FREDERIC, Mich. — Endurance athletes from across the country will gather in Northern Michigan on March 6, 2027, for the USA Triathlon Winter National Championship, hosted at Forbush Corners in Frederic, Michigan. The event, also known as the Gaylord All Outdoors Tri 45 Winter Triathlon, is one of the nation's premier winter multisport competitions, combining trail running, fat biking, and cross-country skiing into a single challenge.
Winter triathlon remains a relatively rare discipline in the United States, making the championship a unique opportunity for both elite competitors and first-time participants. Athletes will race through snowy terrain while testing their endurance across three distinct winter sports. Organizers emphasize that the event is designed to be welcoming to all experience levels, from beginners looking for a new adventure to experienced racers pursuing a national title.
The championship will take place at Forbush Corners, a venue known for its reliable winter conditions and snowmaking capabilities. That reliability is a key attraction for competitors traveling from around the country, providing confidence that race-ready snow conditions will be available.
Race Weekend Activities
The championship weekend will begin on March 5 with an expo, packet pickup, and pasta dinner for participants. The evening will also feature a free comedy show by Tommy McClellan-Willard at Snowbelt Brewery in downtown Gaylord. The following day, athletes will take on the championship courses before gathering for awards and post-race festivities.
Championship Distances
The winter triathlon will include:
- 5.5-kilometer run
- 10.5-kilometer fat bike segment
- 5.2-kilometer cross-country ski segment
A winter duathlon option will also be available, featuring a 5.5-kilometer run and 5.2-kilometer ski course. Organizers are additionally offering adaptive triathlon and adaptive duathlon divisions to encourage broader participation.
More Than a Race
Registration includes access to the pre-race pasta dinner, a custom finisher medal, warm post-race refreshments, professional timing services, aid stations, and event photography. Organizers describe the experience as more than just a competition, highlighting the camaraderie of the winter multisport community and the opportunity to enjoy a late-winter weekend in Northern Michigan.
Championship Awards
Competitors will compete for overall and age-group honors, including awards for male and female champions, adaptive divisions, Clydesdale and Athena categories, non-binary athletes, and age-group participants. The event serves as the official USA Triathlon Winter National Championship, making it one of the most prestigious winter triathlon races in the country.
Racing Through Winter
True to the spirit of winter endurance sports, organizers plan to race in snow, ice, flurries, or sunshine. If snow conditions become inadequate for skiing, the event will transition to an alternative run-bike-run format, ensuring competitors can still experience a challenging championship event.
With its combination of competitive racing, winter adventure, and championship atmosphere, the 2027 USA Triathlon Winter Nationals promises to showcase the growing appeal of winter multisport racing in the United States.
