Raise the Bar Events is excited to present the 2025 Black Diamond Olympic Tri, Olympic Aquabike, Sprint Tri & Olympic and Sprint Relays

 

Triathletes will swim in picture perfect Deep Lake at Nolte State Park followed by rolling, elevation-friendly bike & run courses winding through the sleepy communities of Ravensdale, Selleck, and the farmlands of Enumclaw.

 

All participants will receive a medal, race tee, and a hot meal! Podium finishers will receive pint glasses. 

 

Raise the Bar has managed a team of multisport athletes since 2004. Out of that group emerged a knowledgeable and energetic event staff who bring their passion and racing experience to event production.  In addition to them, our team of 200+  athletes race and volunteer in great numbers - giving RTB events a community-friendly vibe and excellent execution. Come race with us!  

 

 

 

Swim

The swim starts on the beach.  Deep Lake is typically colder than surrounding lakes.  We anticipate temperatures in the 70's.  Either full or sleeveless wetsuits are recommended.  PLEASE WARM UP IN THE WATER.  You may warm up on the course before the start or to the left of the swim start.  The course is clockwise around large triangular buoys. 
Swimmers will start in waves by gender and division. Those wave times will be found on this page as they are determined or on the Schedule.

 

MARKINGS: Large swim buoys  will designate the swim course. Kayakers, Lifeguards, and members of the Tacoma Maritime organization and their vessels will be positioned on the water to support the swimmers throughout the swim portion of the event.

 

WATER TEMPERATURE: Water temperature is expected to be around 70 degrees. The temperature will be taken leading up to the race. A full wetsuit is typically recommended.

 

ARE YOU ANXIOUS ABOUT THE SWIM?  READ ON

Educate yourself about the course.   Study the map.   Know where you'll start, finish, and which buoys you'll be turning at.
Swim in Open Water at least a few times prior to the race.  Putting your first open water swim off until race day isn't the best strategy if you're nervous (though we see it every year!)  Go swim with friends at a calm, quiet lake or go to some organized training swims before your race offered by a local swim or triathlon club, such as Raise the Bar (RTB)!

RTB hosts Open Water Wednesday's swim training throughout the summer at Lake Meridian as well

Wear a Wetsuit.  Wetsuits are warm, buoyant, form-fitted life preservers.  They will keep you on the surface of the water, keep you warmer, and give you confidence.  They also make you faster!  If you don't have a wetsuit, you can rent one or buy one at Northwest Tri & Bike.​

​​Start from the back or off to the side     The start area of our race is very wide, and you can start as far back as you like. There's no need to be in a tight pack of other swimmers when you start.  And it's just fine to let everyone else go when the gun goes off, and you wait 10-15 seconds for everyone to get out of YOUR way.

 
Swim Slow - HUH?  If you find yourself feeling anxious during the race, slow down!   Bringing down your heart rate will also calm your anxiety.  Take deep, slow breaths. 

Stay Calm and Think positive    The lake is beautiful and devoid of carnivores.  The seaweed never comes near the surface.   Tell yourself you're having fun  and focus on your stroke.   It will inevitably end with you smiling and puffed up with accomplishment.  

Use the Water Support Personnel .  You are welcome to hold onto a kayak for support (as long as you don't make forward progress while holding on). If you need to rest, rest!  If you need to gather your courage, that's fine too.  Our kayakers are looking for you and want to help.  Don't hesitate at all to call one over to you or make your way over to them. 
We Want you to Cross the Finish Line.  No matter what
It's important to us that you have a great finish line experience to celebrate all the hard work you've done getting to the start line.  Occasionally we have athletes that aren't able to complete the swim or decide they aren't up to getting into the water at all.  If that's the case for you on race day, we want to keep you racing. Come find a member of the race staff and we'll get you going on your bike safely and when it makes the most sense.

If you're in the water swimming and for whatever reason are unable or unwilling to  make it to the swim finish, alert a kayaker or other water support person.  Either a kayaker will help escort you back, or they will have a boat to you in a matter of minutes who will bring you aboard and back to shore.   When you get back to shore, you'll be welcome to continue  onto the bike course if you're eager to stay in the race and get to the finish line. You deserve it!

