Notice: Registration Closes Monday, Sept. 8th at 4:30pm
Parkers Creek Challenge
ACLT's Annual Triathlon "with a twist"!
Sunday*, September 14, 2025
*No Rain Date
Check-in begins at 7:30am. Race begins at 8am.
South Side Trailhead: 1985 Scientists Cliffs Road
Port Republic, MD 20676
Event Description
ACLT’s “Triathlon with a Twist” begins at the South Side Trailhead on Scientists Cliffs Road in Port Republic, MD. The first leg is a 9-mile bike ride, followed by a 2-mile run to the Bay for a 3-mile round trip paddle up Parkers Creek, and finishing with another 2-mile run back to the trailhead (see route map and details below).
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Make it a family/friends event with a 3*-Member Relay Team! Find two friends to help you complete the challenge! Limited to a total of 10 relay teams, so register early! Looking to join a team? Email miriam@acltweb.org and we’ll try to connect you with others who are looking for team members.
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*Note: 2-member teams are also permitted.
Distance/Route*
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Beginning at ACLT's South Side trailhead (1985 Scientists Cliffs Road, Port Republic, MD), bike to Parkers Creek Rd (turn left) to MD-765S (turn left) and ride to St. Leonard Elementary School (5370 St. Leonard Rd., St. Leonard, MD)
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Turn around and return to the South Side trailhead by the same route. Drop off bike.
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Run north on Scientists Cliffs Road and down the Warrior's Rest driveway to the Bay launch site. Launch kayak, canoe, or paddle board.
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Paddle approximately 300 yards from the launch site on the Bay to Parkers Creek, turning left into the Creek. Paddle to the designated turn-around point (1. 5 miles), returning to Warrior's Rest for a total of 3 miles.
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Run back up the Warrior's Rest driveway to Scientists Cliffs Road and back to the South Side trailhead, completing the Challenge.
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Note: The average time to complete the course is 2:10.
*Calvert County Sheriff's Deputies will direct traffic.
South Side Trailhead
1985 Scientists Cliffs Road
Port Republic, Md.
Rules
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Participants must be age 16 or older on the date of the event.
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Participants must provide their own kayak, canoe, or paddle board (plus paddle and PFD), and bike.
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Boats must be dropped off prior to the race, on Saturday, September 13th between the hours of 3:00pm and 5:30pm at the Warrior's Rest launch site (1920 Scientists Cliffs Road, Port Republic, MD).
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At the end of the race, boats will be delivered to the South Side trailhead. If a participant drops off a boat on Saturday but does not show up for the race on Sunday, the participant is responsible for making arrangements to pick it up at a later date. ACLT is not responsible for unclaimed race equipment.
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Boats must be removed from ACLT property immediately following the event.
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All participants must read and consent to ACLT's waiver of liability at the time of registration.
Race Schedule
Saturday, September 13th - Registration packet pickup and boat drop-off at Warrior's Rest (1920 Scientists Cliffs Road, Port Republic, MD) between 3-5:30pm.
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Sunday, September 14th - Race Day check-in at 7:30am at the South Side trailhead (1985 Scientists Cliffs Road); Race begins at 8:00a.m.
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NO RAIN DATE
Timing & Awards
Winners receive an official ACLT race medallion (made from handcrafted pottery).
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60 & Over Prizes:
Top Male and Top Female Overall
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Under 60 Prizes:
Top 3 Males and Top 3 Females Overall
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Relay Teams:
Best Overall Time
Each participant will receive the following:
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Race Number: Each participant will be assigned a race number for their boat, bike, and race bib. The bib number must be worn on the front of the body and be visible at all times.
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Pre- and Post-Race Food & Drink: Fuel up with fresh fruit, granola bars, and water or gatorade before the race and stay after the race for complimentary refreshments (and beer!) and the awards ceremony.​
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Early registration for next year's race (at a discounted price)!
Cancellations & Refunds:
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Because the race is on a Sunday, there is no rain date.
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If the race is cancelled due to inclement weather, fees will not be refunded. A decision will be made and participants notified the evening before if the forecast is not favorable.
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Cancellations by participants must be made by September 7th to receive a partial refund. A $5 service fee will be deducted from the refund.
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Anyone on the waiting list will be notified in the order in which they registered as soon as possible and no later than September 7th.
A Note about Event T-Shirts - Please Read!
To save on costs, we no longer purchase event t-shirts in bulk for participants. Instead, you may order your own t-shirts and have them shipped directly to you. Lot of colors and styles to choose from at affordable prices! A portion of the proceeds from the sale of the t-shirts will benefit ACLT. Other merchandise also available in our online store.
T-Shirt Back
T-Shirt Front
Volunteers
Volunteers are critical to making this event fun, safe, and enjoyable for everyone. We rely heavily on volunteer support and are always looking for folks who don't mind waking up early and lending a hand. If you'd like to volunteer, please contact Land Manager Autumn Phillips-Lewis at (410) 414-3400 or email landmanager@acltweb.org.
