ACLT's 2025 Parkers Creek Challenge
Sunday*, September 14, 2025 – Check-in – 7:30 am; Race Begins at 8:00 am
*Because the event is being held on Sunday, there is no rain date.
Scroll to bottom or click here to see photos from past PCC’s!
ACLT’s Triathlon with a Twist
Event Description:
ACLT’s “Triathlon with a Twist” starts with a round trip 9-mile bike ride from ACLT’s South Side trailhead on Scientists Cliffs Road in Port Republic, MD to St. Leonard Elementary School in St. Leonard and back; running 2 miles to the Chesapeake Bay along Scientists Cliffs Road and through the Warrior’s Rest sanctuary; paddling a 3-mile round trip on the Bay and pristine Parkers Creek; and making the return 2-mile run to the South Side trailhead.
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.
Distance/Route*
- Beginning at the ACLT South Side trailhead (1985 Scientists Cliffs Rd, Port Republic, MD 20676), bike to Parkers Creek Rd, turning left onto Parkers Creek Rd to MD-765 S. Turn left onto MD-765 S and ride to the St. Leonard Elementary School (5370 St. Leonard Rd, St. Leonard MD 20685), turn around and return to the South Side trailhead by the same route. Drop off bike.
- Run east on Scientists Cliffs Rd and down the Warrior’s Rest driveway to the Bay shore launch site. Launch kayak/canoe/paddle board.
- Paddle approximately 300 yards from the launch site on the Bay to Parkers Creek, turning left into the Creek and paddling to the designated turnaround point (a total of 1.5 miles), returning to Warrior’s Rest, for a total of 3 miles.
- Run back up the Warrior’s Rest driveway to Scientists Cliffs Rd and follow it to the South Side trailhead, completing the Challenge.
*Calvert County Sheriff’s Deputies will direct traffic
Rules
- Participants must be age 16 or older on the date of the event.
- Participants must provide their own kayak, canoe, or paddle board (plus paddle and PFD), and bike.
- Kayaks/canoes/paddle boards MUST be dropped off during the registration time on Friday, September 13th from 3:00–7:00 pm at the Warrior’s Rest launch site (1920 Scientists Cliffs Road, Port Republic, Md.).
- Kayaks/canoes/paddle boards must be removed from ACLT property immediately following the event.
- Kayaks/canoes/paddle boards will be moved to the shore by ACLT volunteers and delivered to the South Side trailhead after the race is completed. If a participant drops off a kayak/canoe/paddle board 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.
- All participants must read and consent to the ACLT waiver of liability at time of registration.
Race Schedule
Saturday, September 13th – Registration packet pickup and kayak/canoe/paddle board drop off: 3-7 pm at Warrior’s Rest (1920 Scientists Cliffs Road, Port Republic, MD 20676)
Sunday, September 14th – Race Day check-in at 7:30 am at south side trailhead (1985 Scientists Cliffs Road); Race begins at 8:00 am
NO RAIN DATE
Timing & Awards
Volunteers will time the race at the finish line. Timing is unofficial.
Winners receive an official ACLT race medallion (made from handcrafted pottery).
60 & Over Prizes: Top Male and Top Female Overall
Under 60 Prizes: Top 3 Males and Top 3 Females Overall
Relay Teams: Best Overall Time
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 Autumn Phillips-Lewis at (410) 414-3400 or email landmanager@acltweb.org
Reduced Fees
*LIMITED TIME ONLY* – SPECIAL PRICING FOR PAST PARTICIPANTS!
- ACLT Members: $30/participant (normally $40)
- Non-Members/General Fee: $40/participant (normally $50)
- 3-Member Relay Teams: $15/team member (normally $25)
*Hurry! Special Pricing in effect until July 1st.
Each registrant will receive the following:
- RACE NUMBER – Each participant will receive 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.
- POST-RACE FOOD & DRINK – Participants are encouraged to stay after the race for complimentary refreshments and the awards ceremony.
Cancellations & Refunds
- There is no Rain Date. No refunds will be issued.
- Cancellations by participants must be made by September 7th to receive a refund. A $5 service fee will be charged.
- Anyone on the wait 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, you may now CHOOSE YOUR RACE SHIRT! Order your own event t-shirts and have them shipped directly to you. Lots 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.
Race Location
Race begins and ends at ACLT’s South Side Trailhead: 1985 Scientists Cliffs Road, Port Republic, MD 20676
Questions? Call our office at (410) 414-3400 or email miriam@acltweb.org
