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Published September 17, 2026 03:25AM<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
For most new triathletes, the open-water swim is the most intimidating discipline. If you\u2019re not ready to take the plunge, you can still experience multisport adventures.<\/p>\n
At most of these unconventional triathlons, the swim leg is replaced by a kayak, canoe, or stand-up paddleboard leg. Ranging from New Jersey to California, these fun adventure races give you a taste of the multisport experience without getting your feet (too) wet.<\/p>\n\nPisgah 12-Hour Adventure Race\u00a0<\/b><\/h2>\n September
North Carolina is home to a number of adventure races, but the Pisgah 12-Hour Adventure Race is truly unique. Unlike a traditional triathlon, athletes will embark on an orienteering adventure with the goal to gather as many punches as possible from checkpoints on the course within the allotted time. The team with the most points in the least amount of time wins.<\/p>\n
It\u2019s based around Lake James State Park at the edge of Linville Gorge in Nebo, North Carolina, and 2026 will be the seventh time the race has been held in this location.<\/p>\n
Expect bushwacking, mountain biking on single track, and scenic paddling. You can race solo, but it\u2019s more fun with friends, so create a team of 2-4 people. You\u2019ll need to know how to read a map, use a compass, and even though you paddle, you\u2019ll still get wet, so dress accordingly. Race with a head lamp in the dark and carry fluid and snacks for the duration. It\u2019s the most fun you can have in the woods with a hundred of your newest friends.<\/p>\n<\/section>\n\nGut Check Cape Cod<\/h2>\nAt Gut Check Cape Cod, which takes place in Nickerson State Park, athletes don\u2019t know the exact course until race morning. <\/span> (Photo: Jittipong Rakritikul)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\nSeptemberBrewster, Massachusetts<\/i><\/p>\n
Gut Check Cape Cod isn\u2019t your typical triathlon. While it definitely falls into the \u201cadventure race\u201d category, this event is more of a point-to-point, outdoor quest. What\u2019s unique is that each year, the course is different, so nobody knows exactly what they\u2019re in for until minutes before the race start.<\/p>\n
Gut Check began in 2019 and takes place in the 2,000-acre Nickerson State Park. Described as a \u201cunique journey across land and water,\u201d the race includes 1,000 vertical feet of trail running, 1,000 vertical feet of road cycling, and water crossings that can be completed by swimming or paddling. The number of checkpoints is kept a secret until race morning, but there\u2019s an anticipated finish time of 1.5 to 3 hours.<\/p>\n
There will be no more than four swim segments, and each is a half mile or less. If you choose to paddle, those segments may be a bit longer.<\/p>\n
How do you prepare for a race like this? Organizers suggest being able to run 4-6 miles on trails, ride 5-10 miles, swim a total of 1,500 yards, and paddle up to 1.5 miles total.<\/p>\n
This race involves orienteering by map, and you must reach several checkpoints along the way. The objective is to use \u201cyour wits and fitness to scramble your way to the last cliff climb.\u201d You can race solo or in a 2-4-person team. In 2025, the race sold out, so don\u2019t wait to sign up for this one.<\/p>\n<\/section>\n\nThe Great Josh Billings Runaground<\/h2>\n September
The Great Josh Billings Runaground has a long and storied history (almost 50 years!) in the Berkshires of Western Massachusetts. The race consists of a 27-mile bike ride, 5-mile paddle, and 6.4-mile run.<\/p>\n
If you think you\u2019re up for the challenge, the first step is to assemble a team. The Tin category consists of two athletes who divide the three legs between themselves. For example, one athlete rides the bike, both paddle, and the second athlete runs. The Iron category is for a single athlete who wants to complete all three legs of the race.<\/p>\n
The cycling leg marks the start of the event in Great Barrington. Athletes will ride 27 miles through five different towns on the way to Stockbridge Bowl. Expect scenic country roads and rolling hills on this route with five climbs and 1,750 feet of elevation gain.<\/p>\n
After the ride, the cyclist will hand off a wristband to the next teammate waiting at the lake. That athlete will use a canoe, kayak, or SUP to paddle 5 miles around the lake finishing at Camp Mah-Kee-Nac. After the paddling leg, that athlete must hand the wristband to a runner waiting on the beach. The final leg of the race is a 6.4-mile run around the lake to the finish line at the Tanglewood Main Gate.<\/p>\n
So, who is Josh Billings? It\u2019s actually the pen name of Henry Wheeler Shaw, a writer and noted humorist from the 19th century. Known as a \u201ccracker-barrel philosopher,\u201d he penned a number of sayings, such as \u201cto finish is to win,\u201d which is the motto of The Great Josh Billings Runaground.<\/p>\n
This bike-canoe-run triathlon is one of the oldest and largest in the country. It\u2019s fun-loving, eccentric, and a bit wacky, much like its namesake. After the race, stick around for \u201cThe Bash\u201d to enjoy live music, a beer tent, massages, food, photo booth, and a kids race.<\/p>\n<\/section>\n\nBay City Morning Rotary Driathlon<\/h2>\nAt this \u201cDriathlon,\u201d you don\u2019t get wet unless you fall out of your kayak. <\/span> (Photo: Emily Woodruff Photograph | www.emilyawoodruff.com)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\nSeptember
If you had any doubts about whether or not this race involves swimming, the Bay City Morning Rotary put it right in the title for you. This is a \u201cDriathlon,\u201d which means you won\u2019t get wet (unless you fall out of your kayak).<\/p>\n
This year marks the 16th annual Driathlon in Bay City, Michigan. Described as a \u201ctriathlon with a twist,\u201d the event includes a paddle, bike, and run. It\u2019s a fundraiser for the Bay City Morning Rotary and allows the organization to distribute funds to local charities.<\/p>\n
Groups of two can compete in either a relay format, in a team format where each athlete does all three events, or you can choose the individual kayak division. Athletes begin the race with a 5K paddle in a kayak or canoe on the Kawkawlin River. The second leg is a 20K, three-loop route on Bangor Township roads. The final leg is a 5K run along the river.<\/p>\n
The transition area is located at Castaways Bay City where there will be pre-race coffee, donuts, and bagels available. Post-race, you can look forward to ShineWater, water, and fruit, as well as the musical stylings of the race DJ.<\/p>\n<\/section>\n