The Tri the Parks at Richard B Russell State Park brings triathlon back to its roots: a challenging course in Elberton, GA, a community of athletes, and a finish line that means something. As an independent event, it skips the franchise markup while keeping everything that makes race day great.
Planning to race in 2026? This guide has you covered — date and schedule notes, a full entry-fee breakdown, the race distances available, course insight, registration links, and answers to common questions. Read it once, then bookmark it for race week.
Local knowledge: Independent GA state-park multisport series; 2026 edition confirmed Jul 11, 2026; 2027 date TBD (series site currently shows no upcoming events).. What follows is everything we've been able to verify about this race — date, fees, distances, and how to register.
Race distances & course
The Tri the Parks at Richard B Russell State Park offers the following events. Standard distances are listed below; check the official race page for exact course maps and any venue-specific adjustments.
| Event | Swim | Bike | Run |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard | 1.5 km | 40 km | 10 km |
| Sprint | 750 m | 20 km | 5 km |
| DuathlonRun-bike-run format; distances vary by event. | — | Varies | Run–Bike–Run |
| AquabikeSwim + bike only; no run leg. | Varies | Varies | — |
Entry fees & pricing tiers
Published entry fees for the 2026 edition: $119–$149.
2026 pricing per Atlanta Tri Sisters event listing ($119–$149, late fees apply); Sprint XL Triathlon/Duathlon/Aquabike, race July 11, 2026, Richard B. Russell State Park, Elberton GA. All participants must be USAT members or buy a $15 one-day license. Official site (tritheparks.com) shows no pricing page.
Fees are a snapshot from our October 2026 research and usually rise through pricing tiers as race day approaches — registering early almost always saves money. Always confirm current pricing on the official registration page before paying.
Location & getting there
The race is based in Elberton, GA. If you're traveling in, book accommodation early — small towns hosting popular races can fill up on race weekend, and staying close to the venue makes race morning far calmer.
Arrive the day before if you can. Packet pickup, bike check-in and course briefings usually happen on-site, and a relaxed shake-out session beats a frantic morning.
How to register
Registration for the Tri the Parks at Richard B Russell State Park is handled through the organizer's official channels:
Tip: tiered pricing means the fee you see today may not be the fee next month. If you're committed, registering early is the simplest discount in triathlon.
Training tips for this race
- Build the swim first. Most beginners lose the most time — and confidence — in the water. Two to three short technique-focused swims per week for 8–10 weeks will transform your race.
- Practice transitions. A calm T1 and T2 can save you several minutes at sprint distance. Lay out your gear at home and rehearse the sequence twice before race week.
- Brick workouts matter. Even one short bike-to-run session per week teaches your legs what the second transition feels like — start with 30 minutes easy spinning straight into a 10-minute jog.
- Respect the distance jump. Moving from sprint to Standard or long-course racing roughly doubles or triples your race time — build your longest brick to at least 70% of race duration three weeks out.
- Nail your nutrition. Longer races are eaten, not just raced. Practice your exact race-day fueling — gels, drink mix, timing — on every long ride so there are no surprises.
Frequently asked questions
When is the Tri the Parks at Richard B Russell State Park 2026?
The 2026 edition is scheduled for 2026-07-11. Dates can shift, so confirm on the official race website before booking travel.
Where does the Tri the Parks at Richard B Russell State Park take place?
The race is held in Elberton, GA, United States. Independent GA state-park multisport series; 2026 edition confirmed Jul 11, 2026; 2027 date TBD (series site currently shows no upcoming events).
What distances are offered?
The event program includes: Sprint, Olympic, Duathlon, Aquabike. See the distance table above for standard swim/bike/run lengths per event.
How much does it cost to enter?
Published entry fees are $119–$149. 2026 pricing per Atlanta Tri Sisters event listing ($119–$149, late fees apply); Sprint XL Triathlon/Duathlon/Aquabike, race July 11, 2026, Richard B. Russell State Park, Elberton GA. All participants must be USAT members or buy a $15 one-day license. Official site (tritheparks.com) shows no pricing page.
How do I register for the Tri the Parks at Richard B Russell State Park?
Registration is handled through the official race website. We link to it in the race facts box above — register early, as tiered pricing usually rewards early sign-ups and popular local races can sell out.
Is this race good for beginners?
Yes — with sprint and beginner-friendly options on the program, this is a welcoming first race. Pool-swim and super-sprint formats in particular are ideal if you're new to the sport.
Training for the Tri the Parks at Richard B Russell State Park? Download TriTrain on the App Store
More races to explore
Source note: Event information was checked against the official organizer page on 2026-10-05. Details and availability can change. Verify everything with the organizer before registering or traveling.