Whether you are a seasoned multisport athlete or brand new to the sport, the Rhoades McKee Reeds Lake Triathlon offers a format built exactly for you — and it has been doing so for over four decades.

2024 Reeds Lake Triathlon: Your Complete Guide to East Grand Rapids' 42-Year Tradition

A 42-Year Celebration

For 42 years, East Grand Rapids has welcomed athletes to the shores of Reeds Lake every September. The 42nd annual Rhoades McKee Reeds Lake Triathlon is set for Saturday, September 12, 2024. This year the event is more inclusive than ever, offering six distinct participation formats that cater to athletes of every skill level.

From a full sprint triathlon to a swim-only option, this event proves that you do not need years of experience to cross the start line. When you finish at Gerken Plaza, you can also feel good knowing your entry fee helps support local programs right here in East Grand Rapids.

Here is everything you need to know to gear up for race day.

More Than Just a Traditional Triathlon

Six Ways to Compete — Find Your Fit

Many people avoid triathlons not because of fitness, but because of the all-or-nothing format. The Reeds Lake Triathlon breaks down that barrier completely. This year you have six options to choose from:

• Full Sprint Triathlon — 750m swim + 20km bike + 5K run
• Duathlon — bike + run (no swim required)
• Aquabike — swim + bike (no run required)
• Relay — share the disciplines among teammates
• Swim-Only — ideal for athletes who want to focus solely on the water
• All formats include age divisions up to 70 and over

Think of these options as a menu rather than a rigid requirement. A runner uneasy about swimming can choose the duathlon with full confidence. An experienced swimmer returning from injury can tackle the aquabike. Colleagues with different fitness levels can form a relay team and enjoy the journey together. This flexible approach is one reason Reeds Lake enjoys such a loyal following year after year.

Not familiar with triathlon terms? A sprint triathlon is an entry-level race with shorter distances; transition is the area where you switch gear between disciplines; and a wave start means athletes begin in groups based on age or event type rather than all at once.

The Course: What Awaits You

The Swim: A Scenic U-Shaped Route

The swim covers 750 meters (about 0.47 miles) along a U-shaped course in Reeds Lake. For most recreational triathletes this translates to a 15-to-20-minute effort, depending on open-water comfort. The U-shaped design provides clear reference points, keeps swimmers close to shore, and helps safety staff monitor the field effectively.

If your training has been limited to pools, practice in open water several times before race day. The absence of lane lines, changing visibility, and different water sensations can surprise first-timers. Consider investing in quality open-water swimming goggles to build confidence during practice sessions.

The Bike: Two Loops Around the Lake

After transition you will ride 20 kilometers (approximately 12.4 miles) over two loops around the lake via Hall Street, Plymouth Street, and Wealthy Street. The two-loop format benefits both athletes and spectators — supporters get to cheer you on twice, and you will appreciate knowing exactly what to expect on the second loop so you can fine-tune your pacing.

For most participants the ride lasts between 45 and 90 minutes depending on fitness and bike type. A commuter or hybrid bike is perfectly fine for a community sprint event — just ensure your bike is mechanically sound before race day.

The Run: Through Charming East Grand Rapids

The final leg is a 5-kilometer run (3.1 miles) winding through East Grand Rapids neighborhoods before finishing at Gerken Plaza at the East Grand Rapids Football Stadium. Five kilometers is manageable for most fitness levels, but do not underestimate how your legs will feel after the swim and bike. This is exactly why triathlon training includes brick workouts — running immediately after cycling to prepare your body for that unique transition sensation.

Running through the neighborhood brings a community energy that secluded courses simply cannot replicate. Enjoy the cheers from front porches, kids holding handmade signs, and the smell of Saturday morning breakfast drifting from open windows — these moments make crossing the finish line even more rewarding.

