Thunder Bolt Multi Sport

This Event will be Epic!

"Escape From Fort De Soto"
Welcome, new and returning Escape participants! 2026 marks the 40th year of the Escape from Ft. De Soto Triathlon. This is a USAT-sanctioned event. This year, we are proud to offer one of the best sprint triathlons in Florida, and back again are a duathlon and an AquaBike event!

Recently added are all events, but as "International Distances." This was done at the request of several athletes.

COME JOIN US

Escape From Fort De Soto on April 11th, 2026, at 7:00 AM

3500 Pinellas Bayway South
St Petersburg, FL US 33715

To those of you who have done the event before, welcome back. To those new to the event, you may be interested to know that the park is ranked among the top ten beaches in the United States; 900 unspoiled acres surround you. First-timers, we anticipate you will have a great first triathlon at Ft. De Soto.

To all, we ask that you enjoy the surroundings and please leave the park cleaner than you found it.

PARKING / TRANSITION

Race Day Parking

Race day parking is at THE FORT. Follow the signs; sheriff deputies will be on hand to guide you to the lot. You can NOT leave the parking area during the event, so do not try to. If you have family or relatives coming to watch, they must be in the park by 6:45 am since all roads will be closed during the event.

Parking Info: Park patrons may now use their mobile phones to make convenient parking payments. This upgrade will replace cash transactions at the front entrance booth at Fort De Soto and alleviate traffic entering the park. Learn more...

Transition Area Access

The transition area will be open on race day from 5:45 am – 6:45 am only. Any athlete, including relay team members, who arrives after 6:45 a.m. will not have access to the transition area. You will not be allowed access to the transition area to reclaim your bicycle and gear until after the last athlete has started the run (approximately 9:30 am). It will be announced when the transition is opened. NOT Before.

SPONSORS

RACE MAP / ORIENTATION

Fort De Soto

3500 Pinellas Bayway South
St Petersburg, FL US 33715

Sprint Distance - 1/2 Mile Swim / 10 Mile Bike / 5K
Sprint Duathlon - 1.5 Mile Run /10-mile bike / 5K
Sprint Aqua-Bike - 1/2 Mile Swim / 10-mile bike.

ALL "NEW" just added as of February 25, 2026:

International Triathlon - 1/2 Mile Swim / 19-mile bike / 10K Run
International Duathlon - 1.5 Mile Run / 19-mile bike / 10K Run
International Aqua Bike - 1/2 Mile Swim / 19-mile bike

REFUND POLICY

Fort De Soto Triathlon

Reserves the right in the event of inclement weather, emergency, or natural disaster to cancel the race or move to a later time. In the event of cancellation, there will be no refund of entry fees. However, the USAT fee will be refunded if prepaid.

INCLUDES

A bucket list race, for sure!

Pre/post race parties
First 275 entries receive custom Escape from Fort Desoto swag!
The event is chip-timed, and athletes will receive splits for each segment of the race
Age group awards 4 deep in ages 15-19, up to 80 and over
Water, Snacks, Fruits, Body Armor

We encourage you to come to package pickup on Thursday/Friday and support our sponsors and vendors. Save the stress of race day and get your packet. Follow the signs as you come into the park on Saturday. Late pickup is available on Saturday at 5:45 am, but with the number of athletes participating, we STRONGLY encourage you to come on Thursday-Friday

◆◆ EVENT RESULTS ◆◆


4/5/2025	Fort Desoto	View Results
4/6/2024	St Petersburg, FL	View Results
3/25/2023	Fort De Soto, FL	View Results
4/2/2022	Fort De Soto, FL	View Results
4/17/2021	St Petersburg FL	View Results
9/26/2020	St Petersburg FL	View Results
4/13/2019	Fort DeSoto North Beach, St Petersburg, FL	View Results
4/14/2018	Ft Desoto Beach St Petersburg, FL	View Results
4/13/2017	Ft Desoto Beach St Petersburg FL	View Results

Any questions? Contact us today!

If you have any questions about this organization, click the button below.