BASS LAKE – The 9th annual Bass Lake Yosemite Triathlon is right around the corner on Saturday, June 1.
It’s a picturesque triathlon rivaled by few, say organizers of the race, activities and festivities that take place every year in the Sierra National Forest about 20 minutes south of Yosemite National Park.
Triathletes are treated to a swim in clear mountain waters, followed by a challenging and beautiful ride around the lake and through the Sierra National Forest, finishing with a run along the glistening shores of Bass Lake.
New this year is professional onsite childcare for a fee — with the Race Rugrats program tri participants can drop children off starting at 6 a.m. on race day.
Won’t be participating in the athletics? No problem — there’s still plenty to do, with a barbecue lunch, musical entertainment and local specials throughout the day.
Bass Lake Yosemite Tri (Visit Yosemite | Madera County)
Bass Lake has a long and rich history in the sport of triathlon. The original Bass Lake Triathlon was home to the 1983 and 1984 United States Triathlon Series (USTS) as well as the Tri-Fed National Championships, and ran most years through 1998.
The triathlon was brought back in 2011 by Visit Yosemite | Madera County and Tucson Racing, a professional triathlon promoter with races in Arizona, Ohio and California.
About 500 athletes annually have taken part in the revived competition in recent years and race organizers are expecting another successful event this time around.
The race itself will include the following options:
- Olympic Triathlon – 1500m swim, 40k bike, 5k run
- Sprint Triathlon – 500m swim, 20k bike, 5k run
- 5k Poker and Go Fish – Run/Walk for kids and adults
The Bass Lake Yosemite Triathlon has been noted as a great race for beginners as well as seasoned triathlete professionals.
Visit Yosemite | Madera County
“The Bass Lake Yosemite Triathlon is one of the best races around,” says Therese Williams, PR director for Visit Yosemite | Madera County, who has competed in the race. “It is perfect for all athletes and it attracts people from all over the world.”
Along with the Triathlon, there will be a 5K Poker & Go Fish Run/Walk for adults and kids fundraiser. 100 percent of proceeds from this event will go to local charities.
The Bass Lake Lions Club will cook a BBQ lunch with all proceeds from the Bluegrass and BBQ event at the Finish Line going to the Bass Lake Lions Club and local charities.
It’s that community support, combined with the scenic beauty of the venue itself, that has helped the Bass Lake Yosemite Triathlon enjoy a strong resurgence over nearly a decade, and establish an ideal foundation for the future of the sport in the Sierra.
Bass Lake Yosemite Triathlon Schedule
Visit Yosemite | Madera County