 

Bike

The bike course is OPEN to traffic and on race day you are held to the same standard as you would be on a regular bike ride.  
Stay in the shoulder whenever possible.  Don't pass on the right.  Don't ride in the lane of traffic unless an obstacle or the lack of shoulder prevents you from doing so. Generally speaking, the shoulders are generous and there shouldn't be a problem staying within them. 
 

Rules on the Bike Course 
 This race is sanctioned by USA Triathlon. All USAT rules will apply. Find the   Cycling Rules HERE.  Please read the rules so you know what not to do  on   race day! Some of the most important rules are:

-Pass other cyclists only on the left
-Do not cross the center line under any circumstances
-Do not draft (maintain 3 bike lengths between yourself and the bike ahead of you)
-Do not Block another cyclist
-Drift back when you are Overtaken:  When the front wheel of another cyclist passes your front wheel, you must let them pass and get 3 bike lengths ahead before or if you attempt to re-pass
-Do not throw trash on the bike course

Police Officers will be stationed at any corner where vehicles need to be slowed or stopped for rider safety.  Their job is to monitor and control traffic (not athletes!). Volunteers will be positioned at all significant intersections. Their job is to encourage you and make sure you're going the right direction. RTB volunteers are rabidly dedicated to these tasks - follow their directions!   Athletes are required to be alert and obeying all rules of the road to avoid any preventable mishaps on the course. 

Bike Mechanics from Northwest Tri & Bike will be onsite on race morning to make minor repairs or adjustments for bikes in ride-able condition.  Please bring a bike to the race that is prepared for race day.   There will also be support on the bike course to help fix flats, make minor adjustments, or offer assistance back to transition. It's important that you're prepared to fix a flat or put a chain back on. 

 
Run

The Olympic Run exits the park and heads south toward Enumclaw on Veazie-Cumberland Rd. The roads are open to traffic   and you must pay attention to vehicle traffic for safety.  There will be aid stations approximately every mile.  It's a slightly rolling course - no major ups or downs and beautiful scenery.  When you return to the park, you'll finish with 2 laps around Deep Lake.  The entire Sprint run is 2 laps around Deep Lake.  

The trail around the lake is hard-packed gravel. Trail shoes aren't necessary. Your fastest road running shoes will do just fine. 
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LOCATION
Nolte State Park
36921 Veazie-Cumberland Rd
Enumclaw, WA 98022

 

SCHEDULE

Packet Pickup

TBD at Northwest Tri and Bike 

1040 Stevenson Ave Suite F, Enumclaw, WA 98022

Friday 6/26 - 5-7PM at Nolte State Park. 
Saturday 6/27 - 7:30-8:45AM. ​

You must provide your photo ID at packet pickup. Per current USAT guidelines, we are now allowing athletes to pick up each others' packets. If you send someone to pick up your packet, they will need to show a paper or electronic copy of your photo ID and your Run Signup confirmation email. 

Race Day Schedule 
Subject to change

7:30  Park & Transition Opens​
8:45: Swim Warm Up
9:00: Olympic Men & Aquabike Begin

9:03: Olympic Women & Relays Begin
9:06:  Sprint Men Begin
9:09:  Sprint Women & Relays Begin

9:12:  Super Sprint begins

10:30:  Food Served

12:30:  Awards Celebration

REGISTRATION
Registration is 100% online. This race is sanctioned by USA Triathlon. If you aren't an annual USAT member, you'll be required to purchase a one-day license for $18. This is for insurance purposes.  As stated above, all athletes will be required to show photo ID. NO ID, NO RACE, NO EXCEPTIONS. We are now allowing athletes to pick up race packets for their friends and families (this comes in handy for relays).  If you would like to pick up a race packet for another participant, you will need to provide a paper or electronic copy of their photo ID AND their Run Signup confirmation.  Please present this information to the packet pickup volunteers. Because of our 100% online registration, USAT cards are no longer required.

