Long Distance and Spring Races

By Kristen Hislop

In season two “Ted Lasso” used a Walt Whitman quote “Be curious, not judgmental” during a darts game. He talked about how he was judged for what he said and did by others who thought they had it all figured out. Sometimes that sounds like the multisport world. You often hear people talking about an event they have done, saying ‘you should do it’. But rarely do we ask what kind of course suits you, what sports do you love, what are you doing currently? Athletes will pick a race because other people are doing it. Let’s be open in our race planning. Let’s ask questions of ourselves to learn and understand more.

How could we be judgmental? All too often I hear people say things like ‘I can’t do that, I am not fit enough, I won’t hit the time cutoffs, or I don’t have the gear/time/finances.’ These questions are roadblocks. While some people just do what others are doing, others are piling up the roadblocks. How can we be more open to learning and understanding?

Let’s start by asking some questions. What do I want to get out of the race I sign up for? How much time do I have to train? What type of courses are best for me, hills, rolling or flats? What is my budget? What is your why? Those are all questions that will get you to likely want to choose some of the events I’ll profile here.

Let’s start with a big roadblock for many. Those pesky time cutoffs. Almost everyone who signs up for a long distance event is worried about a time cut off. For many it is the swim. Did you know there are events with no time cutoffs? Mark Wilson, known for events with a great experience, puts on the OnondagaMan, CassadagaMan, and many other races that don’t have cutoffs on the swim, bike or run!

The OnondagaMan is held in Jamesville on the short-lived Ironman 70.3 Syracuse course, just two hours from the Capital Region, on Saturday, May 31. It’s a fabulous long course triathlon (1.2M swim, 56M bike, 13.1M run) in a beautiful setting, with aquabike and relay team options. Add in a changing tent, stocked aid stations, real food, beer garden, music, and swag, it might become your new favorite season kickoff race.

For a challenge you won’t forget soon, CassadagaMan is in Cassadaga, an hour south of Buffalo, on Saturday, August 30. There are long course and intermediate (1.2M swim, 28M bike, 6M run…) races, with aquabike and relay team options. The long distance race has similar elevations to the IMLP courses but no cutoff times. The intermediate courses are also challenging, but you’ll be glad you chose these races. Wilson Endurance Sports also puts on shorter triathlons: Ticonderoga on June 14, Stissing on June 22, Litchfield Hills on July 5, Delta Lake on July 12, and Findley Lake on July 27. If you’re interested in both long distance races, bookend your season with the new “O-Man/C-Man Double” for tri or aquabike. Visit: coachmarkwilson.com.

Michelle Bankowski of Poughkeepsie, now a coach with Wilson Endurance Sports, says “The attention Mark and Tonia give to athletes plus the beautiful, challenging courses make these races a must do! Having done every race, with the exception of Findley Lake, I can say, every race I’ve done with them has challenging courses, well-stocked aid stations, good athlete support while out on the course, amazing volunteers, and the town always seems to love that we are there! One thing that’s a small gesture, but I love the most, Mark will greet each and every athlete as we walk into the water to start our race. Mark and Tonia clearly love what they do and they make athletes feel special.”

Maybe you’d like a race with history. The 43rd annual Tupper Lake Tinman in the village of Tupper Lake, west of Lake Placid, is on Saturday, June 28. It’s one of the longest running long course triathlons in the US. Held even before Lycra, carbon fiber, and aero helmets, proving you can race with the gear you have! Participants can choose one of five races: Tinman (half iron), aquabike, team relay, Olympic, and sprint. The rolling hills, straightforward courses, knowledgeable volunteers and fun post-race activities make this one a must do. You’ll find many athletes who return year after year willing to give advice on the courses and conditions.

Race director Wendy Peroza says, “Our race gives athletes of all skill and ability levels a chance to participate in a great triathlon. We offer Tinman (half iron), Olympic, and sprint distances, so there’s a little something for everyone. It’s a great event whether we’re the primary race on someone’s calendar, a beginner race for those just starting out, or a prep race for something longer. I think we’ve been able to keep going all these years because we have a great grassroots following with the athletes. Those that have had a positive experience share with their racing friends that this race is plenty for most people.” Go to: tupperlaketinman.com.

Is budget a concern? Think about planning ahead as all races here have tiers of pricing. The earlier you get registered the less you’ll pay. Wilson and Alpha Win Racing always do a sweet deal the week after each race for the next year’s event. If you plan your race calendar early, and register early, you get in on the good deals.

The Alpha Win: Hudson Valley is in Kingston on Saturday, June 28. It starts with a swim through the pristine Williams Lake, followed by a bike ride to the Ashokan Reservoir, and a run on the historic Wallkill Valley Rail Trail. If one of your roadblocks is time to train, then this might be a great option as you can choose from long course, Olympic, sprint, and open distances.

