Paddling Leg – 7K

• From the start at Lake Calhoun, the course heads to the quiet waters of Lake of the Isles and Cedar Lake, finishing on tiny Brownie Lake. Bring your own boat or rent a canoe.
• The race starts at the north end of Lake Calhoun. However, the start may change depending upon weather conditions (high winds out of the north being the most likely cause).
• Paddlers may drop off their boat at start, but official race parking is at the Calhoun Executive Center parking lot. Paddlers may also want to consider paddling to the start area.
• For those who have pre-reserved a rental kayak or canoe, these boats must be picked up directly at Wheel Fun rentals the morning of the race. Wheel Fun Rentals is at the northeast corner of Lake Calhoun — participants can then paddle the very short distance to the Calhoun North Beach start. Arrive early on race-day to pick up these boats.
• All paddlers are required to report to the start area for an 8:30 a.m. meeting to discuss the course, safety and any last-minute changes.
• All paddlers must have life vests. All paddlers are advised to wear personal flotation devices (PFDs). Paddlers 14 and under must wear a pfd.
• The start is self-seeded. Slower boats/paddlers should start toward the back. The race will not start until all boats are behind the start line.
• Follow the buoys marked on the   course map. Note that for those who traditionally paddle the Hoigaard’s Canoe Derby, there are two additional buoys at the south end of Cedar Lake.
• Brownie Tunnel – The tunnel leading into Brownie Lake is narrow. Boats must proceed through the tunnel single-file.
• Finish – There are two boat landings on Brownie Lake. If one landing is occupied, use the other.

Paddle-Run Transition

• Paddlers will be required to remove their canoe from the water and portage their boat a short distance (about 50’). Once the boat is across the transition line, it can be left (volunteers will then move the boats into the boat corral area for later pickup). Paddlers continuing on the run may start running as soon as the boat is across the line. As soon as the team boat is across the line and the team timing chip has been transferred to the team runner the team runner may start running.
• There will be no gear pick-up area at the Canoe-Run transition. Any materials participants want at this transition must be brought in their canoe.
• An aide station will be provided at this transition area. The aide station will include energy drink and water.

Run Leg – 5K

• Mostly on dirt/grass trails through South Wirth. The run is the most challenging portion of the course with a few good hills.
• Follow the marked course. There is one road crossing and another short section in a residential neighborhood. Please use good judgment in proceeding through these sections.
• A small segment of the running course follows a few steps down a hill – use care when descending on these steps.
• Keep in mind that the Tri-Loppet shares the park with other activities. Please be respectful of other park users.

Run-Bike Transition

• There will be a secured bicycle drop-off zone at the end of the running leg.
• Participants may place their bike and other gear in the drop-off zone starting at 7 a.m. on race morning.
• For relay teams, bikers must obtain the timing chip from the team runner before beginning.
• Biking may not commence until after the biker has left the Bike Corral area.
• There will also be an aide station located in this transition area. The aide station will include energy drink, water, bread rolls and fruit.

Bike Leg – 13K

• A mix of blacktop and dirt/gravel trails, with the majority of the biking on easier trails.
• There are five distinct segments that are not on pavement: the west side of Wirth Lake (.5 kilometers); a grassy area near the 55 Underpass (.5 kilometers); the ski trails in the “Back 40” (3 kilometers); the ski trails immediately behind the Chalet (1 kilometer -this portion of the trail includes the biggest hills); and a short grassy trail near Bassett Creek toward the end of the ride (.2 kilometers).
• In wet conditions the bike course may be altered.
• There are two short two-way sections of trail. On all two-way sections, riders must stay to the left. Riders are required to proceed with caution and under control on all two-way sections. Reckless riding that endangers other riders may lead to disqualification. There is no passing in any of the two-way sections!
• Pass with care. Generally, alerting the slower rider by saying “on your left” or “on your right” is appropriate.
• There are two road crossings in the bike section of the course. Police officers will be controlling traffic. However, bicycle riders are still expected to use good judgment in crossing the roads.
• All bikers must wear helmets while riding. Pass with care and be respectful of other riders.
• Non-race park users may be on the trails during the event. Please be respectful and use good judgment when passing.
• Bikers should proceed with caution and ride under control at all times.

Finish

• The finish area is located adjacent to the run-bike transition area.
• After completing the course, participants may store their bicycles in the secured bicycle area until 2 p.m.
• Post-race refreshments including energy drink, water, fruit and rolls will be provided.

Course Marking

Races in the woods and on trails require that the athletes stay focused – part of the event is staying on course and we are going to make that more official. The way these events are laid out going off course usually means cutting time. Adding mandatory checkpoints (whose locations will not be revealed to the athletes prior to the race) will force all the athletes to take staying on the course very seriously.