40th Annual Tinsel Triathlon 2026
- Date
- Sunday, December 13, 2026
- Start time
- 7:00 AM start (Los Angeles)
- Location
- Hemet, California
- Entry fee
- From $50 · goes up to $65 on Oct 31, 2026
- Included with entry
- Includes a shirt
- Fundraising
- Takes optional donations when you register
Registration is open.
We earn a small commission when you register through this link, at no cost to you. Details
Official race websiteAdd to calendar: Apple or Outlook · Google
Events and entry fees
| Event | Distance | When | Entry fee | Cap |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5K Run Only | 5K | Dec 13, 20267:00 AM | $50$65 after Oct 31, 2026 | – |
| Challenged Athlete | – | Dec 13, 20267:00 AM | $70$80 after Oct 31, 2026 | – |
| Individual | – | Dec 13, 20267:00 AM | $120$135 after Oct 31, 2026 | – |
| Team - 2 -3 person relay | Relay | Dec 13, 20267:00 AM | $150$160 after Oct 31, 2026 | – |
Entry fees exclude processing fees. Prices and dates come from the race's registration page and refresh nightly.
The 5K fee goes up to $65 on Oct 31, 2026.
Race day planning
Entry fee schedule
- 5K Run Only: $50 until Oct 31, then $65 until Dec 14.
- Challenged Athlete: $70 until Oct 31, then $80 until Dec 14.
- Individual: $120 until Oct 31, then $135 until Dec 14.
- Team - 2 -3 person relay: $150 until Oct 31, then $160 until Dec 14.
Online registration closes Dec 14, 2026, unless the race fills first.
How the price compares
At $50, entry is about 35 percent above a typical 5K in California, which costs $37 right now.
What a typical finish looks like
A typical finisher at a 5K in California runs 38:06, about 12:16 a mile, based on 623 races with published results. Women typically finish in 41:27 and men in 33:40.
Light and altitude
Sunrise on race morning is at about 6:43 AM, and the 5K Run Only starts at 7:00 AM. The start sits about 1,500 feet above sea level.
Fees exclude processing fees. Comparisons use current entry fees and published results from races nearby.
Start location and course
3401 Mustang Way, Hemet, CA 92545
The pin marks the address the race lists, which is usually the start. The organizers have not shared a course map with us yet.
Typical race-day weather
Around December 13 the day usually runs from 46°F at dawn to 65°F in the afternoon, with measurable rain on about 8% of days. Cold snaps dip to 39°F and hot years reach 80°F.
Based on 75 days within a week of the date over the last 5 years, from historical weather for the start area. Not a forecast.
Race details
- Where
- 3401 Mustang Way, Hemet, CA 92545Map
- Course
- Road
- Start elevation
- About 1,500 feet
- Included with entry
- T-Shirt
- Donations
- Accepted when you register
- Distances
- 5K, Relay
- Editions
- 2026 (Dec 13, 2026), 2025 (Dec 14, 2025), 2024 (Dec 8, 2024), 2023 (Dec 10, 2023), 2022 (Dec 11, 2022)
Organize this race? Add details or a correction
Plan your race
Quick answers
- When is 40th Annual Tinsel Triathlon?
- Sunday, December 13, 2026, starting at 7:00 AM.
- How much does it cost?
- Entry starts at $50 before processing fees, and rises to $65 on Oct 31, 2026.
- When does registration close?
- Online registration closes Dec 14, 2026, unless the race fills first.
- Is the entry fee high for California?
- At $50, entry is about 35 percent above a typical 5K in California, which costs $37 right now.
- Do runners get a shirt or medal?
- Entry includes a shirt, according to the race's registration page. Check it for sizes and whether kids' races get the same.
- Can I donate to a cause when I register?
- Yes. The registration form offers an optional donation, usually for the charity or nonprofit the race supports. The race's own page names the cause.
- What distances can I run?
- 5K, Relay.
- Where does it start?
- 3401 Mustang Way, Hemet, CA 92545.
From the organizers
Tinsel Triathlon & 5K
Reverse Sprint Pool Triathlon
As one of the oldest and largest independently owned reverse sprint pool triathlons on the West Coast, it is certainly an ideal end of the season endurance race. The 35 year old event truly can be the perfect venue for Triathletes of all levels. For first timers who have always wanted to be triathletes the course is well defined, attainable and loaded with helpful volunteers. We are also an awesome setting for the seasoned triathlete. The course layout lets you push yourself hard for a solid workout. What better way to get your game on ... Reverse Sprint Pool Triathlon!