LEADMAN
WHY YOU DO IT: Those well acquainted with the slopes will dig this triathlon; ski or board the first mile down the mountain, then mountain bike downhill to the run
DATE: April 25
DISTANCE:Ski/board: 1 mile Bike: 7-11 miles Run: 4-5 miles
COST: $52
GET INFO: silvermt.com
TROIKA
WHY YOU DO IT: For 34 years, triathletes have been starting and finishing this half-Ironman-distance race at Medical Lake's Waterfront Park
DATE: May 30
DISTANCE: Swim: 1.2 miles Bike: 56 miles Run: 13.1 miles
COST: $175
GET INFO: troikatriathlon.com
MOSES LAKE TRIATHLON
WHY YOU DO IT: This race includes a family distance Retro Tri, which means a cheaper, noncompetitive and shorter event perfect for all ages
DATE: Early June
DISTANCE: Swim: ¼ mile Bike: 11 miles Run: 3.1 miles
COST: $25
GET INFO: buduracing.com
TRI-FUSION KIDS TRIATHLON
WHY YOU DO IT: For kids 12 and younger, the pressure is off for this untimed triathlon; each child chooses from a range of distances and everyone gets a medal at the finish line
DATE: June 13
DISTANCE: Swim: 20-100 yards Bike: 0.9-3.6 miles Run: 0.25-1 mile
COST: $15
GET INFO: tri-fusion.com
IRONMAN
WHY YOU DO IT: The tough triathletes who take on this grueling race will be able to vie for 50 qualifying slots in the Ironman World Championships in Kona, Hawaii
DATE: June 28
DISTANCE: Swim: 2.4 miles Bike: 112 miles Run: 26.2 miles
COST: $625
GET INFO: ironman.com
HAYDEN TRIATHLON
WHY YOU DO IT: Drink in the lake scenery while supporting the Viking Foundation, a local organization focusing on education, music, arts and athletics for high school students
DATE: July 11
DISTANCE: Swim: 0.5 miles Bike: 12 miles Run: 3.1 miles
COST: $65
GET INFO: haydentri.com
VALLEY GIRL
WHY YOU DO IT: This Liberty Lake race is only for the women — and as a sprint distance triathlon, it's also beginner-friendly
DATE: July 12
DISTANCE: Swim: mile Bike: 12 miles, Run: 3 miles
COST: $90
GET INFO: valleygirltri.com
RACE THE RIVER
WHY YOU DO IT: The water and land are on your side for this sprint-distance tri; swim with the current of the Spokane River and run through the flat terrain in Coeur d'Alene City Park
DATE: July 26
DISTANCE: Swim: 0.5 miles, Bike: 10.7 miles, Run: 3.1 miles
COST: $50
GET INFO: racetheriver.com
MEDICAL LAKE MINI TRIATHLON
WHY YOU DO IT: Never done a triathlon? These short distances are great for first-timers
DATE: Aug. 1
DISTANCE: Swim: 1,200 feet, Bike: 10 miles, Run: 3.4 miles
COST: $45
GET INFO: medical-lake.org
PRIEST LAKE TRIATHLON
WHY YOU DO IT: If you choose the sprint-distance option, you'll get to mountain bike and take in the view of one of the biggest, most breathtakingly beautiful lakes in North Idaho
DATE: Aug. 29
DISTANCE: Swim: 350 yards, Bike: 11 miles, Run: 3.1 miles
COST: $65
GET INFO: priestlakerace.comt
