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The Alaska State Triathlon Championships will offer triathletes a longer alternative to the shorter, sprint-distance races found locally. With most finishing times estimated to be between two and three hours, the State Championships will approximate an Olympic-distance triathlon. The triathlon will feature a 1500-meter swim, followed by a 40-K road bike, and a 10-K run. DIRECTIONS TO THE RACE - The race will be held at Knik Lake. Knik is a small community 13.5 miles south of Wasilla on Knik-Goose Bay Road. For instructions on how to get to Wasilla, see the directions and map. To get to Knik Lake from Wasilla, head south on Knik Goose Bay Road for 13.5 miles (see map). Park in the Knik Bar parking lot. A more specific description of each leg is listed below.

THE SWIM - The 1500-meter swim will take place in Knik Lake and will consist of a single lap around a triangular course. Turns will be marked by large, triangular buoys with small, round buoys in between. Triathletes will start from the shore and will complete one lap, keeping the buoys on their left. Racers are encouraged to self seed. If you are uncomfortable with contact with other swimmers and anticipate a more relaxed pace, start towards the back of the pack - your time will not be impacted much, and you will enjoy the swim much more.

THE BIKE - This 40-K bike course features gradual, rolling hills but does not include any extremely steep grades. In general, it is a flat and fast course with one long hill of moderate grade around mile 7. After transitioning on the grassy area next to the lake, athletes will turn right on to Knik Goosebay Road. Bikers will proceed to the "Y" intersection of Knik Goosebay Road and Point Mackenzie Road. Turning right, cyclists will continue to the turnaround located just before the intersection of Point Mackenzie Road and Ayrshire Road. The turnaround spot is obvious; beyond this point the road turns to gravel. Triathletes head back down Point Mackenzie Road to the intersection with Knik Goosebay Road. Athletes take a very sharp right onto Knik Goose Bay Road. After about one mile and right before the Tug Bar, athletes reach the second turnaround. From here it is a straight shot back on Knik Goose Bay Road to the Knik Bar and the transition area. Helmets must be fastened before mounting bike and remain so until off the bike. This is a non-drafting race, and USAT drafting rules will be enforced by race marshals.

THE RUN - The 10-K out-and-back running course exits the transition area and follows Knik Goose Bay Road on a dog sled trail next to the the side of the road. This is the same direction for the bike leg. After reaching the turnaround, triathletes will return via the paved road. The course is mostly flat with a few short hills of moderate grade. The finish line will be located near the transition area on the grass next to the lake.