The 2026 Cal Tri Lake Perris transformed the recreation area into a high-energy hub for endurance athletes from across the Southwest. Serving as a central meeting point for competitors from LA, San Diego, and Orange County, the venue welcomed both day-trippers and weekend campers for a massive multi-sport event.
Notably, this event served as the first California race of the 2026 season, setting a high bar for the year ahead with 18 distinct race options ranging from youth sprint to Olympic distances.
Operations & Fire Recovery
The race's success was not without speed bumps. Just one week prior, the Springs Fire impacted portions of the Lake Perris State Recreation Area. Thanks to the rapid response and recovery efforts of Cal Fire, State Park officials, and local authorities, the race proceeded safely and on schedule. The ability to host nearly 500 athletes so shortly after the fire speaks to the dedication of the park's staff and the local community.
Weather & Course Conditions
While Lake Perris is typically known for its dry heat, the 2026 edition forced athletes to adapt to a much grittier environment.
- Ambient Temperature: Hovered in the mid-to-high 50s throughout the day.
- The Elements: Steady rain moved in during the bike portion, creating a technical and challenging course that stood in stark contrast to the usual sunshine.
- Water Temperature: Measured at 68°F, providing a stable, wetsuit-legal start to the morning.
International Participation
The 2026 field featured a significant international presence from the Tahitian Triathlon Federation. Their athletes made a definitive mark on the podium, most notably Noé Delbreil Guyot, who delivered a standout performance to secure the overall win in the Men's Sprint Triathlon.
Podium Results: Olympic Triathlon
Olympic Triathlon — Female
| Place | Name | Time |
|---|---|---|
| 🥇 1st | Anneline Breytenbach | 2:46:50 |
| 🥈 2nd | Rebecca Crudale | 2:51:03 |
| 🥉 3rd | McKinley Braun | 2:56:32 |
Olympic Triathlon — Male
| Place | Name | Time |
|---|---|---|
| 🥇 1st | BJ Gumkowski | 2:23:50 |
| 🥈 2nd | Sricharan Kadimi | 2:27:40 |
| 🥉 3rd | Jackson Black | 2:31:12 |
Podium Results: Sprint Triathlon
Sprint Triathlon — Female
| Place | Name | Time |
|---|---|---|
| 🥇 1st | Lisa Love | 1:09:27 |
| 🥈 2nd | Lara Tishler | 1:12:38 |
| 🥉 3rd | Karla Ziga-Ortega | 1:19:56 |
Sprint Triathlon — Male
| Place | Name | Time |
|---|---|---|
| 🥇 1st | Noé Delbreil Guyot | 52:11 |
| 🥈 2nd | James Daichendt | 1:03:07 |
| 🥉 3rd | Nathan Lee | 1:03:48 |
Podium Results: Youth Sprint Triathlon
Youth Sprint Triathlon — Female
| Place | Name | Time |
|---|---|---|
| 🥇 1st | Evanelia Bertrand | 1:03:02 |
| 🥈 2nd | Brooklyn Pace | 1:16:21 |
| 🥉 3rd | Kansas Pace | 1:20:11 |
Youth Sprint Triathlon — Male
| Place | Name | Time |
|---|---|---|
| 🥇 1st | Manea Vincenti | 50:28 |
| 🥈 2nd | Jules Hotellier | 53:13 |
| 🥉 3rd | Richard Olivares | 1:06:10 |
By The Numbers
- 483 Total Registrations
- 44% First-time multi-sport finishers
- Age Range: 7 to 86 years old
- Demographics: 65% Male, 35% Female
Event Logistics
The weekend began on Saturday with Course Orientations and a Swim Familiarization at Sail Cove. Despite the rain on race day, the transition areas at Lot 9 remained high-energy, with volunteers providing critical support through the wet bike and run segments.
For those planning their 2027 return, local landmarks like the March Field Air Museum and Mission Inn Museum remain top recommendations for post-race recovery and sightseeing.
A Big Thank You
Our thanks go out to the Lake Perris State Recreation Area staff, the volunteers who managed the aid stations in difficult weather, and the local community for their continued support of this cornerstone event.