Gator Gauntlet Off-road Triathlon 2026

The Gator Gauntlet Off-road Triathlon takes athletes through Sam Houston Jones State Park in Lake Charles, Louisiana, beginning and ending at 107 Sutherland Road. This is a short off-road triathlon featuring approximately 4 miles of trail running, 8 miles of mountain biking, and a 1-mile paddle, commencing at 8:00 a.m. CDT and concluding around noon. Participants can compete individually or as a relay team. The course utilizes the park’s trails for the running and biking segments, then proceeds to the Calcasieu West Fork River for the kayak portion. The race is more rugged than a typical road triathlon, as participants navigate dirt trails and river water rather than pavement and a pool or open-water swim. Entry fees are reasonable, with distinct costs for solo competitors and relay teams, and the funds raised support the trails at Sam Houston Jones State Park.