Sourdough Starter Triathlon 2026

The Sourdough Starter Triathlon is a sprint triathlon held at North Lake within the Chena Lakes Recreation Area near Fairbanks, Alaska. Beginning at noon, the participant limit is 99, making it a local, personal event rather than a large gathering. This race is part of the Arctic Triathlon Series, intended for athletes progressing from the Breakup Triathlon, particularly those new to open-water swimming. The swim is a single 500-yard loop around buoys in calm, shallow water. The 6.7-mile bike course follows dirt trails and roads. The 3.1-mile run proceeds around the pond and along a two-lane track to the river and back. This event is distinct from the former Sourdough Triathlon, a half-Iron distance race in Chatanika that concluded after 34 years. Series participants gather for an end-of-season awards event at HooDoo Brewing Company, offering a complimentary beer to those wearing Arctic Tri Series apparel.