The Event
The Marshalton Triathlon is Chester County’s premier community and sporting event that has flourished for forty years and counting. First run in 1972, it is considered one of the longest continually running triathlons in the country. With it’s first running primarily recreational for the patrons of the Marshalton Inn, the race has become an annual tradition for families and friends from all portions of Chester County.
The race begins and ends in the village of Marshallton, and participants race over ten miles of beautiful Chester County. The race includes bicycling, canoeing and fast walking. The Marshalton Triathlon has grown from sixty competitors, in that first year, to include as many as 2200 participants and a thousand or more spectators. A unique feature of our race is that it is open to beginners; with a shorter race course than most traditional triathlons, allowing the 8-16 year old age group participants to average 20% of total participants. The result is that our event creates opportunities for entire families to participate in the race and fosters multiple generations of participation and spectating.
The Cause
The Marshalton Triathlon is a volunteer organization, staffed by nearly a hundred volunteers that donates its proceeds to outstanding local organizations. Since 1976, The West Bradford Fire Company (WBFC) has been the primary benefactor of the Marshalton Triathlon proceeds, receiving over 500 thousand dollars over many years and 20 thousand dollars or more on an annual basis (28K in 2014). WBFC is staffed with an all-volunteer crew that is dedicated to rescue and prevention in West Bradford, East Bradford and Newlin townships. West Bradford Fire Company was founded in 1953, includes approximately 45 members and responds to 290-360 incidents per year. The WBFC uses the Triathlon proceeds to help defray operational costs and provide financial assistance to members who suffer misfortunes as a result of volunteering.
A more recent benefactor of the Marshalton Triathlon is the Marshallton Conservation Trust (MCT). First organized in 2009 by several Marshallton residents, the Trust is motivated by the desire to see the Marshallton area return to a safe, walkable community and its rich history preserved. Marshallton Conservation Trust is committed to preserving the historic integrity and the quality of life in this very special area for future generations.
Our one of a kind race and it’s benefactors foster all the great elements of a great community: volunteerism, family, health, safety, sportsmanship and fun. Organizations and individuals who share our belief in the value of these activities are encouraged to become a Partner, Associate, Friend level sponsor or donate to a targeted sponsorship item.
The Rules
- Plan to arrive at least one hour prior to your race to park and register. Park only in designated areas specifically marked for the event.
- Your race packet may be picked up at the Firehouse on the day of the event starting at 7:00 am.
- Bike helmets are mandatory for the race. They must be ANSI, SNELL or CPSC (Consumer Product Safety Commission) certified.
- Participants with underage children, trailers, tag-along bikes or child carriers will be disqualified from participating.
- When biking, stay on the right side of the road at all times. The race course has contestants riding the roads heading both directions; right-of-way goes to person in front.
- At the canoe launch site, before entering the canoe, place your bike in the area marked with your heat number.
- Two-man rental canoes are provided by Northbrook Canoe Co. For all Recreational Racers, No PRO canoes allowed.
- Enter the water only after both partners are present.
- During the paddle race, the canoe in front has the right of way.
- At the end of the race, beach your canoe in the marked area.
- When power walking or pacing, one foot must be in contact with the ground at all times. You will be disqualified for running!
- You are permitted to run with your bike, during the biking part of the race.
- Your time will be recorded when you cross the official race line in front of the West Bradford Firehouse. An impartial Race Judging Committee will mediate disputes.
- All food and beverages are provided at the event by the Triathlon’s official vendors located at the race site outside the Four Dogs Tavern and in front of the Firehouse. Personal picnics, food and beverages are not permitted at the event.
- Proof of age and personal ID is required for the purchase of alcohol.
- Bike inspections will not be provided on the day of the event. Each entrant is responsible for ensuring that their bike is mechanically safe. The West Bradford Fire Company and the Marshalton Triathlon Festival, Inc. and it's partners are not responsible for any damages or injuries resulting from improper or unsafe bicycles.
- All participants and spectators are expected to behave with proper decorum and show good sportsmanship. Abuse of race officials will not be tolerated and may result in suspension from future events.
