OHIO FALL CHALLENGE
Saturday, September 19, 2026
– The Ohio Fall Challenge takes place where it all started this season – at the scenic Deer Creek State Park. The Ohio Fall Challenge features triathlon, duathlon and aquabike with a distance for all ability levels and experience. The Ohio Fall Challenge is a great race to end your traditional multisport season and head into the “off-season” on a high note! Deer Creek State Park is located just 20 miles south of Columbus, Ohio off I-71. Reserve your spot at the Start Line and celebrate a great season!
Join us on a Fall weekend in September at the Ohio Fall Challenge! End your racing season on a high note at this outstanding athlete-friendly event.
SHIRT OR NO SHIRT, EITHER WAY, YOU WIN!
Everything costs too much these days, and we want to help! All entry fees for 2026 HFP’s Ohio multisport race series have been reduced by the cost of the race shirt to allow you to forgo the additional cost. And if you want to memorialize your soon-to-be PR, you have the option to purchase a race t-shirt when you register. Sorry, you still have to wear your race bib.
UPCOMING RACES:
RACE PACKET PICK-UP. See Packet pick-up tab. There is NO RACE DAY REGISTRATION — packet pickup ONLY
AWARDS
All finishers will receive a handsome finisher amenity.
- Top 3 Male and Female OVERALL FINISHERS in the Mini, Sprint & Olympic triathlons and duathlons races will receive a commemorative award. The TOP NON-BINARY Finisher in the Mini, Sprint & Olympic triathlons will be awarded.
- Top 3 Male and Female OVERALL Finishers in the Collegiate (Sprint & Olympic triathlons) will receive a commemorative award (See Note 1).
- Top 3 Male and Female OVERALL Finishers in the High School Division – Triathlon & Duathlon (Mini & Sprint triathlons) will receive a commemorative award (See Note 1).
- TOP OVERALL Division Male and Female FINISHER (1st Place) in each AGE GROUP, CLYDESDALE, ATHENA & PARATRIATHLON** in the Mini, Sprint and Olympic triathlons will receive an award commemorating their finish.
- Top OVERALL Relay team in each distance will receive a commemorative award.
- Top OVERALL Male and Female Finisher in the Aquabike.
** HFP Racing supports the USA Paratriathlon Classifications. If you have any questions or require any special assistance, please contact us at customerservice@hfpracing.com.
Note 1: Athletes must register and select to participate in special Collegiate and High School divisions and not in the “standard” age group categories for each distance. If register in the standard age group categories you will not be scored in the Collegiate and High School Divisions.
Race Distances
- Mini Triathlon: 250y Swim – 7 mi Bike – 2mi Run
- Mini Duathlon: 2 mi Run – 7 mi Bike – 2mi Run
- Sprint Triathlon: 750m Swim – 21k Bike – 5k Run
- Sprint Duathlon: 5K Run – 21k Bike – 5k Run
- Olympic Triathlon: 1500m Swim – 41k Bike – 10k Run
- Olympic Duathlon: 5k Run – 41k Bike – 10k Run
- Aquabike Distances are identical to the selected triathlon distance for swim and bike (Ex/Sprint Aquabike 750m swim+21K bike)
Relays
For those who prefer to race one element of the triathlon or duathlon we offer a relay division for our sprint and Olympic distance triathlons and duathlons. Relay teams consist of three (3) members (1 swimmer, 1 biker, 1 runner), each member will complete one segment of the race (2 members for duathlon teams). Each team member will exchange their timing chip bracelet at their assigned bike rack. There are NO age groups in this division.
Packet Pick Up – Race Day Only
1. Date: Sunday
Time: 6:30-7:45 am
Location: Deer Creek State Park – Beach Parking Area
Pre-Race Meeting: Approximately 7:30 am
Race Site Address: 14403 Crownover Mill Rd
Mount Sterling, Ohio 43145
Please Note: All participants must collect his/ her own event packet. Photo ID is required in order to collect event materials. NO ID = NO EVENT. HINT if you take a photo of your ID with your phone, that will be sufficient for photo ID purposes.
Pre-Race Meeting: A brief pre-race meeting will take place on race morning at approximately 7:30 am located near the transition area. Additionally, before each swim wave, the swim starter will briefly go over the course. We are always available for questions, there will not be time for extensive Q&A before the race so we encourage you to review all race information on the website.
