The Hoot Lake Triathlon in Fergus Falls, Minnesota celebrates its 30th anniversary on July 26, 2026, starting at 8:00 AM from Hoot Lake Public Access at Godel Park. Entry fees range from $80 to $170 depending on registration timing and participant category. This event draws triathletes to compete in a multi-sport format combining swimming, cycling, and running. The early morning start allows athletes to complete their race before peak heat and gives them the rest of the day to recover. Godel Park provides lake access for the swim portion and serves as race headquarters. Whether you're chasing a personal record or celebrating the event's three-decade history, Hoot Lake offers a established triathlon experience in central Minnesota.
From the Race Organizer
The YMCA of the Northern Sky Hoot Lake Triathlon! The Vision: The vision and goals of the 30th Annual Hoot Lake Triathlon are: Provide a great event for all tri-athletes Promote and enhance the sport of triathlons Support the LIVESTRONG program NEW to our Fergus Falls Branch Event proceeds will support the LIVESTRONG at the YMCA program in Fergus Falls, MN. LIVESTRONG at the YMCA is a 12-week physical activity program designed to help adult cancer survivors regain strength through exercise and connect with other survivors. Date and Times: Sunday, July 26th, 2026 Packet Pickup will be available on the 25th at the YMCA in Fergus Falls, as well as before the race. The pre-Race meeting will be held at 7:30 AM sharp. Cost: Early registration--March 2nd- March 31th: | $80 Individual | $130 Relay Team Regular registration-- April 1st - July 5th: | $90 Individual | $150 Relay Team Late Registration-- July 6th - July 23rd: | $100 Individual | $170 Relay Team {** Reminder that late registrants will NOT have a race shirt} **You must be registered by July 5th at midnight to receive a race t-shirt. Registration closes at 11:59pm on July 23rd. Course and Location: Hoot Lake Public Access, 1 Mile NE of Fergus Falls on County Highway 1, Fergus Falls, MN Swim: 1/4 mile open water swim in Hoot Lake Bike: 15.7 miles, all right-hand turns, limited traffic control. All cyclists must observe Minnesota traffic laws. Certified hard-shelled bike helmets are required. Drafting is prohibited. Run: 3.3 miles Event Schedule: 6 AM- 7:15 AM: Check-in and packet pick-up at Hoot Lake Public Access. All participants must be marked and attend the pre-race meeting at 7:30 AM. Vehicle access to the event space will close at 7:15. 8 AM: Race Start AWARDS: Following the last finisher. Results will be posted on www.ymcanorthernsky.org/events/hoot-lake-triathlon and www.pickleevents.com . Race Requirements: All participants will be marked with race numbers. Swimmers must wear swim caps (Provided by the YMCA). Wet suits are allowed. Bikers must wear ANSI-approved helmets. (There is no drafting on the bike course. ) Lifejackets are allowed. Awards: We will provide awards for the overall top three finishers for Men, Women, Men's Relay, Women's Relay and Coed Relay. We will also recognize the overall top finisher in the following divisions: Ages 16 - 20 Ages 21-30 Ages 31-40 Ages 41-50 Ages 51-60 Ages 61-70 Ages 71 and over And MORE!! Volunteers Wanted: Not a racer? Consider volunteering and have a front row seat to all the actions. Sign Up to volunteer at https://ymcanorthernsky.volunteermatters.org/project-catalog/42 Click here to view our Facebook event and to see the race route!
Hotels Near This Race
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Hoot Lake Triathlon: 30th Anniversary 2026 — Fergus Falls, MN
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Race Travel Insurance
Don't forget travel insurance for July 26.
You've trained for months and booked a trip to Fergus Falls, MN.
A pre-race injury, a delayed flight, or a family emergency can derail the whole thing.
Travel insurance can help cover your race entry fee, hotel, and flights if you can't make it,
and may cover medical costs if something goes wrong on the course. Plans typically only run
5-7% of your total trip cost — and running events are covered under standard plans with no
additional coverage needed.
Trip cancellation up to 100% of prepaid costs
Running events covered under standard plans — no add-ons needed
Trip interruption up to 150% of non-refundable costs
When is Hoot Lake Triathlon: 30th Anniversary 2026 — Fergus Falls, MN?
Hoot Lake Triathlon: 30th Anniversary 2026 — Fergus Falls, MN takes place on July 26, 2026. The race is held in Fergus Falls, Minnesota.
Where is Hoot Lake Triathlon: 30th Anniversary 2026 — Fergus Falls, MN held?
Hoot Lake Triathlon: 30th Anniversary 2026 — Fergus Falls, MN is held at Hoot Lake Public Access at Godel Park in Fergus Falls, Minnesota.
Where can I find hotels near Hoot Lake Triathlon: 30th Anniversary 2026 — Fergus Falls, MN?
RaceHotelFinder shows hotels sorted by distance from the race venue in Fergus Falls. Use the map or list view on this page to compare options and book race weekend accommodation.
