Race Preview for the Wildlife Loop Triathlon in Custer, South Dakota

By Kirsten McCay Smith
There are 4 reasons I wanted to do the 3^rd Annual Wildlife Loop Triathlon this year…

1. Custer is close enough to easily drive to from Colorado and a destination where my husband and dog would want to come with me for a fun weekend away
2. It’s a small, low-key, long-distance (1.2 mile swim, 56 mile bike, and 13.1 mile run) race which are quickly becoming my favorite
3. There is a cash prize purse for the top 3 male and female winners
4. My BFF who did it last year told me I had to go do it

The triathlon is on September 10^th this year. Since I am still motivated to train and race after Boulder Ironman, I wanted to do a couple more races before I take some time off this season. I love fall races because you never know what you will get. I have done September triathlons where there was ice on the lake, where it snowed on the bike, and where it was still blazing hot on the run. As an experienced triathlete, I do well adapting to whatever the day brings for me.
I asked my BFF who won the female overall prize last year for her top 3 tips to share with anyone contemplating doing this race, here they are…

1. The race has a very small participant list so first timers should be mentally prepared to be alone most of their day.
2. Know the race course since you will be alone most of the day and might doubt you are on the course.
3. Prepare for rain and wind (first year) and heat (second year).

The Wildlife Loop Triathlon is the only half iron distance triathlon in South Dakota. It takes place in Custer State Park at an elevation over 5,000 feet and is super close to fun, family attractions such as Crazy Horse and Mount Rushmore.
Swim: The swim is a mass start in Stockade Lake in Custer State Park and is a 2 lap counter clockwise swim. Everyone will start in knee deep water. The water is around 69 degrees and perfect for a wetsuit or non-wetsuit swim.
Bike: The Bike course is also 2 loops and has a long, steady climb and a few smaller climbs on each loop. There is also some big, winding descents on open roads so please be careful! I have seen video of buffalo all over the roads through Custer State park!! So don’t be surprised if you see wildlife on the bike course.
Run: The run is a 2 loop course as well and from the maps looks super confusing so I am assuming (and hoping) everything is well marked. Part of the run is on the Mickleson Trail.
There is no time limit so this would be a great race for first timers.
And for the first time this year, there will be an Aquabike option for those who don’t (or can’t) run.
The first year there were 21 finishers and last year there were 56. They cap the race at 200 so make sure you get signed up ASAP before they fill up! You can use code ABC for $65 off your race entry from 303 Triathlon.
I’m planning on bringing my husband and dog for a weekend of family fun! We got a super great price on a hotel only 4 miles from the start! Hope to see you there!