All skill levels are welcome at the Pemaquid Beach Triathlon, taking place this year on August 27. 

Advertised as “Maine’s most beautiful triathlon,” the Pemaquid Beach Tri is a sprint triathlon, which is the shortest category in the sport. It includes a 400-yard ocean swim off of Pemaquid Beach, a 17-mile bike ride around the scenic Pemaquid peninsula, and a 3-mile out-and-back run along Pemaquid Trail, a quiet residential street with views of Johns Bay. 

The Pemaquid Beach Tri is also a fun community event, with meat and vegetarian burgers available to buy from Mimi’s on the Beach after the event, T-shirts and other race swag for sale, and prizes donated by local businesses. 

Participants may compete as individuals or create a relay team. Early-bird registration, available through July 31, is $85 for individuals and $90 for a relay team of up to three people. Starting August 1, prices increase to $95 for individuals and $100 for relay teams. Registration is through RunSignUp at runsignup.com/Race/ME/NewHarbor/PemaquidBeachSprintTriathlon.

Volunteers are needed to help with the triathlon: on the beach, in transition areas, and along the bike and running routes. Anyone interested in being a part of this fun community event is encouraged to email Hannah McGhee at hmcghee@coastalrivers.org. Volunteers will receive a free event t-shirt.

The event is hosted by Bristol Parks and Recreation along with lead sponsor and race organizer Coastal Rivers Conservation Trust. Generous sponsorship is also provided by the Central Lincoln County YMCA, the Ehrenfeld/McKay Family, Maine Kayak, Pedego Electric Bikes Boothbay Harbor, and the Contented Sole.

Bristol Parks and Recreation is a department of the Town of Bristol, responsible for the management of Pemaquid Point Lighthouse Park, Pemaquid Beach Park, Ellingwood Information Center, and a number of other properties including a swimming hole and boat launches. For more information, email bristolparks@tidewater.net or visit bristolmaine.org/parks-recreation. 

Coastal Rivers is a non-profit, member-supported, nationally accredited land trust caring for the lands and waters of the Damariscotta-Pemaquid Region by conserving special places, protecting water quality, creating trails and public access, and deepening connections to nature through education programs. For more information, email info@coastalrivers.org or visit coastalrivers.org.