Black Squirrel Triathlon 2027
- Date
- Sunday, May 23, 2027
- Start time
- 8:00 AM start (Chicago)
- Location
- Council Bluffs, Iowa
- Entry fee
- From $85 · goes up to $90 on Jan 2, 2027
- Included with entry
- Includes a shirt
- Fundraising
- Takes optional donations when you register
Registration is open.
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Official race websiteAdd to calendar: Apple or Outlook · Google
Events and entry fees
| Event | Distance | When | Entry fee | Cap |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Duathlon | Duathlon | May 23, 20278:00 AM | $85$90 after Jan 2, 2027 | – |
| Open Water Swim 750 Meters | Other | May 23, 20278:00 AM | $20 | – |
| Sprint Triathlon Individual | Sprint TriathlonSwim 750 m · Bike 12.4 mi · Run 3.1 miOpen water swim | May 23, 20278:00 AM | $85$90 after Jan 2, 2027 | – |
| Swim-Bike (Aquabike) | AquabikeOpen water swim | May 23, 20278:00 AM | $85$90 after Jan 2, 2027 | – |
| Swim-Run (Aquathon) | SwimRunOpen water swim | May 23, 20278:00 AM | $85$90 after Jan 2, 2027 | – |
| Triathlon Relay Team | Sprint TriathlonRelay or teamOpen water swim | May 23, 20278:00 AM | $150$175 after Mar 22, 2027 | – |
Entry fees exclude processing fees. Prices and dates come from the race's registration page and refresh nightly.
The Duathlon fee goes up to $90 on Jan 2, 2027.
Water temperature and wetsuits at Black Squirrel Triathlon
Around May 23, Lake Manawa typically runs about 68°F at the surface (64 to 74°F across 2011 to 2020). Wetsuits were legal every year at this date.
A model estimate from the USGS lake temperature model (daily surface temperatures for US lakes), not a measurement. Wetsuit cutoffs are USA Triathlon age-group rules. The race's own water temperature reading on race morning decides.
Race day planning
Entry fee schedule
- Duathlon and Sprint Triathlon Individual and Swim-Bike (Aquabike) and Swim-Run (Aquathon): $85 until Jan 2, then $90 until Mar 2, then $95 until May 2, then $99 until May 22.
- Open Water Swim 750 Meters: $20 until May 24.
- Triathlon Relay Team: $150 until Mar 22, then $175 until Apr 19, then $185 until May 24.
Online registration closes May 24, 2027, unless the race fills first.
Light and altitude
Sunrise on race morning is at about 5:58 AM, and the Duathlon starts at 8:00 AM. The start sits about 970 feet above sea level.
Fees exclude processing fees. Comparisons use current entry fees and published results from races nearby.
Start location and course
Lake Manawa Beach, Council Bluffs, IA 51501
The pin marks the address the race lists, which is usually the start. The organizers have not shared a course map with us yet.
Where Black Squirrel Triathlon ranks
- No. 38 of 50 on Coldest triathlon swims
National lists computed from results, entry fees, course maps and water temperatures; they refresh through the day.
Typical race-day weather
Around May 23 the day usually runs from 55°F at dawn to 76°F in the afternoon, with measurable rain on about 39% of days. Cold snaps dip to 48°F and hot years reach 87°F.
Based on 80 days within a week of the date over the last 5 years, from historical weather for the start area. Not a forecast.
Race details
- Where
- Lake Manawa Beach, Council Bluffs, IA 51501Map
- Course
- Road
- Start elevation
- About 970 feet
- Included with entry
- T-Shirt Technical High Quality; T-Shirt
- Donations
- Accepted when you register
- Distances
- Sprint Triathlon, Duathlon, Aquabike, SwimRun, Other
- Editions
- 2027 (May 23, 2027), 2026 (May 17, 2026), 2024 (Aug 18, 2024), 2023 (Aug 13, 2023), 2022 (Aug 14, 2022), 2021 (Aug 15, 2021)
Organize this race? Add details or a correction
Quick answers
- When is Black Squirrel Triathlon?
- Sunday, May 23, 2027, starting at 8:00 AM.
- How much does it cost?
- Entry starts at $85 before processing fees, and rises to $90 on Jan 2, 2027.
- When does registration close?
- Online registration closes May 24, 2027, unless the race fills first.
- Do athletes get a shirt or medal?
- Entry includes a shirt, according to the race's registration page. Check it for sizes and whether kids' races get the same.
- Can I donate to a cause when I register?
- Yes. The registration form offers an optional donation, usually for the charity or nonprofit the race supports. The race's own page names the cause.
- What distances are offered?
- Sprint Triathlon, Duathlon, Aquabike, SwimRun, Other.
- Where does it start?
- Lake Manawa Beach, Council Bluffs, IA 51501.
From the organizers
The Black Squirrel is a great race for any age and ability on a flat and fast course on Lake Manawa. The race starts and ends at Lake Manawa Beach. The Swim course is a clockwise course straight out from the beach and back. The Bike Course consists of two complete clockwise loops of the lake. The Run Course exits the transition area and uses portions of the paved trail and adjacent streets. All participants registered by April 12th will receive a finisher medal! Awards for the Top 3 overall males and females ages 15 and above. Top 3 individuals in each 5 year Age Group on both male and females. Awards also for the top 3 relay teams.