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Black Squirrel Triathlon

Black Squirrel Triathlon

Black Squirrel Triathlon offers a flat, fast 21.1K on Lake Manawa's paved paths.

Race Date

May 23, 2027

Location

Council Bluffs, IA

Quick facts

Date
Sunday, May 23, 2027
Location
Council Bluffs, Iowa
Distance
Half marathon (13.1 mi) + 25.75K, 5.75K, 750m
Course
Loop Course
Terrain
Road
USATF certified
Not listed

Highlights

Good For

PR Friendly

Atmosphere

Local CommunityGreat SwagWell Organized

Course

Fast Flat

The Experience

The Black Squirrel Triathlon presents a refreshing race day at Iowa's Lake Manawa, a gem known for its flat and fast terrain. Runners navigate a course that utilizes paved trails and adjacent streets, offering a smooth and speedy experience perfect for setting personal bests.

The event, held at Lake Manawa Beach, provides a scenic backdrop with its lakeside setting. With typical race-day temperatures ranging from 56–74°F, conditions are often favorable for a strong performance. The race is designed to be accessible to a wide range of participants, from seasoned athletes to those new to the sport, with various distances available beyond the 21.1K.

Participants can expect a well-organized event with a focus on a quality technical t-shirt as a giveaway. The race culminates with awards for top finishers across overall, age group, and relay categories, ensuring a rewarding conclusion to a day of competition by the lake.

Race-provided description

The Black Squirrel is a great race for any age and ability on a flat and fast course on Lake Manawa. The race starts and ends at Lake Manawa Beach. The Swim course is a clockwise course straight out from the beach and back.  The Bike Course consists of two complete clockwise loops of the lake.  The Run Course exits the transition area and uses portions of the paved trail and adjacent streets.   All participants registered by April 12th will receive a finisher medal! Awards for the Top 3 overall males and females ages 15 and above.  Top 3 individuals in each 5 year Age Group on both male and females.  Awards also for the top 3 relay teams.   Top overall award for Aquabike male and female.

Logistics

Race Day

Sunday, May 23, 2027

Start Time

8:00 AM

Giveaway

T-Shirt Technical High Quality

Start Location

Lake Manawa Beach, Council Bluffs, IA, 51501

Directions

Course Info

Course Type

Loop Course

Terrain

road

Scenery

Lake River

Surface

Paved

Difficulty

Ultra-Flat

Net Drop/km

0 m (Flat)

Separation

0.0%

Also Offers

25.75K5.75K750m

Quality Score

Methodology
Heritage0/20

first year

Size0/15

no finisher counts yet

Momentum3/5

small race — neutral

Loyalty0/20

needs a few years of results

Course & details6/15

3 timing sources · 10 photos

National draw0/10

no finisher data yet

Front-pack speed0/5

no winner time yet

Weather2/10

typical high 74°F

Race Day Weather

5-year historical avg

Start (Low)

56°

Afternoon (High)

74°

Warm — hydration strategy is key, start conservatively

0.1"

Precipitation

14 mph

Wind

67%

Humidity

Race Photos

Frequently asked

When is the Black Squirrel Triathlon?

The Black Squirrel Triathlon is held on Sunday, May 23, 2027, starting at 8:00 AM.

Where does the Black Squirrel Triathlon take place?

It takes place in Council Bluffs, Iowa.

What distances does the Black Squirrel Triathlon offer?

The half marathon (13.1 miles), plus 25.75K, 5.75K, 750m.

Is the Black Squirrel Triathlon course flat and good for a PR?

The Black Squirrel Triathlon is a ultra-flat, loop course course.

HalfRuns editorial — independent, no paid placement.

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