International / Aquabike
International Triathlon: 1,000-yard swim 19-mile bike, 4-mile run. Individual and teams.
Aquabike (swim and bike only): 1,000-yard swim and 19-mile bike. Individuals only
Date: June 14, 2026
NOTE: The High School State Championship is ONLY for the sprint distance. The Age Group Championships are both Sprint and International distances for the 2026 USA Triathlon Age Group Championships.
- USA Triathlon License Information:
- All competitors are REQUIRED to have a Current USA Triathlon license or purchase a USAT license in order to compete.
- For a list of one-day (based upon distance of the event) and annual pricing for both adult and youth, go to https://www.usatriathlon.org/membership
- Racing age is calculated as of Dec 31 of the current year. Please CONFIRM RACING AGE with Registration staff.
- Event will be held Rain or Shine.
- Courses are marked, but it's the racer's responsibility to know the courses.
- Neutral Bike Service will be provided before the race and at Mandatory Bike Check in at Transition on Sunday.
- Wetsuits - see FAQ's:
- All USA Triathlon rules are in effect. See below
USA Triathlon Rules - a full list is below, plus the 8 commonly violated.
COURSE INFO:
International Swim Course (1,000 yards)
The swim will take place in Lake Wedington. The course is a point to point in the shape of a rectangle. Buoys will be on the right. The average water temperature in late June can range from 75 to 85 degrees.
Transition: A single transition area. The transition from swim to bike will include a 200 meter slightly uphill run.
International Bike Course (19 miles)
The bike course is a local favorite of both triathletes and cyclists. The course is on newly paved roads with a rolling terrain. The toughest hill on the course comes at the six mile mark, Weaver Hill starts and finishes gradually, but has a steep section in the middle. After this .5-mile climb, the course is fast with just a few rollers.
International Run Course (4 miles)
The run is a rolling, partially shaded, two-loop course on paved roads completely inside the park which provides great spectator viewing. There is one tough hill on each loop that was given several names, but none are worthy or suitable for print.
DIRECTIONS & PARKING:
- Lake Weddington Recreation area is 13 miles from Fayetteville. Use 15689 Lake Weddington Entry Road, Fayetteville, AR 72704 to obtain directions. Hwy 16 to the race site has several sharp curves. Most areas are posted 45 mph. Please allow extra drive time!
- Lake Weddington Recreation will open at 5:00 am on race day.
- Pets MAY be allowed in park or in restricted areas of park - check US Forest Service and Lake Wedington rules prior to event for current regulations.
- Parking is available approximately 1,000 feet east of the main park entrance if you need to leave before the race is officially over.
- NO PARKING ON HWY 16 HIGHWAY OR YOUR CAR WILL BE TOWED!
COURSE TIME LIMIT: Swim – 1 hour; Bike – 2 hours; Run – 1 hour
MINIMUM AGE: 15 years - NO exceptions
MAPS
National Championship Qualifier (triathlon) - The Arkansas State Championships qualify the top 35% or top five (5) finishers in an age group whichever is greater (the standard qualifying is 15%, so state championships are a bonus!)
You may only qualify for Olympic distance Nationals by placing in the Olympic distance State Championship race or Sprint Nationals by placing in the sprint distance State Championship race. High School State Championships Exemption: All high school athletes who finish any of the State High School Championships will automatically qualify for the Sprint distance event (pending they are at least age 15 as of December 31, 2025.)
Full details on the national championships - https://www.usatriathlon.org/2026-usa-triathlon-nationals
Door Prizes, Race Goodies
- Door prizes will include gift certificates and tons of bike gear.
- Post race meal will be provided to all athletes following the race. There will be options for friends and family to purchase food.
- Lots of sponsors’ products and services will be in the goody bag for each participant.
