Buffalo National River Biathlon

2021 Buffalo National River Biathlon has been canceled.

The BIATHLON is a 6.8 mile trail run on the Buffalo River Trail from Dillard's Ferry to Spring Creek followed by a 4.6 mile canoe/kayak race from Spring Creek back to Dillard's Ferry taking place on Sunday, October 11, 2020.  Biathlon participants may bring their own kayaks or rent.  Either option is available through registration.  Those who rent will find their vessel waiting for them at the transition area tagged with a number corresponding to their bibs.  All fees have been built into the registration pricing.
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Additionally, the night of Saturday the 10th, there will be packet pick up, and likely dinner at Buffalo Point!  

Notice regarding COVID-19:  Park Closures and Limitations due to COVID-19: Any future advice and recommendations from the CDC and state and local health authorities could warrant necessary risk mitigations, park closures or group limitations. The permit allowing this event may be cancelled at the discretion of the Superintendent if it is deemed necessary for the maintenance of public health and safety.  Because there is a greater deal of moving parts to this event vs. traditional events, we do not have a contingency date in case of cancellation.  We cannot guarantee a 2021 date either.  Please know that by signing up for this race/event implies that you are signing up knowing that if the race is canceled, we can only issue refunds up to 50% of your registration fees as we will not be able to transfer your registration to a later time for future Buffalo National River Biathlons.

TEAMS vs. RELAY Options:

TEAMS are defined as two athletes who will run the trail together and finish as a team together in their own tandem kayak or rented canoe. Teams who are renting will be given a canoe as tandem kayaks are not available as rental.

RELAY is defined as two athletes where one of which runs the trail and passes a baton to the other athlete who will complete the float and cross the finish line.

SHUTTLE vs. RENTAL Options:
SHUTTLE - This is for those who are bringing their own vessel to the biathlon.  Athletes will drop off their vessel, paddles and PFDs at packet pickup.  River outfitters will transport boats to the transition area.  Boats will be stored and secured.  Know this:  Per NPS rules, boats previously used on waterways where Didymo, Zebra mussels, or Quagga mussels are present must be thoroughly washed and dried prior to being brought to and used on the Buffalo River.

INDIVIDUALS ARE NOT PERMITTED TO TAKE THEIR OWN BOATS TO TRANSITION AREA.

Those who attempt to, or do, bring their own boats to transition area will receive a DQ and will not receive a refund.

RENTAL - Those who are not bringing their own boat must use this option.  This is a higher fee than the other option as we are renting boats from local river outfitters.  Your boat will be waiting for you with paddles and a PFD at transition.  

Teams who are renting will be given a canoe.  Tandem kayaks are not available as rentals.