Bentonville hosts one of AR's best-kept triathlon secrets: the TriFest for MS. Ask around at any local tri club and you'll hear the same thing — great course, great people, and none of the big-brand fuss.
This guide is your one-stop briefing for the upcoming edition. Inside: the confirmed race date, entry fees and what's included, every distance from beginner-friendly options to longer challenges, venue and course notes, plus how to register and who to contact with questions.
Insider note: 15th annual held Labor Day weekend 2026 (~1,200 participants); benefits Rampy MS Research Foundation; swim at Melvin Ford Aquatic Center; youth and para/adaptive divisions. What follows is everything we've been able to verify about this race — date, fees, distances, and how to register.
Race distances & course
The TriFest for MS offers the following events. Standard distances are listed below; check the official race page for exact course maps and any venue-specific adjustments.
| Event | Swim | Bike | Run |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sprint | 750 m | 20 km | 5 km |
| Super Sprint | 400 m | 10 km | 2.5 km |
| RelaySplit the three legs between 2–3 teammates. | Team | Team | Team |
Entry fees & pricing tiers
Published entry fees: $89–$270 (2024).
No 2026 pricing published (registration closed at raceroster.com); last published prices from 2024 via findarace: super sprint $89, sprint $119, olympic $159, combo challenges $185–$270, youth $57. 2026 events not USAT-sanctioned; $7 race insurance charge ($5 youth) added at checkout
Fees are a snapshot from our October 2026 research and usually rise through pricing tiers as race day approaches — registering early almost always saves money. Always confirm current pricing on the official registration page before paying.
Location & getting there
The race is based in Bentonville, AR. If you're traveling in, book accommodation early — small towns hosting popular races can fill up on race weekend, and staying close to the venue makes race morning far calmer.
Arrive the day before if you can. Packet pickup, bike check-in and course briefings usually happen on-site, and a relaxed shake-out session beats a frantic morning.
How to register
Registration for the TriFest for MS is handled through the organizer's official channels:
Tip: tiered pricing means the fee you see today may not be the fee next month. If you're committed, registering early is the simplest discount in triathlon.
Training tips for this race
- Build the swim first. Most beginners lose the most time — and confidence — in the water. Two to three short technique-focused swims per week for 8–10 weeks will transform your race.
- Practice transitions. A calm T1 and T2 can save you several minutes at sprint distance. Lay out your gear at home and rehearse the sequence twice before race week.
- Brick workouts matter. Even one short bike-to-run session per week teaches your legs what the second transition feels like — start with 30 minutes easy spinning straight into a 10-minute jog.
- Get open-water practice. Pool fitness does not fully transfer: sighting, wetsuit feel, and swimming in a pack are skills. Aim for at least three open-water swims before race day.
- Arrive with a plan, race with a smile. Write your pacing, nutrition, and transition checklist the night before. Independent races have the friendliest volunteers in the sport — thank a few out there.
Frequently asked questions
When is the TriFest for MS?
The next edition date has not been officially published yet. Check the official race website for the announcement — independent races typically confirm dates several months in advance.
Where does the TriFest for MS take place?
The race is held in Bentonville, AR, United States. 15th annual held Labor Day weekend 2026 (~1,200 participants); benefits Rampy MS Research Foundation; swim at Melvin Ford Aquatic Center; youth and para/adaptive divisions
What distances are offered?
The event program includes: Sprint Triathlon, Super Sprint Triathlon, Relay, Paratriathlon. See the distance table above for standard swim/bike/run lengths per event.
How much does it cost to enter?
Published entry fees are $89–$270 (2024). No 2026 pricing published (registration closed at raceroster.com); last published prices from 2024 via findarace: super sprint $89, sprint $119, olympic $159, combo challenges $185–$270, youth $57. 2026 events not USAT-sanctioned; $7 race insurance charge ($5 youth) added at checkout
How do I register for the TriFest for MS?
Registration is handled through the official race website. We link to it in the race facts box above — register early, as tiered pricing usually rewards early sign-ups and popular local races can sell out.
Is this race good for beginners?
Yes — with sprint and beginner-friendly options on the program, this is a welcoming first race. Pool-swim and super-sprint formats in particular are ideal if you're new to the sport.
Training for the TriFest for MS? Download TriTrain on the App Store
More races to explore
Source note: Event information was checked against the official organizer page on 2026-10-05. Details and availability can change. Verify everything with the organizer before registering or traveling.