About the Event
The Matt Mason “Cowboy UP!” Triathlon/Duathlon has been established to honor, pay tribute, support and celebrate the lives of those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for their country. This triathlon is our way to stay close to our dear friend, Matt Mason, and keep his memory alive while focusing on supporting others like him and their families.
Race Distances
Short Course Duathlon: 1.5 mile run, 11 mile bike course (2 laps), and a 5K run.
Short Course Triathlon: 500 meter swim, 11 mile bike course (2 laps), and a 5K run.
Long Course Triathlon: 1,000 meter swim, 18.8 mile bike course (4 laps), and a 10K run.
Race Day Info: Sunday, July 27, 2025
- 5:00am – Gates Open
- 5:15am – Transition/Body Marking Opens
- 6:15am – Swim Warmup Open
- 6:30am – Park Gates/Roads Close
- 6:45am – Transition Closes
- 6:45 to 7:00am – Opening Ceremonies
- 7:00am – Race Starts (Long Course athletes in the water first)
- 10:30am (approx.) – Awards Ceremony and Raffle Winners
Park roads will be closed until the last biker is off the course.
Transition
Transition opens at 5:15am. All athletes will be body marked. Volunteers will be outside the transition entrance ready to help all athletes as they enter.
Swim Start
Swim warmup opens at 6:15am. Transition closes at 6:45am. Race begins at 7am with long course athletes entering the water first, followed by short course athletes. The swim course is clockwise, and the start will be a time trial start where athletes enter the water approximately every three seconds. Minute marker signs will be available for both short and long course.
Duathlon Start
Duathlon will shotgun start on the run path to the right of the beach away from the finish line at the same time the short course triathlon swim starts.
Bike Course
There is an incline as you exit transition. After exiting transition, it is approximately 1.6 miles to exit the park and reach Highway E. Short Course will do 2 loops and Long Course will do 4 loops. A timing box will be on the bike course for accuracy. A bike course map will be included in your packet.
Aid Stations
There will be water stations along the run course. Short course athletes will pass 2 water stations and long course athletes will pass 5 water stations.
Awards
Age group and overall awards will be given for Men and Women for both the Short Course and Long Course Triathlon and Duathlon. The awards ceremony will be held near the finish line after the race.
Course Map
The swim, bike and run maps are all available on our website by clicking HERE!
Midwest Triathlon Series
The Matt Mason "Cowboy UP' Triathlon/Duathlon is one of three events that make up the Midwest Triathlon Series, a three-race challenge held over consecutive weekends. Athletes must register separately for the Midwest Triathlon Series and individually for each of the three series races.
- Matt Mason Memorial Cowboy Up Triathlon
- Shawnee Mission Triathlon & Duathlon
- Kill Creek Park Triathlon, Duathlon, Aquabike & Aquathlon
We look forward to seeing you all soon! Feel free to reach out with any questions!