Idaho High Mountain Triathlon

The Idaho High Mountain Triathlon begins in the geothermal waters of Warm Lake, located in eastern Valley County, Idaho. This October mixed relay event is designed for three-person teams, not individual participants. Each team must include at least one adaptive athlete, with competitors who are ambulatory, use wheelchairs, or are visually impaired. The race starts at an elevation of approximately 5,300 feet and heads toward Yellow Pine, a small mountain village situated at about 4,900 feet. The course does not simply descend from the lake to the village; athletes must traverse a summit near 7,300 feet before reaching the finish in Yellow Pine. The inaugural event faced challenges, with wildfire smoke from the Snag Fire present around Warm Lake as organizers observed the opposite ridge. The concept originated from conversations among locals on the porch of the Yellow Pine General Store, and Yellow Pine resident Deb Filler developed it into a formal event, drawing on her experience directing the Yellow Pine Harmonica Festival. Awards and the post-race gathering take place in Yellow Pine, and participants are offered complimentary local camping if they remain after the competition.