Mission Profile: The 3rd Annual Beat-the-Base Triathlon

As the official kickoff to the Alberta triathlon calendar, CFB Edmonton and the Garrison Edmonton Triathlon Team (GETT)—in partnership with STARRT—are proud to host the 3rd Annual Beat-the-Base Triathlon on 9 May 2026. This early-season event serves as a high-energy arena for military members, veterans, and civilians (ages 8+) to bridge the gap from training to competition. Whether you are shaking off the winter rust or testing your performance baseline, the mission is clear: promote fitness, find your rhythm, and support the Soldier On program. All event proceeds are donated to this vital non-profit, which empowers serving and retired members to overcome physical and mental illness or injury through the power of sport.

Whether you are shaking off the winter rust or testing your performance baseline, this is the ideal environment to bridge the gap from training to competition. The controlled, high-energy environment of CFB Edmonton provides a safe yet high-tempo arena for every athlete to find their rhythm. By engaging early in the season, you establish your Strategic Baseline and sharpen the mental momentum necessary for a successful summer campaign.

Courses of Action (COAs)

To engage the objective, athletes can choose from four distinct Courses of Action (COAs) designed for all experience levels:

• The Sprint: 800-yard Swim | 20.5 km Bike | 4.9 km Run

• The Super-Sprint (Try-a-Tri): 400-yard Swim | 11.2 km Bike | 2.5 km Run

• The Team Relay: A three-person tag-team completing the full Sprint distance.

• The Inaugural 5K Run: A standalone footrace on a fast, flat course.

Area of Operations (AO)

Swim – The swim leg will be held in the base pool (25 yards). Racers will exit the emergency pool exit and transition in the tennis courts.

Bike – The on-base cycle will initially be focused on the (retired) runway, which at one time was built to accommodate B-52 bombers during the Second World War and later designated as an emergency space shuttle landing site by NASA. The cycle phase will then pass in front of the various units housed on the base who will all see deployments on various missions abroad over the next year. 

Run – The run will then move onto the trail system north of the pool

Timings

Uniquely scheduled as an afternoon operation, H-Hour is set for no earlier than 11:30 hrs. This timing provides optimal spring temperatures and allows you the morning to dial in your kit and finalize preparation before the first wave hits the water. However, as an early-season engagement, Alberta weather can be unpredictable—be prepared for anything from spring heat to rain or snow.

Event Expo

Pre and post-mission, the AO shifts to our Sponsor Expo, where athletes can link up with partners, explore tactical vendors, and debrief with their support crews. By engaging early in the season, you establish your Strategic Baseline and sharpen the mental momentum necessary for a successful summer campaign 

Mementos & Awards

All participants will receive their mission essential kit, including:

• A custom race-branded long-sleeve shirt and silicone swim cap.

• An official finisher’s memento to mark your successful objective completion.

• A post-mission light meal and a complimentary beverage (craft beer or soda) provided by Talking Dog Brewing.

For those looking to push beyond the standard, the traditional “I Beat the Base” challenge returns alongside a series of new high-performance objectives. Any athlete who successfully clears a Base Commander’s Challenge will earn a special memento and the hard-earned bragging rights that come with elite performance.

Registration

Registration is open on Zone4.

Volunteers

Volunteers are key to our success as a charity supporting community race. The more volunteers we have the better event we can run, and all of the racers greatly appreciate their support. We will post the link here and open Volunteer Registration no later than 31 January 2026. Volunteers will receive free food, a t-shirt, and beer during the event.

Family Friendly

As athletes ourselves, we know that having your support team on the sidelines is the ultimate motivational boost, which is why we strive to make this race as family-friendly as possible. We invite family members aged 8 and up to participate in the event, and encourage everyone else to cheer along the route, with the central transition area serving as a premier viewing spot. With food and vendors available for spectators and a finish line policy that encourages you to bring 1-2 of your mini support team members across the tape with you, we’ve ensured that the whole family is part of your mission.