Question 1

What is the Great Race?

Accepted Answer

The Great Race is a team relay triathlon of running, biking, and paddling held each August at Emerson Park in Auburn, NY. 2026 is the 48th running of the event.

Question 2

When is the 2026 Great Race?

Accepted Answer

The 2026 Great Race is Sunday, August 9, 2026, with a 9:30 AM mass start at Emerson Park in Auburn, NY.

Question 3

Where does the race happen?

Accepted Answer

Emerson Park, on East Lake Road in Auburn, NY, at the northern end of Owasco Lake. Start, changeovers, finish, and the post-race celebration are all on site.

Question 4

What time does the race start?

Accepted Answer

Mass start is 9:30 AM on Owasco Road near the Emerson Park entrance. Opening ceremony and last-minute instructions are at 9:10 AM in the changeover zone.

Question 5

When does registration open?

Accepted Answer

Registration for 2026 opens January 1. Register before March 1 to lock in the Early Bird entry fee.

Question 6

Do you offer refunds?

Accepted Answer

The Great Race is an outdoor event run by an all-volunteer non-profit. If the race committee cancels, shortens, or changes the race or any portion of it because of inclement weather, unsafe conditions, or another unforeseen circumstance affecting participant health or safety, there is no rain date and registration fees are not refunded.

Question 7

What about the liability waiver?

Accepted Answer

Every racer must sign the liability waiver before a team's race packet can be released. New team members need the Team ID Number from their captain. Sign the waiver online

Question 8

Can I change my team roster?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Roster changes are free and self-service in the team portal until 12 noon ET on Friday, August 7. After the deadline, changes are by request until the race begins and a $5 fee applies.

Question 9

Can I change race category (e.g., tandem to 4-person)?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Category changes are self-service in the team portal until 12 noon ET on Friday, August 7. The price difference at today's prices always applies. After the deadline, changes are by request until the race begins and a $5 fee also applies. There are no refunds when changing to a lower-cost category.

Question 10

What if we race with someone who isn't registered?

Accepted Answer

Any team that competes with a person who is not properly registered may be disqualified.

Question 11

Can one person race on multiple teams?

Accepted Answer

No one may simultaneously compete on more than one team. A racer may do a different event for another team, but must never participate with two numbers on.

Question 12

How are age groups determined?

Accepted Answer

The average (whole number) of all team members' ages on race day determines the age group. There are no age group categories in the Family and Corporate categories. There are no age group categories in the Solo, K2, or Standup Paddleboard divisions.

Question 13

What's in my race packet?

Accepted Answer

A QR code for race instructions, a runner's number with timing chip, a cyclist's number, paddler number(s), a canoe/kayak number, a bike frame number, a team relay flag (wristband), safety pins, and a team T-shirt. Check your packet immediately and report anything missing.

Question 14

Do cyclists need helmets?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Hard-shell helmets are mandatory for all cyclists. Failure to wear one disqualifies your team.

Question 15

When does the bike course close?

Accepted Answer

The bike course closes at noon. All bikes must be back to the changeover zone by noon.

Question 16

Are e-bikes allowed?

Accepted Answer

No. E-bikes and powered bikes are not allowed on the course.

Question 17

What about life jackets?

Accepted Answer

Life jackets must be worn by all paddlers during the race. Any paddler who crosses the finish line without a life jacket will be disqualified.

Question 18

What boats are allowed in which categories?

Accepted Answer

Canoes are only allowed in canoe categories. Kayaks are only allowed in kayak categories. The solo division allows canoe, kayak, or paddleboard.

Question 19

How do I protest a result?

Accepted Answer

Protests must be lodged with a race referee as soon as possible and no later than 12:30 PM on race day.

Question 20

What's the alcohol policy?

Accepted Answer

Everyone drinking alcohol must wear an ID wristband. Bring a valid ID if you look under 30. Per Emerson Park rules, no glass containers on park grounds.

Question 21

Is walking allowed?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Walking is not a cause for disqualification on the run or bike segments.

Frequently asked questions

General

Registration

Team Rules

Race Day