April 12, 2026
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Until April 12th!
Since 1979: America’s only four-sport triathlon!
The Mad River Triathlon is a four-adventure sports fundraising event set in Central Vermont’s picturesque Mad River Valley.
The running leg starts at the Warren School and follows the Mad River Path and VT 100. Runners will follow footpaths along the River and the shoulder of the road for 6 miles to the start of the paddling leg at Lareau Park in Waitsfield.
Transitioning to paddlecraft, participants will negotiate 6 miles of fast-moving water, interspersed with class I and occasional II rapids to the takeout on Meadow Road and the beginning of the biking leg.
A 10-mile-long bike leg consists of gravel roads, single track, unimproved forest roads, and pavement. The bike leg ends at the base of Mount Ellen for the final AT ski event.
The ski event consists of skiing up and down Mount Ellen on easy and intermediate terrain, with the extent of the ski course depending on seasonal snow conditions on the mountain.
OUr values: Inlcusion and sustainability
We are making every effort to create an inclusive event by allowing a wide range of equipment, offering group raft rides down the river, allowing you to choose the legs you wish to participate in, and a broad range of categories and accommodations for adaptive athletes. Additionally, if you cannot afford the registration fee, just let us know and we will offer you a reduced registration rate.
The Mad River Triathlon is an intentionally sustainable and low-waste event. You can expect reusable cups, composting toilets, and minimal disruption to natural spaces. Preserving the unique beauty of the Mad River Valley and the ways we enjoy it is the ultimate goal of this collaborative event.
Volunteers
The day of the event is supported by over 80 dedicated volunteers. Please thank the volunteers for their community spirit!
Mad River Triathlon is a fundraising event for a coalition of four recreation and conservation non-profits. All proceeds support the restoration of the Mad River and the development of sustainable, inclusive, and interconnected recreational infrastructure in the Mad River Valley.
"Thanks for a great event. It was surely a challenge and so well organized by such great people.”
"Just wanted to express what a wonderful the Triathlon was. As a solo participant managing all the events I felt so SUPPORTED and SAFE the entire time- especially on the water. Thank you for all your hard work making this come back event year so damn special. Beautiful day of community- support- sportsmanship- and FUN!”
"Fantastic event. Thank you so much for bringing this back. Big improvements on the run and bike legs, and great support with the spotters on the river. We'll be back for sure."
Event sponsors:
2025 silent auction donors:
Sally Kendall Massage, Yestermorrow Design/Build School, Yellow Farmhouse Inn, Lawson's Finest Liquids, Mad River Riders, Rider's Outpost, Sugarbush, Efficiency VT, Drip Sauna
2025 raffle donors:
Darn Tough, Lawson's, The Collection, Inklings Children's Books, Darrad Computers, Bicycle Express, Three Mountain Cafe, Taste Place, Madbush Falls, Product ThinkTank, Rikert Outdoor Center, Mad River Path, Warren Store, Mad Rover, American Flatbread, Savu, Mad River Glen, Scott, MRVBC, Three Buds Apothecary, Mad Taco, Onion River Outdoors, Valley Meade, Mehuron's, Village Grocery, Umiak Outfitters, Bisbee's, Northern Forest Canoe Trail, Cabot, Stark Mountain Bike Works, Mad River Riders, Kitchenette