Please see Terms & Conditions before registering.
| ENTRY FEES DO NOT INCLUDE A RACE SHIRT | LOWER ENTRY FEES! | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Race | Through 12/31/25 | 1/01/26 to 3/31/26 | 4/01/26 to 5/31/26 | 6/01/26 - 8/31/26 | 9/01/26 - Race Week |
| Mini Tri/Du/Aquabike | $60 | $70 | $80 | $90 | $100 |
| Sprint Tri/Du/Aquabike | $75 | $85 | $95 | $110 | $125 |
| Olympic Tri/Du/Aquabike | $90 | $100 | $110 | $125 | $135 |
| Sprint Tri/Du Relay | $110 | $120 | $135 | $150 | $180 |
| Olympic Tri/Du Relay | $140 | $150 | $160 | $180 | $220 |
* Prices above reflect cost for USAT Annual Members and all participants MUST have a valid USAT license (annual or one-day).
If you are not a USAT member, adults may purchase a one-day membership for the event or an annual membership. Youth (17 & under) may purchase an annual membership
FAMILY PLAN IS BACK!
If You register for a Sprint or Olympic distance race, your 13-18 year-old can participate for no entry fee except applicable USAT licenses in the Mini distance. You must register your youth in the High School Division. There is no retroactive application of discount. After you register, contact customerservice@hfpracing.com and provide your event registered and distance and we will send you a code to use to register your Youth athlete.
REGISTRATION NOTES
- Registration fees are non-refundable and non-transferable.
- Fees listed above do not include the online TriRegistration processing fee.
- There is NO RACE DAY REGISTRATION.
- USA Triathlon Rule 3.2a. All age group athletes must participate and compete in the age group division corresponding to the athlete’s age on December 31 of the year of the event.
- If using a discount or sale code, only one code can be used per transaction.
RACE PACKETS
Official Race T-shirt (if registered at least 20 days prior to event date), Goodie Bag, Post Race Food & Beverages, and ALL finishers will receive a handsome Finishers Medal (including all relay team members).
Ohio Fall Challenge Weekend Schedule
| Sunday, September 22 |
|---|
| 6:30am – 7:45am – Race Packet Pickup |
| 7:50 am - Event Formation begins |
Ohio Fall Challenge Start Times
| Sunday, September 22 |
|---|
| 6:30am – 7:45am – Transition area open |
| 8:00am – Olympic Triathlon Waves |
| 8:25am – Sprint Triathlon Waves |
| 8:25am – All Duathletes (Mini, Sprint and Olympic) |
| 8:45am – Mini Triathlon Waves |
USA Triathlon Sanctioning
- All HFP Racing multisport events are USA Triathlon sanctioned.
- USAT’s Most Commonly Violated Rules: If you are new to the sport or are wondering why you got a penalty at your last race,
read USAT’s most commonly violated rules. After each event in our series that has an USAT Official present we will post the Official USAT Referee’s Report on the Results Page for that event. - Need to print a USAT membership card? Click HERE.
USAT Age-Up Policy
How the “Aging Up” situation will be handled for those people changing age groups during the course of the year:
HFP Racing’s series scoring coincides with the USAT “aging up” policy. Participants will compete in whichever age group they would be in as of the 31st of December in the year of the race. In other words, everyone’s age group for the current season will be determined by their age on December 31st of the year they are racing.
Example: Jane Smith is 34 during the entire racing season, but turns 35 on Dec. 15th of that year. Jane will then compete in the 35-39 age group for the entire season for all events.
USAT Wetsuit Rules
All HFP Racing Series events will follow the wetsuit guidelines set forth by USA Triathlon. Those guidelines state:
- USAT rules state that competitors may wear wetsuits if the water temperature is 78 degrees or lower.
- USAT rules also state that if the water temperature is between 78.1 – 83.9 degrees, competitors may wear wetsuits but will not be eligible for awards. HFP Racing Series will have a separate category for those who choose to wear a wetsuit in this temperature range. Those athletes who choose to wear a wetsuit will not be reflected in the overall results.
- If the water temperature is 84 degrees or above, participants may NOT wear wetsuits.
Expected water temperatures will be posted via our Twitter feed page 12-24 hrs. before each event. Average water temperature for Deer Creek reservoir in September has been 75 degrees.
Lodging
Coming in the weekend of the event? Make it a family affair and stay at the Deer Creek Lodge and Conference Center. From Golf, hiking, canoeing to many more onsite activities there is something for the entire family.
Visit Deer Creek Park Lodge for details and reservations.
Travel
The event site is the Deer Creek State Park Beach, 14403 Crownover Mill Rd, New Holland, OH 43145.
Race Information
- Is this your first race? Welcome to the sport and the HFP Racing and Greenswell Events family!
- All athletes receive a great race, a super comfy race shirt, finisher’s medal, post race food/drink, high-fives and sore muscles!
- Race categories available for this race are Age Group, Aquabike (swim-bike-done!), Clydesdale, Athena and Relay Teams.
- All HFP Racing races are USA Triathlon sanctioned events. You’ll be included in their National Ranking as well as support the US Olympic Team.
- All HFP Racing race registrations are non-refundable. Race registration insurance is available during the registration process.
