The Honeymoon Half/Standard Gravel Tri
July 20, 2025
The Honeymoon Half/Standard Gravel Tri is located in the scenic Cowichan Valley on Vancouver Island, BC.
Swim – The swim is 1900 m Half/950m standard course in the clear waters of Cowichan Lake.
Bike – The Half bike course is a challenging 90K loop on gravel roads through river valleys and forested mountains in the centre of Vancouver Island. The Standard bike course is a 43K loop over similar but less challenging terrain.
Run – The Half run course is a 21K modified loop on trails, gravel roads and paved roads overlooking Cowichan Lake. The Standard run course is a 10K modified loop on the same roads.
A Race with a Difference
The Honeymoon Half Gravel Tri is the same distance as a 70.3 road triathlon, but with a difference. The course is mostly off the pavement on gravel forestry roads through spectacular scenery and rugged wilderness. This course will test your limits. There is also a standard distance race consisting of a 950m swim/43K bike and 10K run with a less challenging bike course profile.
The race starts at Central Park in Honeymoon Bay.
The swim is in the clear, cool waters of Cowichan Lake. Even at the height of summer the large lake remains relatively cool and it is almost assured that wetsuits will be legal.
The bike course leaves Central Park and briefly follows flat, paved roads before transitioning to gravel. Most of the course is on rolling terrain with a few challenging hills thrown in. The Half course follows a river valley before climbing over mountains to emerge into another river valley for the return to Cowichan Lake. The Standard course starts on the same route as the Half but cuts off before the climbs and follows less challenging terrain.
The run course is mostly gravel with short sections of pavement leaving transition and returning to the finish. It is gently rolling with gradual climbs and descents. The course has views of the lake and surrounding valleys and forests.
Support
There will be first aid sweeping both the bike and run courses during the race. There will be 6 aid stations on the bike course and 5 on the run course.
Equipment
The bike course if predominantly off the pavement. Road, gravel and mountain bikes are permitted to be used but aero bars are prohibited. Gravel bikes are recommended.
Race time temperatures
The temperature can range from the mid teens to the mid 30s celsius on race day. Prepare for a range of weather conditions.
Adaptive athletes
We will make all efforts to accommodate adaptive athletes. If you are an adaptive athlete entering the Honeymoon Half Gravel Tri and require special accommodation to race please contact the race director.
Race Briefing and Race Package Pick up
Race package pick up is at Central Park on July 19th from 2 to 5 pm. There will be a race briefing at Central Park at 4:30 pm on July 19th.
Awards
The awards ceremony will take place at 5 pm (at the latest) on race day at Central Park in Honeymoon Bay.
Course cut offs
Athletes have 10 hours to complete the race. There are intermediate cut offs of 1 hour and 15 minutes to complete to swim course and 7 hours and 30 minutes to complete the bike course.
