The annual Wet Dog Triathlon on the Tennessee River in Decatur is a solid event for novices or anyone prepping for another event.
This year’s Wet Dog is No. 21 and will be held June 11 at 7 a.m. It is one of a handful of triathlons in north Alabama. Proceeds from Wet Dog benefit Mosaic Mentoring of North Alabama.
Registration is $50 and increases to $75 on June 1. The relatively flat, fast courses offer a chance for good times in all three phases.
Wet Dog Triathlon Routes
Here is a description of the courses:
Swimming — The 400-meter, out-and-back swim course is in a tributary of the Tennessee River. Keep buoys on your left. Finish the swim on the beach and follow the markings to the transition area. For safety, all swimmers must wear a swim cap which is provided. You enter the swim based on your race number, from lowest to highest number. Race numbers are assigned based on the estimated swim time you provide on your entry form. This will be strictly enforced. Swimmers can move back in line, but can not move forward. Register now to get a spot in the swim order. All registrants who wait to the last minute will have the UPPER numbers and be starting at the rear, NO EXCEPTIONS.
Biking — The bike course is a 9.3 mile out-and-back from the transition area to Rhodes Ferry Park. It is primarily flat and fast. You must mount and dismount in the mounting area. Although the police will be on hand, the roads will not be closed. USE CAUTION. Do not disregard traffic laws. There will be a sweeper to bring the abandoned to the transition site.
Running — The run course is a 3.1 mile loop with a mix of trail, black top, and asphalt. The course follows the Point Mallard Run/Bike Trail along the Tennessee River. There are a couple of small rolling hills. The course merges with the access road in several locations, but follow the trail until you reach the pump house beside the river. Turn left at the pump house and follow the access road back to finish.