- All registered athletes will receive an email on the Wednesday or Thursday before the race with all the information pertaining to their entry to include any last minute details to make your race weekend go smoothly!
- Spectators – We love when family and friends cheer you on! You’ll watch your athlete start & finish the Swim/Bike/Run and hug them at the finish line!
Parking Information
Athlete and spectator parking is located at the main beach parking lots. However, once the event begins no vehicles will be permitted to leave the parking area until the last bike re-enters the park or law enforcement allows vehicles to exit.
If you or family members must leave before the last bike re-enters the park, please park in the overflow lot – 1st road to your right when you enter the park. No parking in the grass.
Race Number & Sticker Kits
The race number you receive at packet pickup should be worn during the bike and run portion of the event. This will help identify who is participating in the event and also will help identify you to volunteers, team members, other athletes and emergency personnel.
You will receive a sticker kit containing 3 numbers that match your race number. Each sticker has a purpose – 1 sticker is for your bike, 1 sticker is for your bike helmet, and 3rd sticker (if available) is for your gear bag (only applicable in a two-transition event).
Body Marking
Athletes will self-body mark in 2022. There will be markers available to you on race morning. For marking, mark your assigned race number on both your upper right and upper left arms. Mark your Age on the back of your left calf if you are racing in the Age Group division or if you are racing as a Clydesdale “C”, Athena “A”, Aquabike “AQ” or Relay “R” . On your right calf, mark “M” Mini, “S” Sprint, and “O” for Olympic.
Timing Chips
All events produced and timed by HFP Racing are timed with Race Results Chip Equipment. Please take a moment to familiarize yourself with the following procedures to insure successful timing of your event:
- All participants will receive their Timing Chip at packet pick up (athlete check-in). You are REQUIRED to show your paper Bib number in order to receive you timing chip. Our Volunteers are human so please double check that your timing chip number matched your bib number.
- Along with the timing chip participants will receive a Velcro ankle strap. For those participants who have their own neoprene strap they may use that for holding the timing chip.
- Relay Teams will exchange their timing chip at their bike rack located in the transition area (swimmer to biker and biker to runner).
- It is REQUIRED that all participants wear the timing chip on their LEFT ankle.
How to wear the timing chip with the provided neoprene Velcro strap:
- Thread the loose strap through the timing chip and securely fasten the Velcro
- The chip should be in a small “pocket” on the chip strap.
- Place the strap around your LEFT ankle
- Give the chip a firm pull, it should remain securely fastened
- Double check that strap is fastened correctly and securely as loss of timing chip will results in a bill of $35
REMEMBER, YOU MUST RETURN YOUR CHIP AT THE FINISH LINE. YOU CANNOT USE THIS CHIP AT OTHER RACES.
IF YOU ARE NOT ABLE TO FINISH ANY LEG OF THE RACE YOU MUST TURN IN YOUR TIMING CHIP BEFORE CROSSING OVER ANY ADDITIONAL TIMING MATS. IN THIS EVENT TAKE YOUR TIMING CHIP TO THE TIMING CHIP COLLECTION AREA NEAR THE FINISH LINE AND INFORM THEM OF YOUR DECISION.
You will be assessed a $35 charge for your chip if not returned.
Transition Area
Triathletes may enter the transition area at the posted start time of race morning packet pick-up. All bikes must be racked 15-minutes before the start of the first swim wave. Bike racks are identified by distance and triathletes must put their bicycles and gear in their designated bicycle location.
Each bike rack can hold 4 bikes, as such each athletes space is approximately 3 feet wide and 3 feet long. Once your bike is in place your space left for use is approximately the same size as a standard bath towel.
After racking your bike, proceed to the athlete check-in area located near the transition area and obtain your race number, timing chip, etc. Please body mark yourself at least 1/2 hour before the race.
Rules:
- Bike storage will NOT be provided the night before the event.
- Glass containers are NOT allowed in the transition area.
- Only triathletes and transition workers are allowed in the transition area. Please advise your family and friends that they will need to remain outside of the transition area.
- You MUST rack your bike on race morning. First come first serve any rack that does not already have 4 bikes on it.
- Participants will NOT be allowed to mount their bikes in the transition area and will be required to dismount at the designated spot outside the transition area.
- Triathletes must show their race number to remove their bicycle and gear from the transition area after the race.
Race Flow
- Swim – When triathletes finish the swim portion of the race, they will enter the transition area and proceed to their designated bicycle rack (relay teams make their exchange at their designated rack number). Each triathletes swim time will end when they cross the timing mat located near the swim exit. NOTE: DUATHLETES – when duathletes complete their 1st run they will enter transition and proceed to their designated bicycle rack to transition to the biking leg of the race.
