About the change
We went to Shaver Lake on Saturday (10/3) to assess the course. The run course and bike course are mostly unaffected, except for some areas that have been cleared to prevent fires from spreading. There is still lingering smoke, but has been improving. However, SoCal Edison is working to restore power and services in the area, and are using the parking lots at Camp Edison to stage equipment which forces us to go to Plan B. We have scouted multiple venues, checked with local authorities for each, and tested water quality at available lakes.
We have selected Lake Evans in Kern County as our best option. Lake Evans is part of the Buena Vista Aquatic Recreation Area, a man-made lake which is at the edge of the former Buena Vista Lake, once the second largest lake in the Tulare Basin.
The course will be fast and flat and at lower altitude making this a great course for PRs.
Water Quality Per USAT requirements, water quality is tested at each of our races. We had samples from multiple venues tested by BSK Analytical Laboratories. Test results indicate the water is safe for swimming. Results are available on request.
Location Lake Evans is South West of Bakersfield, CA near Taft
Preliminary Maps
800 Yard Swim 1600 Yard Swim 3.1 Mile Run 6.2 Mile Run 12 Mile Bike 24 Mile Bike
We know that the new location and date will not work for all participants so we have several options for registered athletes. By default, all current registrations will be at the new location.
Other options:
- Transfer race entry to the virtual event and get your swag: Click for Instructions.
- Defer to an event next year: Click for Instructions.
- Donate your entry fee to the Shaver Lake Volunteer Fire Department
(this is done as a transfer to an event called "donate") Click for Instructions.
The water temperature on 10/12 was 76F. The water temperature on race day is expected to be low 70s and should be wetsuit legal. Air temperature during the race is expected to be 65-75F. While athletes will be encourage to leave the finish line area, there are lots of grassy areas and picnic tables throughout the Lake Evans area where you can relax after the event.