West Penn Trail Triathlon

The paddle course will be set based on river conditions as race day approaches. If water levels allow, the race will start on the Conemaugh River. Participants will launch their kayak or canoe from the Conemaugh Dam and paddle 7 miles downstream to Historic Saltsburg. This route features mostly flat water with occasional Class I ripples.

If river conditions are not safe for downstream travel, the course will shift to a multi‑loop route beginning and ending in Saltsburg.

Volunteers will be stationed to help racers enter and exit the water.

All participants are required to wear a PFD (life jacket).

Note: The final paddle course will be confirmed closer to race day based on river conditions.

The cycling leg covers a 14‑mile out‑and‑back ride to the Conemaugh Dam. The first 3.5 miles follow a crushed‑stone rail‑trail path. The next 3.5 miles include short, steep climbs, gravel stretches, rolling terrain, and a brief paved section around the Conemaugh Dam parking area before riders return along the same route.

When the trail is dry, it can be ridden on nearly any type of bike—road, cross, hybrid, mountain, or tandem. However, if conditions are wet, a road bike is not recommended.

All cyclists must wear a helmet during this segment, and headphones or earbuds are not permitted.

The final stage of the triathlon is a true 5K run. The trail guides participants along the Kiskiminetas River and over Blackleggs Creek on the Kiski Section of the West Penn Trail. Runners will cross the Jack Maguire Bridge, reach the turnaround point, and follow the same route back to the finish line.