Survival of the Shawangunks (SOS Triathlon) - New Paltz, New York - Triathlon

The Survival of the Shawangunks (SOS Triathlon) is a Triathlon race in New Paltz, New York consisting of a Other.

The Survival of the Shawangunks (SOS) was created by Don Davis, a veteran Triathlete and founder of the New York Triathlete Association. The first official running of the SOS was in 1983.

The SOS course was previously run by Don and friends as a training course to prepare for Ironman.

The SOS is an eight stage triathlon held in New Paltz, NY every September. Consistently ranked among the best adventure triathlons in the world, and among the most scenic, the SOS has become so popular the event sells out in minutes.

Fewer than 200 athletes get to compete each year on the scenic highways circling the northern ridge of the Shawangunk Mountain Range and through Minnewaska State Park for a combination run/swim journey through some of America's most beautiful cross-country trails and spring fed lakes.


SOS is an eight-stage wilderness adventure race that includes one cycling segment, four trail running segments, and three open water lake swims.

Each segment is point-to-point. The first segment (bike) requires a crew member to collect the participant's bike at the bike-to-run transition and supply any gear required for the run/swim segments. The remaining seven segments are unsupported and require participants to carry-in/carry-out any needed supplies.

Water and food are provided at points on the course.

BIKE ROUTE - 30 miles
Leaving the start line, proceed north on County Road 7 (Libertyville Rd) turning right onto Route 299. Just prior to crossing the Wallkill River make a left onto Springtown Rd and look for a great view of the Smiley Tower, the finish line!

Bear right at the fork and continue on Springtown Rd until you reach Rosendale. Cross the bridge over the Rondout Creek and turn left onto Route 213, Just past High Falls turn left onto County Route 1 (Lucas Turnpike.) Proceed southwest. Turn left onto Route 209 and follow it to Kerhonkson. Turn left onto Route 44/55 and begin the climb! You will climb 1000 feet in the last 5 miles.


RUN COURSES
RUN LEG 1

After the bike transition (Awosting Parking Lot) run south through the lot exiting the back (toilet facility available here) onto Lower Awosting Trail.

The trail will climb gradually until Cardiac Hill (you'll know it when you get there.) At the top of Cardiac make a right onto Lake Awosting Carriageway following it counter-clockwise around the lake until you reach the swim entrance half way around.

RUN LEG 2
After exiting the water move away from the shore and make a right back onto Lake Awosting Carriageway. Continue on the trail this time running clockwise around the lake until making a right onto the Hamilton Point Carriageway.

Begin the winding climb up to Castle Point for incredible views followed by a gradual downhill until making a right onto the Lake Minnewaska Carriageway (Red Trail.) Follow the trail counterclockwise around the lake to the swim entrance.

RUN LEG 3
After exiting the Minnewaska swim proceed down the paved park entrance road. Just before the small bridge at the bottom of the hill turn right onto the Awosting Falls Carriageway continuing past Lyons Rd, Trapps Bridge (toilet facility is available below the bridge,) and onto the Undercliff Carriage Trail to Rhodedendron Bridge.

After the climb up Godzilla stay on Old Minnewaska Rd and follow the course markings making a left onto a small side trail that will take you to the entrance of the Mohonk Lake swim.

a‹RUN LEG 4

After exiting the swim turn right and follow Skytop Path to the Survivor Line. This final leg is uphill the entire way a there is an award for the fastest climb from the lake to the Survivor Line.