OCTOBER 10, 2026  |  YAKIMA CANYON INTERPRETIVE CENTER

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PICNIC DETAILS

​An Adventure Triathlon + Community Field Day

 

Inspired by the legendary Jackson Hole Picnic adventure triathlon, Picnic in the ’Burg is Ellensburg’s own
14 & 1/2 km mini-triathlon version of a slightly ridiculous, totally fun multi-sport challenge.

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You won’t be biking to alpine lakes or climbing the Grand Teton — but you will experience the rugged beauty of the Yakima River Canyon while testing your legs, lungs, and sense of humor.

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The course begins and ends at the Yakima Canyon Interpretive Center, combining swimming, biking, hiking/running, and a celebratory swim across YCIC Pond. Participants will be tickled by watermilfoil, dodge truck traffic on I-82, and jump over rattlesnakes and ankle-turning rocks hiking/running up & down the ridge.

 

Not for the faint of heart...we thought it was a good idea at the time.

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Whether you’re racing for the podium or just trying to survive the climb, the Picnic is designed to be fun, community-oriented, and just challenging enough to earn bragging rights and some fun prizes.

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The Course

Start & Finish:
Yakima Canyon Interpretive Center

Stage 1 - Swim

.27 km swim across YCIC Pond

Stage 1 – Bike
4.5 km ride from YCIC to the Rattlesnake Ridge Trailhead.

Stage 2 – Hike / Run
2.4 km climb to the summit of Rattlesnake Ridge.

Aaaaannnddd...back down again.

Stage 3 – Return Ride
Bike another 4.5km back to YCIC.

Stage 4 – The Pond Plunge
Finish with a .27 km swim across YCIC Pond to the finish line.

Expect dirt, sweat, laughs, and one very refreshing finish.

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Picnicker Categories: 

1. Casual Picnicker - No pressure — just finish and celebrate.

2. Team Picnic (2–3 people) - Divide the stages among teammates.

3. Reckless Elite - Competitive category for serious racers.

4. DFL Award (Dead F*ing Last)** - The most celebrated finisher of the day.

 

What Picnickers Get

Registration includes:

• Official Picnic race bib
• Aid station snacks and drinks
• Food voucher for post-race food trucks
• Finisher prize
• Awards for top finishers
• The legendary DFL Award

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PICNIC REGISTRATION

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Registration Opens June 20, 2026:

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$30 Early Bird (June 20-July 1)

$40 Not so Early Bird (July 2 - August 30)

$50 Last Minute Decision (Sept 1 - October 1)

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PICNIC SCHEDULE

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• 8:00 – 9:00 AM Transition station setup

• 8:00 – 9:30 AM Bib pickup

• 9:30 AM Pre-Picnic announcements

• 10:00 AM Picnic Start

• 10:30 AM First finishers expected

• 11:30 AM Course closes

• 12:00 PM Awards ceremony

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COMMUNITY FIELD DAY SCHEDULE

 

While racers are on the course, the YCIC grounds become a community fall field day with activities for friends & families.

 

Field Day Activities

Shrub-Steppe Games
• Sack races
• Tug-of-war
• Wheelbarrow races
• Kids obstacle course

 

Nature Activities
• Guided shrub-steppe walks
• Wildlife tracking activity
• Native plant scavenger hunt

 

Outdoor Skills
• Archery
• Fishing
• Orienteering mini-challenge

 

Kids Zone
• Face painting
• Nature crafts
• Mini pond exploration

 

Food + Picnic Area
• Local food trucks
• Coffee cart