Flight 2 Freedom Adventure Tri

Kayak-Bike-Run or Swim-Bike-Run
An Underground Railroad-themed triathlon in the Ohio Valley serves as a powerful physical metaphor for the historic struggle for freedom while directly sustaining the local Underground Railroad Museum. The grueling three-stage race mirrors the perilous journey of freedom seekers: the swim across the powerful Ohio River replicates the treacherous aquatic crossings enslaved people endured to reach free soil; the cycling portion retraces the sweeping, exhausting routes through hilly terrain; and the final footrace represents the desperate, stealthy dash toward safe houses. By participating, athletes physically engage with the region's geography of resistance, transforming endurance sports into a living memorial. Proceeds from registration fees, corporate sponsorships, and spectator donations directly fund the Underground Railroad Museum's educational programming, archival preservation, and community outreach. This crucial financial support ensures that the museum can continue safeguarding local history, maintaining its exhibits, and teaching future generations about the courageous network that operated right beneath their feet.
Participate in a fun triathlon with the first segment either as kayaking or swimming, followed by trail biking, and finishing with a trail run. The Adventure Tri will be held at Barkcamp State Park in Belmont, Ohio. The adventure triathlon is supporting the work of the Underground Railroad Museum in Flushing, Ohio.
Kayak 1,500 meters or Swim 500 meters, Bike 8 miles, and finish with a 5K trail run.
All kayakers must provide their own kayak, a life jacket, and a paddle. Swimmers should plan to bring goggles. Other swimming aids like floatation devices, belts, or flippers are not allowed.
The Kayak participants will start at 8:00am, and the swim will start at 8:15am, allowing the kayakers to clear the swim course. There will be a water support team on the lake to monitor both the kayakers and swimmers.
For the Bike segment, all participants must have a helmet with a strap. The course is on a hardpacked trail, but can be muddy with some elevation changes. The bike used should not be…