Our Mission

The Chautauqua Lake Triathlon Coalition was created by a committed group of individuals to bring a safe, well-developed, U.S.A.Triathlon (USAT) sanctioned event to our community. This event is named the Chautauqua Lake Big Fish Triathlon (BFT), and includes Sprint and Olympic distance events for individual participation and relay teams. For the Olympic event the approximate distances are swim 1.5 K / .93miles, bike 40 K / 24.8 miles, and the run 10 K / 6.2 miles. Sprint involves roughly half these distances. As of year 2018 the race is held at Lakeside Park, Mayville, NY. All prior years this event was run out of YMCA Camp Onyahsa.

The mission of the Big Fish Triathlon (BFT) reflects both mission statements of the Jamestown YMCA and Camp Onyahsa, specifically, in fostering healthy mind, body, and spirit. The Chautauqua Lake BFT provides an athletic challenge for the community, as well as the individual or relay athlete. The committee is challenged to collaborate, develop, and promote this community centered event, as well as highlight the benefits of participation for strong, healthy, and active lifestyles. Above all, safety is the center focus of all planning, process, and production.

The mission prioritizes the benefit to YMCA Camp Onyahsa and the on-going commitment to the children and young adult leaders that benefit from the outdoor camp experience. It is about recognizing, advocating, and advancing the assets and natural resources of Camp Onyahsa, promoting strong children, families, and extending to our communities and beyond. All proceeds of this triathlon benefit the programs, campers, and growth of camp.

You can register for the race by clicking the link below. If you are interested in sponsoring the event, please click here to get more details on sponsorships.