The Polar Bear Triathlon and Duathlon

Race Info

The Polar Bear Triathlon and Duathlon takes place on Saturday, May 2, 2026, in Brunswick, ME. This event is New England’s season opening event, offering a sprint triathlon and duathlon perfect for beginners and experienced athletes. It combines a pool swim, a scenic bike course on country coastal roads, and an epic and fast run on wide hard-packed trails and quiet neighborhood streets.

The race is contested on the beautiful campus of Bowdoin College with world-class facilities including a 16-lane pool, locker rooms with showers (pending availability), a wonderful flat grass transition area, and world-class event production. This pool swim triathlon is a great race for beginners to get their feet wet and seasoned triathletes to start their season without the concerns of a cold, open water swim.

Events and Distances

• Polar Bear Triathlon: 525 yard swim, 11.5 mile bike, 3 mile run
• College Student Sprint Triathlon
• Duathlon: 2 mile run, 11.5 mile bike, 3 mile run
• College Student Duathlon
• Triathlon Relay
• Student Triathlon Relay
• Sprint Aquabike: 525 yard swim, 11.5 mile bike
• Virtual Triathlon
• Virtual Duathlon

Virtual participants can compete all events at once or separately. Swag will be mailed after May 4th to all virtual participants.

The Polar Bear Triathlon / Duathlon will be sanctioned by USA Triathlon. A $15 one-day membership is required for non-annual USA Triathlon members.