This traditional sprint triathlon begins with a 1,350-yard swim, which is unusually long for a sprint event. The extended distance is due to the point-to-point course and the consistent incoming tide, making the effective swim feel closer to 750–1,000 yards depending on the current’s strength. Held in a channel system between Wrightsville Beach and Wilmington, NC, the swim takes place in salt water but is not an ocean swim.

GETTING TO THE START
Athletes will walk to the swim start location at the Blockade Runner Resort.  You can also get dropped off..  The start is about 3/4 mile from the transition area.  

WETSUITS
A decision on wetsuits is made on race day as the water temperature at this time of year along the southeastern North Carolina coast is always around 78 degrees. We will post a water temperature on our website the Thursday night of race week.

WAVE STARTS
Wave starts will be sent out Wednesday before the race in the athlete guide.  You will start with your specific wave and swim cap color

WATER SAFETY AND BUOYS
The race provides 15 lifeguards, several water safety volunteers, 4 rescue boats, Wrightsville Beach Ocean Rescue, and paddle boarders for water assistance.  Our buoys are all for site only.  There is not a specific turn buoy that you have to go around, however it is important to use our site buoys to swim the best course possible.

The bike course is an 11-mile, single-loop route that’s predominantly flat, as you’d expect at the coast. Riders will cross the Wrightsville Beach drawbridge onto the mainland, where they should take extra care navigating the metal grating. Avoid sudden turns, remain seated, and stay out of the aero position for safety. With 21 law enforcement officers on duty, sections of the course are partially closed, though some stretches may still be shared with regular traffic.

The 5K run is a single-loop, flat course along Wrightsville Beach’s popular “loop.” Approximately 90% of the route is on sidewalks, with the remaining 10% following a quiet side street on an out-and-back segment to achieve the required distance.  The finish is at the Wrightsville Beach Park adjacent to Transition.

The swim-to-bike transition involves a roughly 400-meter distance from the ladder exit point to the transition area entrance. You may leave a pair of shoes near the swim exit, although most participants run this stretch barefoot without issue. The bike-to-run transition is much shorter, with the run start located directly outside the transition area.