Following in the footsteps of the acclaimed SOS Triathlon® in New York, SOS Cape Cod is a point-to-point adventure race using all three disciplines of triathlon to cross 38 miles of the spectacularly scenic Cape Cod National Seashore. Here, you begin your journey with a bike ride, followed by a series of trail runs and fresh-water swims before ending in Wellfleet for a post-race meal and after-party. Due to the rigorous nature of this race there are qualification standards: please read them carefully.
Event Summary
Like the original SOS event, the race starts
with a bike leg; which will leave from Mayo Beach on Cape Cod Bay in the
village of Wellfleet. You’ll follow mostly back country roads to Provincetown,
then to Truro. Racers will leave the bikes with their support person and
venture onto the sandy trails of the National Seashore. Total running is 9
miles. Along the way you will encounter glacier-created kettle ponds which will
require three swims: each either a quarter or a half-mile. You’ll finish with a
one-mile run along a quiet road to the finish line at Wellfleet’s
Congregational Church. You and your support person are welcome at a full meal
at the after-party and awards ceremony.
Qualification Standards
As part of your registration for this race,
you will need to provide documentation showing you have completed or will complete at least 1 week before the race, one of the
following within 30 months of race day: a standard Olympic-distance race in 3:00 hours
or less (or adjusted time if a non-standard Olympic); a half-Ironman in 6:30 hours
or less; or an Ironman-distance race in 14 hours or less.
Required of Competitors
Each competitor must designate a support person, or porter, with
vehicle to park in designated areas during the race, to be present at the first
transition stop to take your bike, and to be present at the finish line.
SOS History
The SOS Triathlon, founded in 1983 by Don
Davis is widely considered to be one of the
sport’s most iconic events. Held every September in the rugged hills bordering
New Paltz, New York, this eight-stage triathlon
(bike-run-swim-run-swim-run-swim-hill climb) attracts some of the world’s best
athletes — as well as individually-minded age groupers looking for a challenge
unlike anything else.
COVID-19
It is important to keep athletes, volunteers and staff safe! As
guidelines shift for events of this type we will update this race's
website page and post to Facebook.
Bike Route
• Starts at Mayo Beach, Wellfleet, Cape Cod
• Winds through the narrow streets of this
old fishing village before following one of the oldest (and most
isolated) roads in New England along Cape Cod Bay to Truro
• Follows the bike lane of the Mid Cape Highway to North Truro
• Enters the North Highlands area of Truro, on quiet windswept roads
• From North Truro, follows Shore Road to Provincetown
• At the Harbor Inn, turns to head back to North Truro
• Follows the bike lane of the Mid Cape Highway for a short stretch
• Enters onto quiet, hilly roads by Castle Hill and Corn Hill — the first place in North America visited by English explorers
• In Truro Center, crosses over to the Ocean side of the Cape (the “Backside”)
• Finishes on Collins Road in Lower Truro,
where athletes will meet their support designates and exchange bikes
for running/swimming gear
Run/Swim Route
Racers will embark on a combination run/swim
effort (9 miles of running, 1.25 of swimming, across seven legs) through the
Cape Cod National Seashore lands in Truro and Wellfleet. The runners
will be following existing footpaths and both dirt and paved roads,
with the last run leg entirely on paved roads
• Run #1: Truro Highlands, 4 miles
• Swim #1: Gull Pond, 0.5 mile
• Run #2: Fire Roads, 2.5 miles
• Swim #2: Great Pond, 0.25 mile
• Run #3: Way 625, 1.5 miles
• Swim #3: Long Pond, 0.5 mile
• Run #4: Long Pond Road, 1 mile
• Finish at Wellfleet Congregational Church
Transfer/Refund Policy
No transfers or substitutions will be allowed. There will be no refunds
or deferments.
Rain Date
There is no rain date. Race management reserves the right to modify or
shorten the race course in case of inclement weather or unforeseen
circumstances. This has happened often, and
athletes should be aware of — and accept — the possibility.
Field Limit
150 athletes will be allowed at SOS Cape Cod. The SOS race in NY sells out in minutes every year.
Post Race
Athletes and support persons are invited to the after-party and awards ceremony with a full meal in Wellfleet. Additional meals can be purchased for $30.
Finisher Honors and Awards
All SOS Survivors receive a tech shirt and finisher plaque.
Travel
For those traveling from afar, Cape Cod is awash with hotels, motor
lodges, inns, bed and breakfasts, vacation cottages and AirBnB
offerings.
