Buffalo Triathlon Updates
(5-27-08)

Packets Being Prepared
No More Changes! We have reached our maximum capacity of 1500+ racers, including charity slots, and are preparing timing chips for packet pickup on Sat, and raceday morning. Racers will have the option of picking up their packets in Buffalo at Golds Gym on Sat from 4-7pm, or at the registration tent Sunday morning from 6:15-8:15. No further changes/refunds are allowed at this point.

Water Temp Rising.....Slowly
The water temperature of Buffalo Lake was measured at 62 degrees on Tuesday May 27th, 6 degrees cooler than the same date last year. With 70s expected by the weekend but a few continued cold nights forecasted this week, this is expected to rise but possibly to only between 64 and 66 degrees by raceday. With a maximum depth of 30 feet, Buffalo Lake warms quicker than other deeper lakes. Water temp last year was 70 degrees. While racers are encouraged to wear wetsuits, especially for the Olympic course, plenty of Sprint course racers historically go without and are still alive to talk about it. All athletes are encouraged to complete at least one trial open water swim prior to the race.

Wave Start Order

Buffalo Triathlon, First Wave
Many racers have had question as to how the wave start to the Buffalo Triathlon works. Waves of approx. 60 racers will be launched every two minutes starting at 9am. The first wave will be elite racers only, followed by the Olympic course athletes, youngest to oldest, then Teams, then Sprint athletes, youngest to oldest. We have found that this, while it does mean some faster swimmers will pass younger, slower ones, minimizes congestion in the water. Olympic swimmers are past the first sprint turn buoy before Sprint swimmers arrive. Waves have been assigned and are posted on the participant list. Sample start times are as follows: 9:00 Wave 1 Elite, 9:02 Wave 2 Oly youth, 9:10 Wave 6 Oly 38y/o, 9:18 Wave 10 Teams, 9:30 Wave 16 Aquathon, 9:40 Wave 20 Sprint 38y/o, 9:50 Wave 25 Sprint 52+y/o.

(5-14-08)

Bike Giveaway Open to All Participants
Once again Buffalo Triathlon has teamed up with Erik's Bike Shop to give all racers a chance to win a 2008 Specialized Roubaix Base, valued at $1600. The drawing will take place following the awards ceremony. All racers are automatically entered in the drawing, however, you must be present to win. The winner will claim the bike at Erik's to ensure proper sizing and fit.

(5-02-08)

Race is Full but Charity Slots Remain
The 2008 Buffalo Triathlon has reached full capacity of 1500 and registration is now closed, with the exception of limited number of regular youth slots and adult charity slots on a first-come basis. Demand has been strong for this year's race, but race management is striving to control growth so as to maintain the quality and friendly feel of this "small town" event which is now the 2nd largest triathlon in the state! Anyone still wishing to participate can still do so with the purchase of a charity slot at $100. You will be stilll be guaranteed a number for the distance/division of your choice, but in addition will be contributing 100% of your race fee to various health and fitness related causes in Wright County. The Buffalo Triathlon Committee is committed to advancing health and fitness among as many individuals in the county as possible, particulary underserved groups, and is always seeking ideas for worthy causes. Any individuals/groups wishing to apply for a donation can do so with a detailed written proposal to boden@allina.com.

(4-25-08)

Buffalo Lake Ice Going Out!
Rumors of having a run across ice substituted for the swim are greatly exaggerated! Its a bit late this year, but it looks as though we will get to swim after all on June 1st. While water temp on raceday will be mostly a function of nighttime temps in May, it may possibly be a much cooler swim than last year. We will update water temps here later in May; keep in mind Buffalo Lake is a shallow lake and generally warms much quicker than most. Buffalo Triathlon is pleased to be sponsored again this year by www.wetsuitrental.com, and recommends racers without wetsuits considering renting one. Please visit their website which has a wealth of information about wetsuits. In summary: Increased speed, warmth, and safety are but a few of the advantages of wearing a made-for-triathlon wetsuit in an open water swim. Triathlon wetsuits are designed for maximum buoyancy and total range of motion in the arms. Wetsuits' biggest advantage is that they keep you warm. The cost is $40 per week long rental. All wetsuits will be mailed to you and the cost of the postage ($8 nationwide) will be added to the rental cost. We mail all rental orders the Monday before the weekend of your event. Just mail the wetsuit back anytime the week after the event. Please try not to wait until the last minute to request a wetsuit!

