The Shermanator Triathlon is a fundraising event hosted at the Sherman Lake YMCA Outdoor Center and is excellent for the beginner or competitive athlete. You will find it to be one of the most beautiful race venues in the region.
The Shermanator has raised funds annually for the Sherman Lake YMCA to benefit families in need in Kalamazoo and Calhoun Counties for the past 19 years. The Sherman Lake YMCA programs build strong kids, strong families, and strong communities through instilling values of honesty, caring, respect, and responsibility. It is only with the great support of people such as yourself, that each year, hundreds of individuals receive partial financial assistance to become members at the Sherman Lake YMCA.
EVENTS
Sprint Triathlon - 500 yard swim, 10 mile bike and 5k run
Sprint Triathlon Relay - 500 yard swim, 10 mile bike and 5k run
Super Sprint Triathlon (youth ages 10-18) - 200 yard swim, 6 mile bike and 2 mile run
Duathlon - 2.5k run, 10 mile bike and 5k run
Aquabike - 500 yard swim and 10 mile bike
COURSES
Swim: 500 yards or 200 yards
The swim course is a modified diamond out and back, going counterclockwise. The start line is at the end of the dock in water about 7' deep. Athletes may remain in shallower water until their wave starts. Wave starts will be posted at packet pick-up/registration on the day of the event. Aquabike athletes will start with their age group. Duathletes will start with the first wave.
Bike: 10 miles or 6 miles
There is a short paved trail from the transition area to the entrance of the Sherman Lake YMCA with the majority of the course on public roads (39th Street, G Avenue and 37th Street).
Run: 3.1 miles or 2 miles
The run includes a section of paved camp trails within the Sherman Lake YMCA Outdoor grounds and a loop on 38th Street.
AGE GROUPS & AWARDS
While the Shermanator is not a sanctioned event, we do follow the USAT “age up” rule to be consistent with those events that do. You will be placed in an age group based on your age on December 31, 2024.
Awards will be given to:
Overall winners in each event
Overall Masters winners in the Shermanator Triathlon only
1st, 2nd, & 3rd Place in each age group in the Shermanator Triathlon and Super Sprint Triathlon
1st, 2nd, & 3rd Place for Aquabike, Relay and Duathlon (male and female; there are no age group winners for these events)
Triathlon age groups:
19 & Under, 20-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69, 70-74, 75-79, 80+
Super Sprint age groups:
10-11, 12-13, 14-15, 16-18
Awards will be available at the awards ceremony following the race.
Athlete Update - July 25, 2024
SHERMANATOR ATHLETE UPDATE
We're just 10 days away from the 20th annual Shermanator! We've created this athlete update to answer your most commonly asked questions and keep you updated on important dates and times. An additional email will be sent out a few days before the race.
Shermanator Schedule
6:15 AM - Packet Pick-Up Opens at the Sherman Lake YMCA Recreation Center
6:15 AM - Transition Area opens
7:30 AM - Packet Pick-Up Closes
7:45 AM - First wave of race begins - waves will be posted on the day of the event
8:45 AM - Post-race snack area opens
10:30 AM - Awards Ceremony (approximate time)
Athlete Check-In
Race Morning Check-In: 6:15 -7:30 a.m. at the Sherman Lake YMCA Recreation Center. After you park, please watch for the signs directing you to the Recreation Center. Participants for ALL events must check in before competing.
Pre-Race Packet Pick-Up: There is no pre-race packet pickup. Everything you need will be ready when you check in at the Recreation Center on Saturday morning (race day). Your packet will include your race bib, pins, Shermanator t-shirt, swim cap, and timing chip.
A disposable timing chip will be provided for race timing. All timing chip assignments and race markings will be done at check-in on race morning.
Race Bibs
You will be provided with a race bib at check-in. Place wear it on the front of your body during the run so we can see your bib as you cross the finish line. Athletes are not required to have bib numbers on during the bike or the swim but must wear them for the run portion of the event.
Wetsuits
Wetsuits are allowed in the Shermanator. If you have one and would like to wear it, please do!
Age Groups
While the Shermanator is not a sanctioned event, we do follow the USAT “age up” rule to be consistent with those events that do. You will be placed in an age group based on your age as of December 31, 2024. (Example - if you are 49 on race day but your birthday is October 1, you will “age up” to 50 and will be placed in the 50-54 age group.)
Relay Team Rules
Please review the information below so that race day goes as smoothly as possible for you and your team!
Each relay team member will be marked with an "R" on their leg to indicate they are part of a relay team.
Relay teams have a designated race area in transition.
Relay team members share a velcro timing chip that is passed to each athlete to wear on their ankle during their leg of the race.
Timing chip exchange must take place in the designated rack area for relay teams.
The bike must remain on the rack during team member timing chip exchange.
Each relay team member will receive a finisher medal. You and your teammates can have fun running down the finish line chute together to get your medals, or just show the "R" on your leg to a volunteer handing out medals to get yours!
Bike Course Notes
Please watch for signs and arrows painted on the road during the bike portion of the event. We will have volunteers on the course along with the Ross Township Police and Ross Augusta Fire Department to assist you.
PLEASE NOTE: Super sprint athletes will turn around for their 6-mile course at the corner of G Avenue & 38th Street. Volunteers will be posted but please be aware of bikers heading in both directions in that area.
Results
Results will be posted at the event. A complete listing will also be posted online after the Shermanator; check it out at: https://runsignup.com/Race/Results/43182
Parking
Athletes should use the 38th St parking area on race morning. Arrive early! There is a short walk from the parking area to the Recreation Center for check-in, then another walk from the Recreation Center down to the waterfront for the start.
Please click here for directions to the 38th Street parking area
Spectators arriving up until 7:45 am may also use the 38th Street parking area. Spectators arriving after 7:45 am must use the parking area accessed just north of the YMCA main entrance on 39th St. Please come in at that point from the north and M-89, not from “G” Avenue.
Handicapped accessible parking is available at the Recreation Center. Please arrive before 7:45 am.
Fun Stuff!
Athletico will be providing post-race massages for all race participants! Look for their tent right outside the transition area.
Pedal Bicycles will be at the transition area before the event to assist with any last-minute bike needs!
Miscellaneous Items
No dogs or pets are allowed on site (except for service dogs)
Sherman Lake YMCA Outdoor Center is not open before the race for venue visits or training as we have children in camp until race day. If you're looking for an alternate location for your final weeks of training, consider nearby Fort Custer State Recreation Area or Ross Township Park on Gull Lake.
Our guaranteed date for participant shirts has passed. However, we have ordered extras, and they will be available on a first-come, first-served basis to those who registered after the guarantee deadline.
No alcoholic beverages are allowed on-site.
Sherman Lake YMCA is a non-smoking facility.
2024 Sponsors
A special thanks to our amazing sponsors - we couldn't do this without you!
Presenting Sponsor - Zeigler Auto Group
Silver Sponsor - In Memory of Dr. Jennifer Jeskey-Sabuda
Bronze Sponsor - Cherry Tree Financial
In-Kind Sponsors - Athletico & Pedal Bicycles