The F.A.Q's
F.A.Q.
Updated on May 2015
Q: IS THERE AN AGE LIMIT?
A: Yes, you must be 8 years of age by Race Day
Q: IS THERE RACE DAY REGISTRATION?
A: No. There is no Race Day Registration.
Q: CAN UNREGISTERED CHILDREN RIDE WITH PARENTS DURING THE RACE
A: No, all participants on the Race Course must be registered and meet the Age Requirement
Q: CAN I USE A TAG-ALONG OR TOW-BEHIND BIKE
A: No Tag-along or Tow-behind Bikes.
Q: CAN I USE A TANDEM BIKE?
A: Yes, Tandem bikes are allowed
Q: WHERE AND WHEN DO I PICK UP MY RACE BIBS?
A: The Saturday the day before Race Day and on Race Day, on both days Bibs can be picked up at the West Bradford Fire Station, across the street from the Marshalton Inn, West Chester PA
Q: IF I AM UNABLE TO MAKE THE RACE, CAN I GET A REFUND?
A: We do not refund participants who can’t make the race, however, you can arrange to give your race number to another participant on or before 9/24/16 (THIS IS NEW) To do this you may make the change yourself on the Race Roster site OR contact Registration by sending an email to: support@allfitnessevents.com
Q: CAN I SWITCH MY HEAT?
A: Usually you can do this if we have the capacity in the heat you want. To do this contact Registration by sending an email to: support@allfitnessevents.com (NO SWITCHING AFTER 9/24 (THIS IS NEW). You can swtich on the registration site for a nominal $2.00 fee.
Q: CAN I TRAILER MY PET DURING THE RACE?
A: No. We don’t allow trailers or pets to be carried during the Race
Q: WHERE DO I PARK?
A: There are 2-3 parking areas. Head to the Marshalton Inn and you will be directed to Parking.
Q: CAN YOU BRING YOUR OWN CANOE?
A: No. All canoes are provided and the cost is included in your registration fee.
Q: CAN I BRING MY OWN KAYAK?
A: No Kayaks are allowed.
Q: HOW MUCH IS REGISTRATION?
A: $40, $45 or $50.00 depending on when you register.
Q: ARE THERE ANY REFUNDS?
A: No. This is a Rain or Shine event. NOTE: Should there be a state of emergency and/or any other event including severe weather that the state, county or local officials deem the event is unsafe to take place, Marshalton Triathlon has the right to cancel and not rescedule.
Q: HOW MUCH IS PARKING?
A: We expect general parking to be $5.00, a few limited spots may cost a bit more.
Q: CAN I RESERVE AN ENTIRE HEAT?
A: Heats can be reserved. Please email support@allfitnessevents.com with your request and contact information if you are interested in reserving your own heat.
Q: WHAT KIND OF BIKE SHOULD I BRING?
A: Mountain, Touring and Race bikes are used; it depends on your preference. Be sure to have your bike in good mechanical condition and remember, helmets are required and they must ANSI, SNELL or CPSC (Consumer Product Safety Commission) certified (we will be checking helmets race morning)
Q: ARE LIFE JACKETS SUPPLIED?
A: Yes. All canoes will be outfitted with life jackets and paddles.
Q: WILL THERE BE FOOD, REFRESHMENTS AND ADULT BEVERAGES AVAILABLE?
A: Yes. Great food, refreshments and beverages will be available for purchase.
Q: WHEN CAN I PICK UP MY RACE NUMBER AND RACING CHIP?
A: Race numbers and chips will be available for pick up at the West Bradford Fire Company (across from the Marshalton Inn) the day before the race and race morning. NOTE AND NEW: THERE WILL BE NO RACE DAY CHANGES. An email specifying the pick up times will be sent to everyone who has registered a week or two prior to the event.
Course Map
Click HERE for Course Map
Event schedule
- Sun, October 1, 2017 6:30 AM - Check in begins
- Sun, October 1, 2017 8:00 AM - Race Start
Contact information
- Event contact
- support@allfitnessevents.com
- Phone
- +1 267-788-2873
- Website
- Visit website