the official starting line which is 300m down the side-walk path past the finish line.  The 5k run starts out on the winding bike path before hitting a dirt road with one hill.  The dirt road continues for 3/4 of a mile before intersecting back with the bike path, at which point athletes will take a left and head back to the transition area.

DIRECTIONS TO AURORA RESERVOIR

BOULDER/FT. COLLINS:  Take I-70 E towards DIA.  Then take exit 282 for I-225 South to exit 4 for S. Parker Rd. Take a Left on Quincy and follow all the way out to the turn-off to Aurora Reservoir (S. Powhaton Rd.).  On Quincy you'll pass the fairgrounds on your right and then you'll take a right on S. Powhaton rd. Continue straight for 1.8 miles and you'll be directed by a professional parking crew.

S. DENVER/COLORADO SPRINGS:  The fastest and most direct way is to take I-25 north to E-470 towards Grand Junction/Limon.  Take exit 13 for Quincy Ave. and head east.  2 miles later you'll take a right on S. Powhaton rd.  Continue straight for 1.8 miles and you'll be directed by a professional parking crew.

SPECTATORS: Spectators can enter and exit the park whenever they would like (park hours are from 6am to 8pm). Spectator entry fees are $10 and are by vehicle (If arriving with a participant there is no vehicle fee). Handicapped parking is available; Please let the parking crew know of a handicapped parking request. Caution!!! Athletes are out on the roads, please be careful when entering and exiting the park.