The first thing you notice as you show up to Sand Hallow national park for the St. George Triathlon is how far away from the event you are. There is a 30 minute walk from parking to transition.

BBSC picked up the park entrance fee this year which made parking faster and saved everyone a few bucks. Once you reach transition you will see a typical layout. Shoots on either end with a nice wide path down the center and bike racks on both sides. I love the feeling at this event with rock music playing over the PA system and BBSC's giant trailer hovering over the finish line.

Exiting transition to prepare for the swim you walk down the boat ramp and were greeted by a beautiful reservoir surrounded by red sand stone.  The swim here always looks longer then it is, which I believe is because of how high the boat ramp is above the lake. The swim start is a floating start with olympic distance doing two laps while sprint does one. Water temp is in the mid 60's, perfect wetsuit temperature. Exit the water and run up the ramp full of spectators cheering everyone on. Get your bike and prepare yourself for a fun ride. There is red sand right up to the road the entire ride with plenty of rollers the first few miles until you reach "the hill" as it is called, a 6% grade with a mile climb. These first 4 miles or so of the bike are the hardest, but boy are they fun on the way back.  My only complaint about this course is the cattle guard at the bottom of "the hill" they throw a thick rubber mat over it that allows you to cross in a safe manner but who wants to slow down to 25 mph when you are approaching it at around 50 mph. I didn't slow down this year and almost lost control when I went over it at 49mph. Once done with the ride, the run will take you out on the same course as the bike. The finish line is right next to transition and provides a great place for spectators to spot there athletes from a distance because of the slight incline approaching the finish.  They had oranges, bananas, and bagels at the finish with a cool green water bottle. BBSC also provided a post race meal for the athletes which was very tasty.  
When you put together perfect weather, southern Utah scenery, and a well run event with lots of amenities you get the St. George Triathlon. If you didn’t make the St. George Triathlon don’t fret, BBSC puts on two of these this year, the second one is called Kokopelli.

For more information about BBSC races go to www.bbsctri.com