 

POST RACE FESTIVITIES AND FOOD

There will be a meal after your finish.  Spectators and family members can purchase one for $5. Athletes, staff, and volunteers eat free.  After you finish, enjoy the music and the finish line vibe, and hang around for the awards celebration.

 

RACE DIVISIONS & AWARDS

Sprint & Olympic 
Top 3 overall men and women receive awards and are taken out of age group results
Top 5 finishers in each age group receive awards.  20-24, 25-29, etc.

Aquabike
Top 3 men and women receive awards

Super Sprint 
Top 3 men and women receive awards 

Sprint & Olympic relays

Top 3 of each receive awards

 

 

VOLUNTEERS
Raise the Bar's Black Diamond Triathlon has an incredible resource of volunteers who support the athletes leading up to and on race day.  There are many athletes, family members, and community members that come out to help and we're grateful! They're easy to identify by their bright blue shirts. If you or someone in your support crew would like to join them, please click here. We work hard to make sure each volunteer is placed in a position they enjoy and works with their schedule and particular abilities.  Are you a gifted heckler?  The Strong, Silent, menacing type?  Love being around food?  We've got a spot for everyone.  And we will feed you a meal. To sign up to volunteer (or sneakily sign up someone else) CLICK HERE.

 

SPECTATORS
Spectators and family members are welcome to attend. Please enjoy visiting with them outside of the transition area when you aren't racing - they won't be able to get in there! 

Olympic & Aquabike Swim Course - 1.5 kilometers (.93 miles)

Olympic athletes will make two diamond shaped clockwise loops.  Your far turn buoy at the top of the diamond is the middle, orange buoy. 

Markings: Large swim buoys  will designate the swim course. Kayakers and Lifeguards will be positioned on the water to support the swimmers.

Water Temperature: Water temperature is expected to be around 70 degrees. The temperature will be taken leading up to the race. A wetsuit isn't mandatory, but it's recommended

Bike Course - 40 Kilometers 

 

Athletes will travel north (left) out of the park along Veazie-Cumberland Road and travel some beautiful rural roads, and at about mile 6, turn right toward Selleck on Kanaskat-Kangley Road.

When you reach Kent-Kangley Road , you'll turn left and head to a turn-around in Ravensdale. 

After the Ravensdale turn-around you'll turn right onto Retreat-Kanasket road and reach the bike course aid station at mile 15 at the Bonneville Power Plant.

Volunteers will guide you at every turn, so don't worry through those longer straight stretches. In Cumberland, you'll be directed to a 2.5 mile out-and-back on SE 352nd St. and then return to Nolte to begin your run.

AQUABIKE FINISH

Aquabikers will finish the bike leg in the main parking lot with the Olympic cyclists. When you dismount at the dismount line, you'll run from the parking lot straight onto a paved trail.  Follow the pink signs to make a U-turn to the left and cross the finish line with your bike. 

​Find the Route on RideWithGPS Here

Olympic Run Course - 10 kilometers (6.2miles)

The Olympic run course heads right into the woods at transition toward the parking lot. From there you'll weave around a bit to get to the southbound side of Veazie-Cumberland and head toward 384th St. There's you'll find an aid station and your turnaround. Follow the arrows on signs and on the ground. 

When you return to the park, you'll do 2 loops around the lake to finish on a hard-packed gravel trail. No trail shoes necessary, just watch your step.

 

 

Parking at Nolte during Packet Pickup

Because Nolte is a Washington State Park, a Discover Pass is required to park in their parking lot.  If you plan to come to the park for Packet Pickup on Friday evening, you will need to display an annual Discover Pass or purchase a one-day pass at the park.   More about Discover Passes Here.

 

Parking on Race Day

Option 1:  Parking at Nolte State Park: Athletes can purchase a reserved parking spot at Nolte for $25 as part of your online registration. These 74 spots are the only spots available to athletes at the park.  You will not need to provide a Discover Pass. The spaces are sold to the first 74 athletes who opt to add it on to your online registration. If you purchase a pass and won't be using it after all, please Email us and we'll issue you a full refund for the pass and release that spot to another athlete.

