The Alexandria Tri Challenge

Welcome to the Alexandria Tri Challenge, where we combine running, paddling, and biking into one glorious race. Think of it as a scenic tour of pain through lakes, trails, and hills—with absolutely no support if things go sideways.
Race Categories
  • Individual – Because you enjoy punishing yourself.
  • Relay – Because you convinced two other suckers to suffer with you.

Important Disclaimer This is a completely unsupported race. You’re responsible for your own nutrition, water, bike repair gear, emotional support —whatever you need to survive. If your bike breaks, if you cramp up, if you start questioning your life choices, that’s on you. There is NO Alex Tri Challenge-sanctioned sag support to rescue you. We’ll have a few volunteers, but their main skill is cheering you on. 
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The Race

Event Order:
  1. 4-Mile Trail Run – A mix of mountain bike trails, grass paths, and a deceivingly innocent-looking tar path. Expect hills. Lots of hills. Turns will be spray-painted with white arrows (or, if the race director gets bored, interpretive chalk art).

  2. 3-Mile Paddle – Paddle through five lakes and three culverts against the current, just to make it extra fun. Any non-motorized watercraft is allowed—canoes, kayaks, paddleboards, or whatever floats (preferably with you in it). Life vests are mandatory.

  3. 8-Mile Mountain Bike – Two laps of a 4-mile mountain bike loop at Lake Brophy Park. If it rains and turns the trails into a swamp, we’ll swap it for a 12.5-mile gravel course featuring scenic windswept prairies and hills that will question your will to live. No e-bikes—this is a test of your endurance, not your battery’s.

Schedule: 
  • 4:00 PM – Watercraft Drop-Off Opens @ Lake Cowdry Boat Landing (856 E Lake Cowdry Rd, Alexandria, MN 56308). Your boat will be monitored (but not insured) by race volunteers.

  • 4:00 PM – Bike & Transition Area Opens @ Lake Brophy Beach (4521 Brophy Ln, Alexandria, MN 56308).

  • 5:45 PM – Mandatory Pre-Race Meeting @ Bike & Run Transition Area. If you skip this meeting, you are on your own (literally).

  • 6:00 PM – Race Starts (Run → Paddle → Bike).


Course Breakdown & Gear Requirements

Trail Run (4 Miles) - ridewithgps.com/trips/189513136
  • Starts at Lake Brophy Beach.

  • Expect significant elevation change (that’s race director code for “your legs will hate you”).

  • Turns marked with white arrows, but let’s be honest, just follow the person in front of you and hope they know where they’re going.


Paddle Course (3 Miles) - ridewithgps.com/trips/190554101
  • Starts at Lake Cowdry, ends at Lake Brophy Beach.

  • Mandatory Gear: Life vest (you must wear it—this isn’t a negotiation).

  • Paddle through three culverts and five lakes, all while fighting a current that seems personally offended by your presence.

  • Approved Watercraft: Canoes, kayaks, paddleboards.

  • Max Team Setup: Canoes (up to 3 paddlers), tandem or single kayaks.

  • A course map will be provided because getting lost in a lake chain is a terrible race strategy.


Mountain Bike (8 Miles) - ridewithgps.com/routes/46517086 (12.5 mile gravel course mapped)
  • Two laps of a 4-mile mountain bike loop (or the 12.5-mile gravel course if trails are too muddy).

  • Required Gear:

    • Helmet (because brain protection is cool).

    • Functioning Blinking Light (start & end with it—you’re not a firefly, but be visible).

    • Minimum 1 Water Bottle (hydration is key to survival).

  • If rain forces the gravel course: Expect gravel, hills, and winds that will test your mental fortitude. Turn-by-turn directions (queue cards) will be emailed a week prior. Print them or rely on divine intervention for navigation.


The Finish Line 
  • Refreshments will be provided. What kind? That’s a surprise. (Probably something cold and well-deserved.)

  • Awards:

    • Top Male & Female Awards – Bragging rights included.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a cushy, fully-supported race with aid stations and volunteers every mile, this isn't for you. But if you want a gritty, fun, and absolutely ridiculous challenge, the Alexandria Tri Challenge is calling your name.
See you at the start line… hopefully at the finish too.