Winter triathlon nationals are coming to Anchorage’s Kincaid Park

Anchorage’s Tri-Flake Winter Triathlon will be bigger than ever in 2021 -- maybe not in terms of participation, but certainly in terms of importance.

Held annually at Kincaid Park since 2017, the race was selected by USA Triathlon to serve as the national championship for the next two years.

The 2021 race is set for Saturday, Jan. 16, and will double as a qualifier for the 2022 World Championships.

“We’re super stoked,” said Rebecca McKee, one of the city’s top triathletes who will serve as race director. “It’s a two-year contract, so we’re trying to look at the silver lining -- COVID hit us hard, so we aren’t going to see as many people (this winter), but it’s also a great test run for 2022."

The race is open to anyone 17 and older and begins with a 6-kilometer run followed by an 8-mile bike and a 6-kilometer ski. The start, finish and all transitions will be in the Kincaid stadium, said Jason Lamoreaux of the Alaska Triathlon Club.

Lamoreaux said he expects 50 to 100 racers to compete, although he doesn’t think he’ll be one of them. A past winner of the Tri-Flake and one of Alaska’s top triathletes regardless of the season, Lamoreaux said he probably won’t make a run at a national title.

“It’s really hard to consider passing it up, but at the same time this race is my baby and I need to make sure everything comes off without a hitch,” he said.

Anchorage was awarded the race on its third attempt to land it, he said. The winter national championships date back to 1997, and the last couple have been held in Minnesota.

Lamoreaux said participation from outside Alaska will probably be limited because of COVID-19, although in recent days he has heard from a handful of Lower 48 racers who plan to compete.

Fat bikes will be required unless the trails turn to ice, he said. Given the popularity of fat biking in Anchorage, that might turn more local athletes into winter triathletes.

“The way winter biking has taken off lately, so many skiers have taken up biking, so we’re getting a lot of people who are adept at both -- and most are already runners in the offseason,” Lamoreaux said.

Registration will open soon, and details will be available at the Alaska Triathlon Club’s website.