Lost Lake Park · Whistler, BC

The Course

Sprint Champ.
Swim
750m
1500m
Mountain Bike
12.6km
25.2km
Trail Run
5km
10km
Elevation
~240m
~480m
MTB Rating
Green–Blue · Zappa Network
01 · Swim
Lost Lake

Lost Lake is one of Whistler's hidden gems — a pristine mountain lake nestled in old-growth forest just minutes from the village. Crystal clear water, a sandy beach start, and the electric energy of a mass start. This is where it begins.

The Championship course is a single 1500m loop; the Sprint a 750m loop. Wetsuits are permitted and recommended. Swim caps are provided with your race kit.

At this time of year we expect the water to be reasonably cold ~14°C (57.2°F) – 18°C (64.4°F). Air temperatures may also be cool in the morning.

Swim rulings will be made 1 hour before the swim starts. We have never not held our full distance swim. While we cannot guarantee anything, expect to swim the full distance of your race, and expect wetsuits to be mandatory.

* Cut-off times: 30 mins for Sprint (750m) · 60 mins for Championship (1500m)

Championship1500m
Sprint750m
Avg Temp Sept14–18°C
FormatMass start
Sandy beach water entry — easy footing, shallow initial wade
Wetsuits mandatory below 15°C; permitted above that threshold
Buoys are large; large safety crew on water throughout
Swim caps provided by colour/wave — no personal caps permitted
01
Lost Lake swim start
02 · Mountain Bike
Zappa Trail Network

Whistler's Zappa trail network is the crown jewel of the course. Fast, flowing, technical in places, and absolutely beautiful. This is what MTB triathlon is all about: actual trails, actual roots, actual smiles.

The Championship course does two laps; the Sprint does one. The trails are rated green to blue — accessible to confident beginner and intermediate riders, genuinely engaging for experienced ones.

Even though Whistler X Tri is run on Whistler's easiest mountain bike trails, it is still a challenging course for some. That being said, we have had athletes in their 60's and 70's complete the course.

We highly recommend athletes pre-ride the course if possible. Even though the course will be well marked, it is your responsibility to know the course. We will be offering pre-race clinics — sign up to our newsletter to stay in the loop.

Championship25.2km / 2 laps
Sprint12.6km / 1 lap
Elevation~340m champ
↓ Sprint GPX (TrailForks) ↓ Championship GPX
Full-suspension or hardtail mountain bike required — no road, gravel, or hybrid bikes
Need a bike? Rent from Arbutus Routes
Hike-a-bike section — part of the experience
02
MTB on Zappa trails
03 · Trail Run
Lost Lake Trails

The run leg winds through old-growth forest, across slatted wooden boardwalks, and for those doing the Championship, to the views over Green Lake. The smell of the forest, the light through the trees, and the knowledge that the finish line is getting closer — this is the stretch where people start to grin.

The Championship run is approximately 10km with around 140m of elevation. The Sprint is approximately 5km. The final stretch brings you back through the event village to the welcomed finish line.

Championship10km
Sprint5km
Elevation~140m
SurfaceSingletrack
↓ Sprint 5K GPX ↓ Championship 10K GPX
Trail running shoes recommended; road shoes work on dry days
Water, electrolyte and Red Bull stations on course
The finish line is in the event village at Lost Lake Park
03
Sprint 5K run course map
Championship 10K run course map
Course action
Course action
Course action

Race Logistics

Transition Area

Both T1 and T2 are co-located at Lost Lake Events area and race HQ. Your family & friends can watch all the action from one spot.

T1
Swim → Bike
Exit the water and make your way to your racked bike — remove your wetsuit. Put on and do up your helmet before touching your bike — this is mandatory. Un-rack your bike and run it to the "bike exit". You can mount your bike at the "bike mount line".

Tips: Elastic laces in bike shoes save seconds for those not using clip pedals. Have all your gear neatly on the ground under your bike. Practice the wetsuit strip before race day.
T2
Bike → Run
Dismount at the dismount line before transition. Rack your bike before you undo your helmet. Remove your helmet, switch to run shoes. Race belt with bib number must be visible from the front during the run leg.

Tips: Keep T2 tidy — just run shoes and hat. If your race belt is on from T1, you won't need to touch it. The run exit is well-marked.

All Race Formats

Distance Comparison

Sprint

Sunday · Sept 20 · 9:00 AM

Swim750m
Mountain Bike12.6km (1 lap)
Trail Run5km
Typical Finish1:30–3:00 hrs
IncludesJunior 16–19

Championship

Sunday · Sept 20 · 9:30 AM

Swim1500m
Mountain Bike25.2km (2 laps)
Trail Run10km
Typical Finish2:30–4:30 hrs
Cut-off4 hours
✓ Worlds 2027 Qualifier

Team Challenge

Sunday · Sept 20 · 9:30 AM

CourseChampionship
Team Size2 or 3 athletes
FormatRelay
ExchangeAt transition
Awards1st · 2nd · 3rd

Ready to Race?

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