Annual run, bike and hike triathlon in Rushford Peterson Valley

Additional Information

Looking to get outdoors, get fit and challenge yourself to do something different? The Foundation for Rushford-Peterson Schools is hosting its annual fundraiser. The seventh annual Bluff Land Triathlon is set for August 15 and takes place in the natural beauty of the Rushford Peterson Valley in southeastern Minnesota with a 3.1-mile run, 15.5 mile bike and 2.1-mile hike

All three legs of the event start and end at Creekside Park. The run and bike portions are on the paved Root River State Trail and Rush Creek Trail. 

“The course for running and biking is mostly flat with a few gentle rolling hills. The hike goes up and down the side of Magelssen Bluff,” said Brenda Tesch, Bluff Land Tri committee chair. “It doesn’t get more picturesque than running and biking along the Root River, and seeing a panoramic view of the valley from the top of Magelssen Bluff.”

The event is professionally chipped time by Gopher State Events. Medals are awarded to the top place finishers. While chip timing and medals interest the more competitive participant, beginners are commonly found at the event.

“We have several first-time tri participants each year. They have set their goal to finish a triathlon and we are thrilled they choose our event as their first,” Tesch explained. “But even seasoned tri athletes tell us they like the event because the hike portion is something unique and it challenges them.”

Tesch says they also have families, friends, classmates and coworkers who do the event together as individuals or as part of relay teams for fun. 

“Last year we created a relay category. It allows you to form a team of three and each person does one leg of the event,” Tesch said.

All proceeds fund scholarships for senior high school students. Last year, the Foundation awarded $8,750 in scholarships.

“While the pandemic situation is ever-changing, we are remaining positive the Bluff Land Tri can be held,” Tesch said. “It is likely that we will need to make adjustments to procedures to be in accordance with federal, state and CDC recommendations to ensure the safety of our volunteer and participants.”

Registration is open. Cost is $50 for individuals and $60 per relay team. Students 18 and under can register for $25 for individuals and $30 per relay team. Pre-registration is required. No registration will take place onsite on the day of the event. The first 100 registrants get Bluff Land Tri socks. 

For more information and to register, visit www.foundationforr-pschools.org. Follow Bluff Land Tri on Facebook for regular updates regarding the event.