
From the Organizer
The YMCA of the Northern Sky Hoot Lake Triathlon!
The Vision:
The vision and goals of the 30th Annual Hoot Lake Triathlon are:
Event proceeds will support the LIVESTRONG at the YMCA program in Fergus Falls, MN. LIVESTRONG at the YMCA is a 12-week physical activity program designed to help adult cancer survivors regain strength through exercise and connect with other survivors.
Date and Times: Sunday, July 26th, 2026
Packet Pickup will be available on the 25th at the YMCA in Fergus Falls, as well as before the race.
The pre-Race meeting will be held at 7:30 AM sharp.
Cost:
Early registration--March 2nd- March 31th: | $80 Individual | $130 Relay Team
Regular registration-- April 1st - July 5th: | $90 Individual | $150 Relay Team
Late Registration-- July 5th - July 25th: | $100 Individual | $170 Relay Team {** Reminder that late registrants will NOT have a race shirt}
**You must be registered by July 5th to receive a race t-shirt.
Course and Location:
Hoot Lake Public Access, 1 Mile NE of Fergus Falls on County Highway 1, Fergus Falls, MN
Swim: 1/4 mile open water swim in Hoot Lake
Bike: 15.7 miles, all right-hand turns, limited traffic control. All cyclists must observe Minnesota traffic laws. Certified hard-shelled bike helmets are required. Drafting is prohibited.
Run: 3.3 miles
Event Schedule:
6 AM- 7:15 AM: Check-in and packet pick-up at Hoot Lake Public Access. All participants must be marked and attend the pre-race meeting at 7:30 AM. Vehicle access to the event space will close at 7:15.
8 AM: Race Start
AWARDS: Following the last finisher. Results will be posted on www.ymcanorthernsky.org/events/hoot-lake-triathlon and www.pickleevents.com.
Race Requirements:
All participants will be marked with race numbers. Swimmers must wear swim caps (Provided by the YMCA). Wet suits are allowed. Bikers must wear ANSI-approved helmets. (There is no drafting on the bike course. ) Lifejackets are allowed.
Awards:
We will provide awards for the overall top three finishers for Men, Women, Men's Relay, Women's Relay and Coed Relay. We will also recognize the overall top finisher in the following divisions:
Volunteers Wanted:
Not a racer? Consider volunteering and have a front row seat to all the actions. Sign Up to volunteer at https://ymcanorthernsky.volunteermatters.org/project-catalog/42
Events
Weather
It's too far out for a forecast, so here's what weather on this date is normally like in the area. A race day forecast will replace this as race week approaches.
Typical High
81°
Typical Low
60°
Chance of Rain
23%
Based on US Climate Normals data from Fergus Falls, 2 mi from the venue.
Host City
Population
14,138
as of 2023
Elevation
1,159 ft
Nearest Airport
FAR
Hector International Airport · 56 mi
Time Zone
Central Time
From Endurance Grid
A small town race. Lodging near the start could be limited, so book early.
Race Location
Your Next Start Line
Every finish line starts with a single decision. Claim your spot at Hoot Lake Triathlon: 30th Anniversary, put it on the calendar, and turn “someday” into a start date.
48
Days to train
Coming Up
Kinship Average Jo Triathlon
33 miles away
Hub City Triathlon
124 miles away
Timberman Triathlon
134 miles away
Big Lake Graniteman Triathlon
130 miles away
From Endurance Grid
Endurance Grid is here to help you understand the sport, decide if it's the right fit, and learn how to prepare. For course distances, logistics, and race-day specifics, always defer to the race organizer's event page.
Three sports, one race — swim, bike, run in sequence, with transitions that are a discipline of their own.
Open water, open roads, and competition with yourself. Cross the finish line knowing what it took to get there.
Swim, bike, run — back to back. The sprint distance makes it far more accessible than most people think.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Hoot Lake Triathlon: 30th Anniversary
Jul 26, 2026