Frequently Asked Questions

When is the race?

Sunday, May 2, 2010 at 11 a.m.

Where is it held?

Long Hunter State Park (10 miles east of Nashville International Airport)

How do we register?

Go to the Online Registration page to sign up

What and how far?

One entrant bikes 9 miles on relatively flat roads, covering a 3-mile loop three times. Then the team canoes together about 2 miles around a buoy course on Couchville Lake. Finally, the racer who didn't bike will run, jog or crawl 4 miles on an out-and-back dirt trail. (Of course, you may accompany your partner and do all three segments. Some teams have their kids join them for one or more segments; we encourage family participation.)

How competitive is the triathlon?

As competitive as you want it to be! About half our racers each year are fit and competitive athletes. We also have a number of weekend warriors, dawdlers and walkers. There is no official clock. We don't keep time and we don't keep track. The idea is to have fun and enjoy the great outdoors. There is no time limit.

How much does it cost?

A minimum donation of $60 per team to the Friends of Long Hunter State Park. (Note it’s only $30 if you are bringing your own canoe.) When you complete the registration form, you will be taken to a confirmation page with instructions for sending in your donation. In effect, your registration fee is a tax-deductible donation.

Will we get a refund if we change our mind and decide not to race?

Sorry, no. Once a donation has been made to Friends of Long Hunter State Park, there is no way to “undo” it.

What is Friends of Long Hunter State Park?

Friends of Long Hunter State Park is the beneficiary of the Lost Loon Triathlon. Based in Mt. Juliet, the Friends is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization. The purpose of the "Friends" organization is to foster conservation and educational efforts in support of Long Hunter State Park, and to assist the Park in its efforts to better preserve and protect its existing land resources. These are good people!

What sort of weather should we expect in Nashville in May?

It will probably be warm, perhaps even bordering on outright hot. But there are no guarantees. One year, we had a touch of snow. Last year, we had so much rain that part of the running course was knee-deep in water.

How about the kids?

They are invited and encouraged to be there. In past years, the kids were very helpful staffing the water and snack tables as race volunteers. Some biked and/or ran part way with their parents. Still others completed the entire triathlon -- a real self-esteem boost!

Can we take our kids in the canoe with us?

That depends how many kids you have. Park rules allow a maximum of three people per canoe.

What about the finish line?

This is one of the best Lost Loon traditions. Racers finish the race by squeezing the “Lost Loon” stuffed animal, which then lets out its distinctive and plaintive loon call for all and sundry to hear. It is a true pleasure.

What about the post-race party?

We have reserved the covered shelter at Long Hunter State Park, right next to the start-finish line. Pizza and cake will be provided for all. Not to worry, there are flush toilets at the shelter. There will be plenty of other goodies to munch on as well.

What can I bring or do?

Click here for volunteer opportunities.

What if I don’t want to race but want to help out?

Come!!! We need spectators and volunteers to point the bikers in the right direction, meet the pizza guy, make sure the canoes don’t float away, etc. Round up your friends, grandparents, anybody. It’s fun. Click here for volunteer opportunities.

What if I don’t have a canoe?

Canoes, paddles and flotation devices will be provided, free of charge. Our wonderful canoe partners, The Tennessee Paddler and Canoe Music City, will be toting canoes to the park for us. We are delighted that these two dependable outfitters are working with the Lost Loon this year. Next time you paddle the Harpeth, Buffalo or Duck Rivers, these are the folks to call. Note that park rules require that flotation devices be worn at all time in the canoes.

Can we bring our own canoe?

You are welcome to use your own canoe. See the race director if you have questions about whether your boat qualifies.

What if I don't have a bike?

Beg, borrow or steal! Bike helmets are required.

How will we recognize our canoe?

Smart question. They all look alike when lined up on the beach. Bring something with a distinctive color to tie onto your canoe so you don't waste time mid-race looking for your boat. A brightly-colored bandana works well.

What if the weather is awful?

We’re planning on a beautiful day. But if it’s not, be tough!

But what if the weather is really, really awful?

We’d like the Lost Loon to fly. But safety is paramount. If there is thunder and lightning on the course, we may have to cancel some legs or the entire race. We have never had to cancel before, and would only do so in dire circumstances. We consult closely with the rangers at Long Hunter on all weather issues. (In this instance, we’ll still have our pizza party and racers may keep their goody bags and race shirts, but no refunds will be provided.)

When should we arrive?

Plan on arriving between 9:15 am and 10:30 a.m. to register, sign in and pick up goody bags. Note that race sign-in will close at 10:30 a.m. for all racers. You will also need to pick out your canoe, size your paddle, and adjust your mandatory life preserver before race director Willy Stern goes over the race instructions at 10:45 a.m. This is also prime time to prance about and try to psyche out the competition. Returning racers: Please note that pre-race registration rules have changed. To reiterate, race sign-in will close at 10:30 a.m. for all racers!

Winner's Prize?

To avoid any teams gaming the system, there will be no announcements as to what the trophy is for in 2010 until the awards ceremony after the race. As per Lost Loon custom, last year's winners will be responsible for this year's award.

Past Prize Winners

Will we get race t-shirts?

You betcha’! Wicking shirts and very cools ones at that! They are real collector's items. Just check out what the Lost Loon race shirts are going for on eBay nowadays.

Any final words from the park ranger at Long Hunter?

Yes. Park Rangers gently remind us that no alcohol is allowed on state park property.

Can we bring our dogs?

Sorry. Park rules don't allow pets.

Didn't we make donations last year?

This year we are raising money for Friends of Long Hunter State Park. These are the wonderful folks who chip in on all sorts of natural, cultural and scenic projects in the park, and also assist in providing quality recreational and interpretive experiences for all of us. A gracious patron will once again match all donations up to $500 per team. Your entire registration fee is tax-deductible. The minimum registration fee is $60 per team, but "fees" up to $500 per team are more than welcomed.

Other Questions?

If you do not see your question answered here, contact race director Willy Stern.