EVENT DETAILS
Sunday, May 17, 2026
Think you have what it takes? Come join us and find out by registering for the Black Squirrel Triathlon! The race is open to individuals aged 18 & older, both individuals and teams!
Swimmers take to the water at Lake Manawa for the first leg (750 yd swim) of the Black Squirrel Triathlon. Bikers will start at Lake Manawa State Park Beach and bike around the lake 2 times for a total of 13 miles. The Black Squirrel Triathlon will conclude with a 3.1-mile run on City trails (1.55 out and 1.55 back to the finish line).
Packet pickup at Lake Manawa near the transition area on Saturday from 1 pm-4 pm, and Race Morning from 6 am-7 am.
Fastest Swim: Andy Vazquez 8:59
Fastest Bike: Ryan Long 29:44
Fastest Run Andy Vazquez 16:43
Athlete Guide
Everything you need for race weekend is inside the Black Squirrel Triathlon Athlete Guide. You’ll find important details about packet pickup, parking, course maps, race morning timelines, rules, aid stations, and more. Please review the guide before race day so you arrive prepared and ready to race.
Black Squirrel Athlete Guide 2026
Directions
1101 S Shore Dr, Council Bluffs, IA
Take exit 47 off of I-29. Go west on Hwy 92 about 1/2 mile to East Manawa Drive. Follow East Manawa Drive, and you will end up at the East Entrance. Stay on East Manawa Drive to S Shore Drive. Take S Shore Drive West to Bass Rd. Take Bass Rd to Dreamland Rd and take a left on Dreamland Rd. Take the next right to the Beach Parking lot.
Race staff will monitor the weather for any severe risks in the area. Decisions regarding the safety of holding the race will be made in consultation with local law enforcement and the National Weather Service.
Awards
Triathlon
Top 3 overall Male and Female (pulled out of age group)
Age group Awards will be given to the top 3 male and female finishers in the following age groups: 19 and under, 20-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69, 70-74, 75-79, 80+
Relay Teams: Top 3 teams regardless of gender
Aquabike: Top 3 male and female
Open Water Swim: Top 3 male and female
Swimmers take to the water at Lake Manawa for the first leg (750 yd swim) of the Black Squirrel Triathlon. Bikers will start at Lake Manawa State Park Beach and bike around the lake two times for a total of 13 miles. The Black Squirrel Triathlon will conclude with a 3.1-mile run on city trails (1.55 mile out and 1.55 mile back to the finish line).
