Pigman Triathlon + Duathlon + Aquabike + Open Water Swim

In 2008, the Cedar River surged with such intensity that the entire community of Palo was forced to evacuate, leaving the landscape permanently altered by the receding floodwaters. While that catastrophe remains a somber chapter in the history of the region, the nearby Pleasant Creek Lake offers a stable and serene contrast. This reservoir, managed for its diverse fish populations including channel catfish and largemouth bass, serves as the setting for the Pigman Open Water Swim. As you glide through the 1500m course, the water quality here will feel distinct; it is a primary destination for regional scuba enthusiasts, offering a level of clarity that is rarely found in the silt-heavy river systems of the Iowa plains.

The environment of the swim

Swimming at Pleasant Creek State Park feels like moving through a quiet, protected sanctuary. The lake is a 410-acre reservoir where the water stays relatively calm, though your focus will likely be on maintaining a steady rhythm during the time-trial start. You will be crossing a timing mat on the beach before entering the water, a system designed to keep the field fluid as swimmers head out in three-second intervals. While you navigate the circuit, remember that the ground beneath you is part of a landscape rich in history; not far from the shoreline lies the Wickiup Hill area, a significant archaeological site where extensive excavations have revealed the traces of early Meskwaki settlements.

Race day and logistics

Since its inception as part of the broader Iowa Triathlon Championship Series, this event has maintained a reputation for accessibility, with an entry fee of just 20 USD. Every finisher receives a commemorative medal, a tangible token of a morning spent in one of the clearest bodies of water in the state. The competition is held annually in mid-June, with the 1500m swim usually commencing at 7:30 AM to beat the heat of the Iowa summer. It is a straightforward, no-frills experience that draws both seasoned competitive swimmers and those looking for their first open water challenge. The proximity to the Duane Arnold Energy Center, a landmark standing just two miles to the north-northeast, provides a unique geographic reference point as you complete your laps.