AGAIN....A DISCOVER PASS IS NOT NEEDED IF YOU PURCHASE THIS PASS!

You will not receive a physical pass to display - your name will be on a list at the park entrance and a helpful volunteer will check you in. No one will be permitted to park in the lot if they aren't on the parking list.

PLEASE NOTE - Absolutely no one will be permitted to drive in or out of the parking lot starting at 9:00AM until the last bike has returned which we expect at around Noon.  If you'll need to leave prior to noon, choose another parking option.

 

Option 2: Race Day Drop Off- drop offs can be made at 30000 SE 370th St, Cumberland, WA, which is one block south of the park. Head to the bend in the road and drop off just past the bend. There is a short trail that leads into the park. Please do not block the street for the shuttle bus.

 

Option 3: Parking will also be available at the Cumberland Fire Station  - about 1.5 miles away -  and a shuttle bus will be running from 7:15am-1:30pm, taking athletes, spectators, and volunteers to and from the park. To improve the flow of athletes to and from the park, we highly suggest that athletes bring their gear in a backpack and ride their bike the 1.5 miles between the race venue and parking lot. While you can put your bike on the shuttle if necessary, the shuttle is best for spectators or athletes without a bike.  The first shuttle will begin loading at about 7:15 AM at the Fire Station.

 

You may park ONLY on the grass field as directed by the parking attendants.  The area taped off is the station's septic field.  Don't park there! 

Any vehicle parking on the shoulder of the roads surrounding the fire stations:  SE 355th St, SE 354th St, or 312th Way SE will be towed!

 

Photos for the 2025 Race can be found Here AND Here 

2024 Photos Here

Find Previous Years Photos Here

 

Unfortunately, we don’t offer refunds, transfers, or deferrals, BUT we do have one exception: VOLUNTEER. By volunteering, we can make it right since we can’t roll over your medal, shirt, or swag.

If you can’t make it, we get it. Just remember, volunteering is the way to roll over your spot!

Sprint Swim Course - .5 mile (yellow line on map)

Participants will make one diamond shaped clockwise loop.  Your far turn will be around a yellow buoy. 

 

Super Sprint Swim Course - .25 mile (green line on map)

Participants will make one triangle-shaped clockwise loop around the 2 green buoys. 

 

Markings: Large swim buoys  will designate the swim course. Kayakers and Lifeguards will be positioned on the water to support the swimmers.

Water Temperature: Water temperature is expected to be around in the mid-70's. Deep Lake is typically a few degrees cooler than the average outdoor water temperature in the local area. The temperature will be taken leading up to the race. A wetsuit isn't mandatory, but it's recommended

Sprint & Super Sprint Bike Course: 13.7 miles

The Bike course for the sprint & super sprint is an out-and-back on Veazie Cumberland Road to the intersection at Retreat-Kanaskat Road. Both races ride the same course. 

On the return from the turnaround at mile 9.8, athletes will turn right on SE 352nd St. in Cumberland for a 2.5 mile out-and-back, which turns around on 309th Ave SE at the powerlines. At your return to Veazie Cumberland road, turn right again and head back to the park

​Total elevation gain  521 feet.
​
Find a the Route on RideWithGPS Here

Sprint & Super Sprint Run Course - 2.8 miles

The 2.8 mile Sprint & Super Sprint Run course is a 2-loop run around Deep Lake Park on the trail that surrounds the lake.  Be sure to pay attention to the volunteers at the end of each loop so that you head in the right direction - either right  to a 2nd loop or left across the FINISH LINE.

There is an aid station at the beginning of each loop.

This run is unpaved and on a hard-packed gravel trail.  You could opt for trail shoes, but they aren't necessary - regular running shoes will work just fine.

Volunteer at Black Diamond!

We are always on the lookout for the next greatest volunteer.  If you'd like to join our energetic army, Click Here to volunteer.

And Thanks! 

 

 

Super Sprint: T-shirt

Sprint: T-shirt

Sprint Relay: T-shirt

AquaBIke: T-shirt

Olympic: T-shirt

Olympic Relay: T-shirt