FAQs

Fees

How much is the race fee?
Iron Category entry fee is $120 until July 7th, after which it increases to $140.
Entry fees for all other participants are $65 per racer until July 7th, then increase to $85.

Will the fee change?
Yes. Early Bird pricing is in effect through July 6th. Registration fees increase on July 7th:

  • Iron Category: $120 → $140
  • All other participants: $65 → $85

Is the race fee per racer or per team?
The entry fee is per person.

Will I be charged if I withdraw from the race?
Registration fees are nonrefundable.

Registration / Categories

What is an Iron category?
An Iron Category is for racers completing all three legs of the triathlon individually. An Iron racer may have one “Helper” to assist at both transition points.

What is a Tin category?
A Tin Category team consists of two racers who divide the race legs between them. A common setup is one racer cycles, both paddle, and the second racer runs to the finish.

Are there age restrictions on categories?
Yes. Many categories have age and watercraft restrictions. Review details carefully during registration.

Can children participate?
Yes. The Josh Billings is a family-friendly event.

  • Youth racers must be 12 or older
  • Racers under 18 require a signed waiver from a parent/guardian
  • Children under 10 may ride as passengers in approved watercraft, following safety rules

Do I have to raise money through the Finish Line Fund?
No. Fundraising is optional.
The race donates proceeds to Berkshire United Way. Participants may optionally fundraise for local nonprofits via PledgeReg.

Where do I pick up my race packet?

  • Saturday, Sept 19 (12–5 PM): The Arcadian Shop, Lenox
  • Race Day: At the race truck near the starting line in Great Barrington
    Packets are not mailed.

Can racer names be changed?
Yes, until 5:00 PM on Saturday, Sept 19 at packet pickup.
Contact the Race Director (brian@joshbillings.com) for assistance.

Can I replace a team member?
Yes. The Team Captain must contact the Race Director.

Will there be clinics?
Yes. Two clinics per discipline (running, paddling, cycling) will be held in July–September.
An Ironman/Ironwoman clinic will take place Sept 19 at 2:30 PM at The Arcadian Shop.

Race Day

What time does the race begin?
8:30 AM at Price Chopper Plaza, Great Barrington.
Late starts are not permitted.

Is there a late start option?
No.

What are the race routes?
Same as 2025. Maps are available at JoshBillings.com.

What is “The Bash”?
A post-race celebration at Tanglewood featuring live music, food, a beer tent, massages, a photo booth, awards, and a Kids Race.

Are pets allowed?
No pets are allowed at Stockbridge Bowl Boat Ramp, Camp Mah-Kee-Nac, or Tanglewood.

Will there be a shuttle for cyclists?
Yes. Starting at 12:30 PM, a shuttle from Tanglewood (East Lot) will run hourly to Great Barrington.

Where do I wear my bib/timing chip?
See Race Guidelines in your packet or online.

When can I drop off watercraft?
Starting at 5:00 AM at Stockbridge Bowl Boat Ramp. Overnight storage is not allowed.

Will there be road closures?
Yes. Some areas will be closed or impacted. Most bike routes remain open to traffic.

Where is parking available?

  • Main parking: Tanglewood East Lot
  • Additional: Lion’s Gate Lot (Hawthorne Road)
    No parking at boat ramp or Camp Mah-Kee-Nac. Some roadside parking is prohibited.

Where can spectators watch?
Various locations along the route. See maps and website for details.

Where can I stay overnight?
Hotels, inns, B&Bs, and campgrounds are available nearby. See website for listings.

Will the race be canceled for weather?
If necessary, cancellation decisions are made Sunday at 6:00 AM and communicated immediately.

Are course records posted?
No formal records are maintained due to course changes. Results since 2005 are available online.

Will race photos be available?
Yes. Racers will receive an email with purchase information after the race.

Are there awards?
Yes. 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place finishers in each category receive awards.

Kids Race

How do I register my child?
Pre-registration required:

  • Online (TriReg) until Friday, 5:00 PM
  • Saturday at packet pickup (12–5 PM)
  • Sunday at Tanglewood (10:30 AM–12:30 PM)
    A parent/guardian waiver is required.

Is there a fee?
No, it’s free.

When is the Kids Race?
Sunday, Sept 20, 2026 at 1:00 PM.

Where is it held?
West Lot at Tanglewood.

What is the distance?
Approximately ½ mile or 1 mile, depending on age.

Are there awards?
Yes, presented at the start of the main awards ceremony.