West Penn Trail 2024 Triathlon

The Race is On

Celebrate Your Competitive Spirit

Leg One: The Paddle

The race begins on the Conemaugh River. Racers will launch a kayak or canoe from the Conemaugh Dam and paddle 7-miles downriver to Historic Saltsburg. The paddle consists of mostly flat water with some Class I ripples. We will have volunteers to assist racers entering and exiting the water. All participants must wear a PFD (life jacket).

Leg Two: The Ride

The cycling portion of our race is a 14-mile trail ride to Conemaugh Dam and back. The trail is primarily a crushed stone bike path, with several short paved sections, and a several mile section of varying grades. Road bikes, cross bikes, hybrids, and tandems are all acceptable. Participants must wear a helmet.

Leg Three: The Run

The final stage of the triathlon is a true 5k. The trail leads runners along the Kiskiminetas River to Blackleggs Creek on the Kiski Section of the West Penn Trail. You’ll cross the Jack Maguire Bridge and turn around to make your way back to the finish line.

Gear & Equipment

Non-Motorized Boats

Racers are permitted to use any non-motorized kayak or canoe and must wear a properly fitted PFD (life jacket) while in the water. Teams may use a non-motorized tandem kayak or canoe.

If you wish to rent a boat for the race, there are several outfitters to choose from.

Bicycles

Bicycles must be non-motorized / non-pedal assist. All riders must wear a helmet and are not permitted to use headphones / earbuds during the race.

Area Outfitters

Saltsburg Kayak & Canoe Outfitters

Saltsburg Kayak & Canoe is located at 111 Market Street in Saltsburg and will offer racers kayak, tandem kayak, and canoe rentals. Livery service will be available to racers who have their own boats, a small fee may be charged for this service, as well as a shuttle to Conemaugh Dam after the race for those that wish to drive themselves to the launch site.

Call 724-252-8520 or visit their site to reserve.

Two Dam Kayak Rentals

Two Dam Kayak Rentals will offer kayak and tandem kayak rentals for the race. Transportation to those with their own boats will be available, a small fee may be charged for this service. The shuttle will be set up to receive boats at the SVFD River Hall (next to Check-In) from 7:30 to 9:30am.

Call 724-541-7447 to reserve.
Visit their site.

Race Overview

Step 1: Check-In

Check-in will be held at the SVFD’s River Hall, located at 313 Salt Street, Saltsburg, PA 15681. Doors open at 7:30am. After presenting our volunteers with your signed waiver, you’ll receive your number, timing chip, and a bag of race swag.

Driving Directions

Step 2: Bicycle Staging

After check-in, racers are asked to proceed to River’s Edge Stage. Bicycles will be staged in the lawn of Saltsburg Kayak & Canoe Outfitters at 111 Market Street, Saltsburg, PA 15681 . Racks are provided and numbered. Volunteers will be present to help racers find their assigned drop spot.

Be sure to leave your helmet and any other gear you may need for the biking and running portions of the race. Only racers and volunteers are permitted in the fenced area.

Driving Directions

Step 3: Boating

After bicycles are staged, racers may proceed to Conemaugh Dam at 1665 Auen Road, Saltsburg, PA 15681. Parking is extremely limited at the launch site, so we ask that our racers drop off their boats and return to the parking area at the top of the hill. It’s a short walk back to the launch. We will start the race at 9am, launching boats until approximately 10:30am. All boaters must wear a properly-fitted PFD (life jacket). Additional race details will be provided in your registration packet.

Livery service is available from area outfitters.

Driving Directions

Step 4: Transition to Biking

Volunteers will be available to assist racers out of the water. After exiting the water, racers will place their boats in the designated area and proceed to the bicycle staging area. At this point, teams may hand off their timing chip to the next racer. Bicycles must be walked out of the staging area. Helmets must be worn and riders are not permitted to use headphones/earbuds while racing.

The course is 7 miles to the Conemaugh Dam Recreational Area and back. The trail will be marked and volunteers will be along the way to assist at road crossings. Additional instruction will be provided in registration packets.

Step 5: Transition to Run

Volunteers will be awaiting racers as they return to Saltsburg. Riders will be asked to dismount and safely walk their bicycles into the staging area. At this time, teams will hand off their timing chip. Racers will then proceed across the street to begin their run. The course follows the road past the boat launch and under the Route 286 Bridge to Jack Maguire Bridge. Runners will turn around at 1.51 miles and head back to the River’s Edge Stage to cross the finish line.

Step 6: Award Ceremony

The Award Ceremony begins at approximately 1:30pm. The Conemaugh Cup trophies will be given to the first place male and female to be kept in their trophy cases for a year.

Click here to register

Parking

Street parking in Saltsburg is limited, and many spots are metered. There is additional parking at the West Penn Trailhead / Saltsburg Playground lot, which is just a short distance from the staging area.

Safety

All race participants must wear a properly fitted US Coast Guard approved PFD (life jacket) while on the water. All participants must wear a helmet during the biking portion of the race, and are not permitted to use earbuds / headphones while on their bicycle.

Sponsors and Partners

Click here to download Sponsorship form.

West Penn Trail Council

The West Penn Trail Council organizes the triathlon and all proceeds from the race support their efforts to operate and maintain the trail. They coordinate trail volunteers and help CVC raise funds throughout the year to keep the trail open. If you enjoy our race or simply love the trail, please consider joining CVC, volunteering, or giving the gift of a small, monthly donation. Our annual maintenance goal is $5,000.

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