Why the Spudman Triathlon in Idaho is so rad – a triathlete

On the last Saturday in July, more than 2,000 athletes will descend on Burleigh, Idaho, to celebrate the 40th anniversary. Speedman Triathlon. Burley, with a population of just under 12,000, is located in an area historically known for its surrounding potato farms, but not much else. That all changed when Burley Lions Club members Scott Bloxham and Ron Ploeger decided to find a new fundraiser.

“After watching the triathlon, they decided it fit the bill,” says current race director Carl B. Darrington. The first Spudman Championships were held in 1987 and attracted approximately 190 athletes.

“I grew up here, and one year, I encouraged a friend to race in a Speedman race. It was so inspiring that I signed up to race and went on to compete in 10 Speedman races,” says Darrington, who took a break from racing when he became race director in 2017. Olympic. But five years ago, we decided to offer race also.”

Spud-tacular triple secret

In addition to becoming beginner-friendly by adding the sprint distance, Darrington has turned a dilemma into an advantage.

“Every year, we have a new group of volunteers, and many of them don’t know the ropes,” Darrington explains. “100% of the proceeds had always gone back into the community, but when we decided to make larger donations to the schools and organizations that helped with the race, volunteers from the same groups started coming back year after year. That’s when Speedman really took off. In 2024, the triathlon sold out in less than 30 minutes.”

For 2025, registration has been changed to a lottery system. When registration opened on January 1, Speedman received more than 3,000 entries for 2,400 available spots, making it The third most popular short track race in the United States last year.

“The first thing we hear is how well Spudman is organized thanks to the wonderful volunteers from local organizations,” says Darrington. “At the 2025 Volunteer Appreciation Dinner, we presented them with checks for a total of $45,000.”

5 Reasons to Run a Spudman Triathlon

1. Community

It’s not just the volunteers who make the race impressive. “The community is really involved,” Darrington says. “Families are setting up sprinklers at the running track and cheering on the athletes from their yards. One man even lets the track pass through his yard.”

2. Location

Burleigh is only a 2.5-hour drive from Boise, Idaho and Utah’s Salt Lake Valley. 60% of Speedman race participants are from Utah, but the race has attracted athletes from 29 states and as far away as France, Italy and South Korea over the years.

3. Fast, scenic cycle

“The Speedman starts by swimming downstream in the Snake River, which is less intimidating than swimming in a lake or ocean. With current assistance, it’s a great swim for beginners or anyone after a PR,” says Darrington. Except for a few bikes, the bike path is flat, but those racing the Olympic distance can enjoy legendary views of the southern hills on the horizon. “When I was racing, the bike was my favorite part,” Darrington says. “It’s beautiful, fast and accessible.” “I’ve seen people do this on everything from mountain bikes to beach trips!”

For a sprint race, the running route is an out-and-back course. Consisting of a mixture of 70% asphalt and 30% gravel, the Olympic course is mostly flat and allows competitors to reach a scenic finish by taking a single track through the trees of ‘Spudman Grove’ and onto the greens of Burley Golf Course to a finish line filled with spectators.

4. Viewer friendly

“Spudman starts and ends in the same area, which makes it very convenient for viewers,” shares Darrington. “If you’re going to the Olympics, your family can cheer you on as you swim by taking the walking path along the river shore. Or they can just be at the T1 exit and cheer you on as you start the bike.”

5. Edible spoils

Everyone loves a good race shirt that all Spudman participants receive. But it’s an edible unique to triathlon booty What athletes look forward to most. When the package is picked up, a wrapped potato is given to each contestant.

“One year, we couldn’t give out potatoes, and everyone was disappointed,” Darrington says of the Idaho state-themed medals. “They’re probably more excited about the potatoes than they are about the final medals.” “And those who place first, second and third in each age group receive a potato-themed Spudman Trophy at the awards ceremony.”

“For a lot of people, Spudman is their first triathlon, and they come back every year,” says Darrington, who will retire as race director after the 2026 race, leaving it in the hands of Lions president Wesley Dalton. “Now that I am resigning as race director, I may race Speedman again myself.”