- Bike – Bikes may NOT be ridden in the transition area. It is important to use extreme caution when departing the transition area, it is may be very congested! All athletes must put on their helmet and snap the strap before mounting their bike. The helmet on and buckled until they dismount and rack their bike. Not following the helmet rules may result in a disqualification (DQ). Bike times will start when athletes depart the transition area through the ‘Bike Out’ chute and end when they re-enter the transition area through the ‘Bike In’ chute in the transition area. Once the bike portion is completed, athletes will return their bike to their designated spot in the transition area.
- Run – All athletes depart the transition area by exiting through the ‘Run Out’ chute. Athletes run time will begin when they depart the transition area at ‘Run Out’ and end when they cross the finish line.
Water Temperature, Swim Caps and Wetsuits
The top two questions we receive about our events is what is the water temperature and are wetsuits allowed. Since one answer usually answers the other the explanations for both are bundled together for you here.
Water Temperature
The water temperature for each open water event is taken and posted on Twitter 24 hours before the posted packet pick-up time. This temperature reading is a preliminary reading. The official water temperature will be taken on race morning about 60-90 minutes prior to race start by the Race Director or the USAT official on site.
Swim Caps
All triathlon and aquabike participants will be issued an official race swim cap that must be worn during the swim portion. Swim caps are latex. If you have a latex allergy, contact customerservice@hfpracing.com. We do have silicon caps available for individuals with latex allergies.
Wetsuits
As per USAT rules, if the water temperature is 78 degrees Fahrenheit or below then wetsuits ARE allowed. At 78.1 to 83.9 degrees Fahrenheit participants may wear a wetsuit at their own discretion; however, wearing a wetsuit in the temperature range will mean that the athletes are ineligible for awards and their results will be placed in the Wetsuit category section of the category results page. Your results will not be placed in the overall results as wearing a wetsuit is an unfair advantage. At 84 degrees Fahrenheit and above wetsuits are NOT permitted at all – this is for your own safety.
We pride ourselves on the success of our events to which none of it could be possible without the support of our amazing volunteers.
How to Become a Volunteer
It is simple. Find out more information on our volunteer page. If you have any further questions please send an email to customerservice@hfpracing.com and let us know you wish to support the event!
Volunteer as a Group
HFP Racing events are a great opportunity to get your community group, run club, tri-club, ANY group involved and volunteer together. We have many areas of the race that are perfect for groups from 5-15 people to volunteer together. Send us email at customerservice@hfpracing.com and let us know!
COURSE MAPS
MINI TRIATHLON & DUATHLON
The mini distance triathlon will start off with a 250 yard out and back swim (water depth average 4-6 feet along the beach), followed by a 7 mile bike course through the countryside and finishing with 2 mile out and back run within the park. Duathletes will start off with a 2 mile run.
Mini Distance – Interactive Run Course – Click HERE
Mini Distance – Interactive Bike Course – Click HERE
Click an image to enlarge.
SPRINT TRIATHLON & DUATHLON
The sprint distance triathlon features a 750 meter counter-clockwise rectangular swim, while the duathletes are running an out & back 5k within the park, followed by a single loop 21k bike course through the gently rolling countryside surrounding the park and finishing with an out & back 5k run within the park.
Sprint Distance – Interactive Run Course – Click HERE
Sprint Distance – Interactive Bike Course – Click HERE
Click an image to enlarge.
OLYMPIC TRIATHLON & DUATHLON
The Olympic distance triathlon features a 1500 meter 2-lap counter-clockwise rectangular swim, while the duathletes are running an out & back 5k within the park, followed by a two lap bike course (41K) through the countryside surrounding the park and finishing with a two lap out & back 10k run within the park.
Olympic distance – Interactive Run Course – Click HERE
Olympic distance – Interactive Bike Course – Click HERE
Click an image to enlarge.
ABOUT THE VENUE
Deer Creek State Park
20635 State Park Road 20, Mt Sterling, OH 43143 | Website
Welcome to Deer Creek State Park. A true vacation destination, Deer Creek offers a balance of modern and rustic facilities to satisfy every visitor. Set amidst rich farming country, the park’s well-appointed resort, marina, large campground, and 18-hole golf course facilities blend perfectly with outdoor activities such as boating, fishing, camping, and hiking. The park also boasts a presidential connection with its historical Harding Cabin. In summer, Deer Creek offers nature programming, and in winter, snowmobiling and ice fishing.
The Ohio Fall Challenge features a distance for all ability levels, whether you’re getting ready for a fall Ironman distance race or looking for a great course for your final triathlon of the year, the Ohio Fall Challenge is the race for you. The field is limited to the first 500 total participants.
Join us in the last weekend of September at the Ohio Fall Challenge! End your racing season on a high note at this outstanding athlete-friendly event.