Annual · Sunday in mid-July
Helena Outdoor Triathlon (HOTri)
The Helena Outdoor Triathlon, held at Spring Meadow Lake since at least the late 1990s, sold out its 2026 field before race day.
When
Sunday, July 12, 2026
Finished for 2026. Next year's dates are not announced yet; it usually falls sunday in mid-July.
Where
Spring Meadow Lake State Park
2715 Country Club Dr, Helena, MT 59601
Cost
2026 pricing: Super Sprint $40 (plus signup fee), rising to $50 after March 31; Sprint Solo and Olympic $70, rising to $80 after March 31; virtual option $30 flat.
By Volunteer-run event (formerly branded the Spring Meadow Triathlon); registration and timing handled through TriSignUp
About Helena Outdoor Triathlon (HOTri)
The Helena Outdoor Triathlon, known for most of its history as the Spring Meadow Triathlon, is held at Spring Meadow Lake State Park on Country Club Drive. A 2008 news reference to an '11th annual Spring Meadow Triathlon' places its start in the late 1990s, though this research could not confirm an exact founding year or the name of an original organizing body. Racers swim in the spring-fed lake, bike on two-lane roads outside town with sheriff's-office traffic support, and run on park trails.
The event offers a full slate of distances and formats: Super Sprint, Sprint (solo or relay team), Olympic (solo or relay team), an aquabike option, a duathlon, a 5K fun run, and a virtual option for people who cannot attend in person. The 2026 race, held Sunday, July 12, sold out its field before race day. Finishers get a post-race meal, T-shirt, medal and age-group awards through third place. The event has a history of donating leftover proceeds to local causes, including Prickly Pear Land Trust, Queen City Wheel House and Helena Food Share.
What happens
- Swim leg is in the spring-fed water of Spring Meadow Lake
- Bike leg uses two-lane county roads with sheriff's-office support
- Offers solo and relay-team options at Sprint and Olympic distances
- 2026 race sold out its field ahead of race day
Tips
- The race has sold out in recent years; register well before race week if you want a spot.
- A virtual option exists for anyone who cannot travel to Helena on race day.
- Spring Meadow Lake has limited parking; plan for a walk from overflow lots on race morning.
Helena Outdoor Triathlon (HOTri) FAQ
- Where is the Helena Outdoor Triathlon held?
- Spring Meadow Lake State Park, 2715 Country Club Dr, Helena.
- Is the Helena Outdoor Triathlon the same as the Spring Meadow Triathlon?
- Yes, it is the same event under a newer name.
- How much does the Helena Outdoor Triathlon cost?
- In 2026, Super Sprint entries were $40 to $50 and Sprint/Olympic entries were $70 to $80, depending on when you registered; a $30 virtual option was also offered.
- Can you do a relay at the Helena Outdoor Triathlon?
- Yes, both the Sprint and Olympic distances offer team relay options.
- Does the Helena Outdoor Triathlon sell out?
- The 2026 race sold out its field before race day, so early registration is recommended.
Other annual events in Helena
Helena Bighorns
Friday, September 18, 2026 – Sunday, March 14, 2027 · Steed Arena (formerly Helena Ice Arena)
Just for the Helena of It
Sunday, October 18, 2026 · Bill Roberts Golf Course area / Country Club Avenue start-finish
Montana Race to the Sky
Friday, February 12, 2027 – Tuesday, February 16, 2027 · Lincoln, Montana (start and finish at Hi-Country Snack Foods); 100-mile finish at Seeley Lake
Don't Fence Me In Trail Run
Saturday, May 8, 2027 · Start/finish near Last Chance Gulch, courses through Helena's South Hills