Race Day Schedule at a Glance

Time	Activity
Friday, Sept. 11	Packet pickup: 3:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Saturday, Sept. 12 — 6:30 a.m.	Late packet pickup opens (closes 7:30 a.m.)
Saturday, Sept. 12 — 8:00 a.m.	First wave start
Post-race	Awards & celebration at Gerken Plaza

All events take place at John Collins Park, East Grand Rapids.

Training Tips by Format

First-Time Triathlete? Start Here

If you are targeting the full sprint distance, an 8-to-12-week training plan is a solid timeframe for most beginners. Work up to swimming 750 meters comfortably — in a 25-meter pool that is roughly 30 lengths. Complete at least two or three open-water sessions before race day, and make sure your swim gear fits properly. On the bike, build to 45-to-60-minute efforts at a consistent pace, ideally on terrain similar to the course. For the run, if you can already cover a 5K you simply need to practice running after biking; if you are starting fresh, mixing running and walking is completely valid for a community event.

Do not skip transition practice. Set your gear out at home, practice slipping on shoes quickly, and rehearse the sequence. Transitions are often called the “fourth discipline” in triathlon and can save you meaningful time on race day.

Format-Specific Training Strategies

Duathlon athletes should prioritize cycling power and the bike-to-run transition. Your legs will feel markedly different when you start running after a hard ride, so practice that shift regularly in training.

Aquabike competitors should focus on open-water swimming technique — bilateral breathing, sighting, and comfort among other swimmers. Because there is no run to save your legs for, you can push harder on the bike, which makes this format more demanding than it first appears.

Relay teams need to coordinate handoffs and ensure each member trains at race pace for their discipline. Decide in advance who carries the timing chip and how transitions between teammates will work.

Swim-only athletes should gradually build open-water confidence, practicing bilateral breathing and navigation sighting so race morning feels familiar and calm.

A Bigger Purpose: Supporting Your Community

Registration Benefits United Methodist Community House

What elevates the Reeds Lake Triathlon beyond a standard race is its commitment to community. Proceeds from this year's event benefit United Methodist Community House, a local organization serving children, families, and seniors in East Grand Rapids. When you sign up, train, and compete, you are also supporting your neighbors — and that sense of shared purpose can provide real motivation on tough training days.

Post-Race Victory at Gerken Plaza

The celebration continues well beyond the finish line. Awards and a community gathering take place at Gerken Plaza — a fitting setting for a tradition more than four decades strong. The two-loop bike course and neighborhood run route give friends and family multiple vantage points to cheer during the race, making Gerken Plaza the natural reunion spot afterward.

Your 5-Step Action Plan

1. Choose your format. Review the six options — sprint, duathlon, aquabike, relay, or swim-only — and select the one that matches your fitness level and goals.
2. Register now. Visit the East Grand Rapids official registration page to secure your spot. This community race fills up quickly after 42 years of goodwill.
3. Build your training plan. Aim for an 8-to-12-week program built on consistency rather than volume. Training apps can help you structure workouts across all three disciplines.
4. Plan your logistics. Decide between Friday packet pickup (3–6 p.m.) or Saturday pickup (6:30–7:30 a.m.) at John Collins Park, and map out your race-morning routine in advance.
5. Bring your crew. Recruit training partners, relay teammates, or supporters. This is a community event — let your community join in.

Why Reeds Lake Endures After 42 Years

There is a reason this race has outlasted trends and tough times. It resonates because it is real. It welcomes athletes with different backgrounds and skills. It offers a competitive sprint for some and a swim-only route for others who simply want to enjoy the water. It raises funds for neighbors in need. And it closes with a celebration that reminds everyone how important community truly is.

Mark your calendars for the 42nd annual Rhoades McKee Reeds Lake Triathlon on Saturday, September 12, 2024. Whether you are lining up for your very first race or returning for another year, there is a format, a wave, and a finish line waiting for you.

Register at eastgrmi.gov, lace up your shoes, and become part of a wonderful tradition that has thrived since before many of today's participants were born. Make sure your gear is ready — check out our triathlon suit and cycling helmet so you are fully prepared when the starting horn sounds.

Frequently Asked Questions