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YFC Seeley Lake Challenge Triathlon/Duathlon

YFC Seeley Lake Challenge Triathlon/Duathlon

YFC Seeley Lake Challenge offers a scenic triathlon and duathlon through Montana's old-growth forests.

Race Date

Aug 1, 2026

Location

Seeley Lake, MT

Quick facts

Date
Saturday, August 1, 2026
Location
Seeley Lake, Montana
Distance
Half marathon (13.1 mi) + 13.47 Miles, 13.64 Miles, 16.6 Miles, 13.38 Miles, 3.5 Miles, 2.03 Miles
Course
Loop Course
Terrain
Mixed
USATF certified
Not listed

Highlights

Good For

Beginner Friendly

Atmosphere

Local CommunityGreat MedalGreat Swag

Course

Fast FlatShaded

The Experience

The YFC Seeley Lake Challenge presents a unique opportunity for both seasoned triathletes and duathletes and those new to the sport. The event is set against the backdrop of Seeley Lake, Montana, with its open water swim, though wetsuits are typically not required due to reasonable water temperatures.

The running portion of the course winds through a shaded, three-mile trail lined with towering, old-growth Western Larch trees. This is complemented by a 7.8-mile bike leg that navigates a mix of paved county roads, dirt roads, and trails, offering a varied terrain experience. The half-marathon distance provides a substantial challenge for runners.

This event is designed as a family adventure, with multiple distances available for adults and children. Participants benefit from immediate chip timing results, and winners are recognized with Olympic-style podiums and medals. The race emphasizes community and accessibility, with free spectator parking and shuttles.

Race-provided description

Overview: This is a great race to start your triathlon or duathlon racing career or as a family adventure. The triathlon is in open water, but wet suits are not necessary as the water is a reasonable temperature. Distances for adults is Mini - 150 yds, Short - 300 yards, Long - 600 yards. The running course is mostly on a trail shaded with giant old growth Western Larch trees - 3 miles. The bike ride is on a combination of paved county road, dirt road and trails - 7.8 miles. All racers are chipped including the kids and finish times are immediately available for printing and on devices. Registration: At the venue, Riverpoint Campground Day Use area, from 2-5pm on Friday and 7-8:45 on Saturday. T-shirts will be distributed for those registering before July 15 at these times.  Everyone must park at Pyramid Mountain Lumber. There is no parking at the race site, and parking on Boy Scout or the neighbors driveways is not allowed. You may drop-off racers or spectators at the end of the road and they can walk or bike in and then park at Pyramid and either bike back to Riverpoint Campground or ride the shuttle. We hope everyone stays for the awards ceremony where the winners stand on Olympic style boxes and get their medal. A great photo op moment. Included in the racers fees are: parking, shuttle, T-shirt (if registered before July 15), race chip, snacks and medals for winners. Spectators: FREE spectator parking and shuttle.  Please feel free to bring folding chairs. Spectators must STAY OUT of the transition area by using a trail from the spectator area at the finish line to the beach.  Race Information: We have moved to a 3 second staggered start from the transition area starting at 9am. This has solved the congestion at the start of the race and since everyone is chipped there is no penalty for when you start. Everyone doing either the Triathlon or the Duathlon or participating as a team lines up by preference. All racers are chipped including the kids and finish times are immediately available for printing and on devices. The triathlon is in open water, but wet suits are not necessary as the water is a reasonable temperature. Distances for adults is Mini - 150 yds, Short - 300 yards, Long - 600 yards. The running course is mostly on a trail shaded with giant old growth Western Larch trees - 3 miles. The bike ride is on a combination of paved county road, dirt road and trails - 7.8 miles (the county has closed the Boy Scout bridge until 2027).  The Duathlon running course is mostly on a trail shaded with giant old growth Western Larch trees - 3 miles. The bike ride is on a combination of paved county road, dirt road and trails - 7.8 miles (the county has closed the Boy Scout bridge until 2027).  The Kids Triathlon starts when most of the adults have completed the course so families can watch approximately 11am. The kids use the outside of the swimming area bouys as their course. They can stop and hold on if they need to, and life vests are acceptable. Parents may follow along INSIDE the buoys. The bike ride is on the first half of the adult run trail for 8 and under and the entire adult run trail for 9-12.  The run is an out and back, to the campground road entrance for 8 and under and to the venue entrance for 9-12. They cross the same finish line as the adults.

Logistics

Race Day

Saturday, August 1, 2026

Start Time

9:00 AM

Giveaway

T-Shirt

Start Location

Riverpoint Campground, Boy Scout Rd, Seeley Lake, MT, 59868

Directions

Course Info

Course Type

Loop Course

Terrain

mixed

Scenery

Forest, Lake River

Surface

Dirt Trail, Paved

Difficulty

Ultra-Flat

Net Drop/km

0 m (Flat)

Separation

0.0%

Also Offers

13.47 Miles13.64 Miles16.6 Miles13.38 Miles3.5 Miles2.03 Miles

Quality Score

Methodology
Heritage0/20

first year

Size0/15

no finisher counts yet

Momentum3/5

small race — neutral

Loyalty0/20

needs a few years of results

Course & details3/15

3 timing sources

National draw0/10

no finisher data yet

Front-pack speed0/5

no winner time yet

Weather0/10

typical high 87°F

Race Day Weather

5-year historical avg

Start (Low)

58°

Afternoon (High)

87°

Hot conditions — adjust pace expectations, prioritize hydration

0.1"

Precipitation

9 mph

Wind

49%

Humidity

Frequently asked

When is the YFC Seeley Lake Challenge Triathlon/Duathlon?

The YFC Seeley Lake Challenge Triathlon/Duathlon is held on Saturday, August 1, 2026, starting at 9:00 AM.

Where does the YFC Seeley Lake Challenge Triathlon/Duathlon take place?

It takes place in Seeley Lake, Montana.

What distances does the YFC Seeley Lake Challenge Triathlon/Duathlon offer?

The half marathon (13.1 miles), plus 13.47 Miles, 13.64 Miles, 16.6 Miles, 13.38 Miles, 3.5 Miles, 2.03 Miles.

Is the YFC Seeley Lake Challenge Triathlon/Duathlon course flat and good for a PR?

The YFC Seeley Lake Challenge Triathlon/Duathlon is a ultra-flat, loop course course.

HalfRuns editorial — independent, no paid placement.

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