Southern Hills Triathlon

Staged along the southeastern perimeter of the Black Hills, the Southern Hills Triathlon centers around the calm waters and open country of the Angostura Recreation Area. The sprint contest opens at Breakers Beach with an approximate quarter-mile open-water swim in the Angostura Reservoir. The reservoir typically delivers clean, calm conditions from a sandy entry, allowing athletes to settle into their stroke quickly without dealing with typical lake weeds or heavy chop.

Once through transition, you will head out onto an out-and-back bike course covering roughly 12 miles on local asphalt roads. The route exits the park into surrounding ranch country, featuring rolling terrain and several tight corners before opening into long stretches exposed to open-plains winds. Elevation changes are steady rather than severe, but the undulating gradient requires smart gearing and continuous power management.

Returning to transition, the 3.1-mile run hugs the eastern shoreline of the reservoir. While the lake provides scenic vistas, this out-and-back leg is unexpectedly hilly, hitting athletes with punchy ascents and descents under limited shade. Pacing is critical here, as the late-morning prairie sun can turn the final lakeside push into a gritty grind to the finish.

Angostura Recreation Area is situated roughly 10 miles south of Hot Springs, South Dakota, accessible via US-18 and US-385. If you are flying in from outside the region, Rapid City Regional Airport (RAP) is the primary commercial hub, located about an hour's drive north. The most convenient lodging options range from lakeside camping cabins and campgrounds within Angostura State Recreation Area itself to historic hotels and motels in nearby Hot Springs.

Early September in the southern Black Hills brings cool morning starts followed by briskly warming daytime temperatures, with race-morning lows often in the 50s Fahrenheit climbing into the 70s or low 80s. South Dakota State Parks require a park entrance license; you will need to purchase an annual pass or a daily vehicle permit at the park entrance station north of the transition area, so ensure you have exact cash or payment ready to avoid race-day delays.

Packet pickup is traditionally offered in the days leading up to the race at running outlets in Rapid City as well as on-site near Breakers Beach on the eve of the event. The venue sits at an elevation just above 3,100 feet; while altitude sickness is rarely an issue at this height, the dry prairie air makes hydration before and during the race essential.