Over $13,000 in Prizes Set for 2008!
Once again, Buffalo Triathlon is committed to recognizing top elite athletes with a cash purse and providing top quality race gear for age group winners. New this year, with the addition of Newton Running as a Gold Sponsor, we are awarding 1st place Olympic age group course winners with a $175 pair of Newton shoes. Those racers attempting the new Aquathon division will be competing for a new triathlon wetsuit of their choice from www.wetsuitrental.com valued at $250. Our elite purse consists of $1000 for each 1st place male and female, $500 each for 2nd place, and $250 each for 3rd place. Please note that there is no separate division for pros, and that there is no elite division for the Sprint course.

Chris Legh Returning...Private Seminar Offered
Two time Ironman champion, six time Australian national champion, and defending Buffalo Triathlon champion Chris Legh will be returning to race in Buffalo this year. A special event will be held race weekend allowing a select few to train and have dinner with Chris and receive expert advice on training and share in his remarkable story of determination and perseverance in the face of adversity. Ideal for any aspiring elite triathlete looking for solid, time-tested personalized advice from one of the legends of the sport, or anyone looking for a real motivational boost towards reaching their goals, there will be 10 spots available on a first-to-register basis. Athletes will meet with Chris at Golds Gym in Buffalo at 4pm on Friday, May 30th for a hands-on swim, bike and run clinic (limited effort for those racing Sunday) followed by cocktails and dinner at Waterstones Restaurant at the Wild Marsh Golf Club at 7pm. Cost is $175 and includes dinner. Registration is online only at www.midwestevents.com under the coaching tab. Questions regarding the seminar can be directed to Race Director Brett Oden at boden@allina.com.

(3-12-08)

Training Seminar Begins in 2 Weeks
Spots are still available in this years pre-race training seminar series. Classes are held at Golds Gym in Buffalo on Tuesday evenings. A variety of topics are covered for both first-time triathletes and beginning athletes wishing to improve performance or simply to network with training partners. We will once again have group rides and open water swims on the course for those eager for summer to arrive! For details and to register, go to the "Coaching" tab of www.midwestevents.com.

Daylight Savings is Here...Winter May Actually End

Dear triathlete,

Its been a tough winter for those of you who (rightly) refuse to run outdoors when bodily fluids instantly freeze, but it wont be long before you find yourself jumping into Buffalo Lake on June 1 with 1500 of your closest friends to hopefully start your best summer yet. We hope many of you are hard at work training for a great start to your summer of better-than-ever fitness. Rest assured, your Buffalo Triathlon Committee is hard at work planning an even bigger and better race for you in 2008. Registration has been at record numbers since opening in December, and the race is now 2/3 full. For a list of participants for 2008, see the participant page, which will update monthly. For those of you yet to register, we encourage you to do so soon, as registration will close when we reach 1500 racers. Please check this page periodically for updates about the 2008 race, including featured athlete appearances, pre-race seminars, and expected race conditions as well as any last minute changes. Train hard, smart, and enjoy every moment of your journey on the road to a fitter and better you!

Brett Oden, M.D. , Race Director

(11-09-07)

1st Annual Aquathon Added to the 2008 Buffalo Triathlon
New for 2008, there will be an Aquathon offered in addition to the traditional swim/bike/run courses. Participants in the Aquathon will run 3.1 miles, swim 1/4 mile, then run 3.1 miles along the sprint course of the triathlon. Designed for those without a bike, those who are unable to complete necessary bike training early in the season, or for those who simple prefer to only run and swim, the Aquathon is open to all age groups eligible for the triathlon. In between runs, participants cool down and recover their legs for a great cross-training event without worries of mechanical bike issues. Waves for the Aquathon will start immediately after the Sprint course triathletes enter the water. There will be separate prizes awarded to Aquathlon winners. Registration is online at www.midwestevents.com under the Buffalo Triathlon.

Corporate Challenge Added for 2008
New for 2008, there will be a Corporate Challenge offered as part of both the Sprint and Olympic Team categories. Teams of 3 representing different companies will compete for a separate prize purse to raise money for charity. The winning team from both the Sprint and the Olympic course will receive separate honors from the other team categories and a check representing 100% of corporate challenge race fees (from that race category) split 50/50 between the team members and a designated charity of the team's choice (subject to approval of the race committee). Gather a couple of co-workers, muster that team spirit, and raise money for yourself as well as your choice of charity! Entry fees for each corporate team are $1,000 and there will be a maximum of 5 teams for each distance.

Olympic Bike Course Modified for 2008
After hearing racer feedback regarding both crowding and confusion on the "internal 2nd loop" portion of the Olympic course which was shared with the Sprint course, the long course has been modified, removing this portion of the course, along with one of the hills! Times are expected to be slightly faster and legs a bit less tired with a flatter out/back portion replacing the loop. The majority of the long course circling Buffalo Lake remains the same. Complete details will be available on the map page in the spring.

2007 New and Updates Archive
2006 New and Updates Archive