In the southeastern Adirondacks, the Alpha Win: Lake George Triathlon is in the village of Lake George on August 30-31. The long course is on Saturday, and the Olympic and sprint races are on Sunday. It will be the USA Triathlon NYS Age Group, High School, and Club Championships, and a Northeast Collegiate Triathlon Conference event. It’s a fun and competitive weekend in a family-friendly atmosphere. There’s also an Alpha Win: Saugerties Triathlon on Sept. 14. Check out: alpha.win.

You might be saying wait, these are great, but I want to shine on the national stage. Okay then how about Peasantman Steel Distance Triathlons at Indian Pines Park in Penn Yan on Sunday, August 17. The village lies at the north end of the east branch of Keuka Lake, one of the Finger Lakes. As part of Peasantman, First Knight Racing will be hosting the USA Triathlon Ultra-Distance National Championships for triathlon: 2.4M swim/116M bike/26.2M run = 144.6; aquabike:  2.4M swim/116M bike = 118.4; and duathlon: 6.55M run/116M bike/19.65M run = 142.2. Peasantman made Triathlete magazine’s list of “Best iron distance races in North America” in 2023. Their own “Steel Distances” are just slightly longer than traditional triathlon distances, due to a longer bike course. With 11 races to choose from – with full right down through sprint – there is a race for you. They’ll also have a kids’ Splash & Dash on Saturday, August 16.

I did the Keuka Lake Triathlon the first year that First Knight Racing took over. They put on a great event, making all athletes feel welcome and appreciated (Keuka will be on June 8). Joe McMahon founded Peasantman in 2013, with help from Steve Anderson and a great crew. They also put on a fall event, called the Knight’s Fury Duathlon in Honeoye Falls on Sept. 27. Visit: firstknightracing.com.

Maybe you’ve read this far and think ‘I will never do a multisport event.’ I don’t/won’t swim. Have no fear, be curious and you’ll learn that there are multiple ways to conquer the water. Two events in May offer the chance to paddle, pedal and plod! 

Schenectady County presents the 11th annual Pedal-Paddle-Run at Aqueduct Park in Niskayuna on Saturday, May 10. Get ready for a unique doable adventure! Pedal 7M on Aqueduct Road (tracing the original Erie Canal’s path); paddle 2M on the historic Mohawk River/Erie Canal; and finish with a 5K run along the Mohawk-Hudson Bike-Hike Trail (aka Empire State Trail). For paddling, kayaks, canoes and SUPs are welcome. As bonus, by completing the race, you get 12 miles credit toward your Canalway Challenge mileage goal!

Go solo or team up with friends or family to conquer this challenge. Whether you’re a seasoned athlete or just looking for an unforgettable experience, this race is for you. Need a kayak, Upstate Kayak Rentals are available for just $15 through registration! Experienced runner and coach, Michelle Carr of Schenectady, did this event as her foray into the multisport realm. She recommends taking on the challenge and suggested the team option for people who aren’t paddlers. Go to: schenectadycountyny.gov.

A week later, you can test out the Glimmerglass Triathlon at Glimmerglass State Park in Cooperstown on Saturday, May 17. The race returned last year after a long hiatus, and 2025 will be bigger and better than ever. It begins on a kayak, canoe or SUP with a 1.5M Otsego Lake paddle; the bike will take riders 18M north of the park on secondary roads; and you’ll finish with a 10K run that’s mostly in the park. Solo and teams are welcome, and kayak/canoe rentals are available. 

You’ll be joined by Lara Comithier of Greenville, who did the Mohawk Towpath Byway Duathlon in Clifton Park last October and was hooked. She said, “Glimmerglass offered the same kind of race I like and with kayaking, which I love, so I signed right up. The Cooperstown area is beautiful. Glimmerglass offers canoe, kayak and SUP options with a medal at the finish line and lunch to follow.” Lara’s on to something here! Check out: itsyourrace.com.

Be curious and get out there! Capitalize on your hidden talent, maybe not darts but paddling, to get out there and show yourself and others the power of doing. Head to the Adirondack Sports Summer Expo in Saratoga Springs on March 22-23 as many of these events will be there to answer your questions and show you how to break through the self-judgement to cross the finish line!

Kristen Hislop (hislopcoaching@gmail.com) is a USA Triathlon and Ironman U coach, and race director for the Delightful Run for Women. Hislop Coaching offers a mindset program for all ages/abilities called Stronger Than Yesterday. She is a proud mother to two boys who run in college and her husband who races and volunteers at many local events.