Every November, the shoreline of Freeport fills with swim caps, bikes and race bibs as one of the longest running sporting traditions in the country returns. Things To Do in Bahamas shares what travelers and athletes should know about the 2026 Conchman Triathlon, set for Saturday, November 7, on Grand Bahama.
A Grand Bahama Tradition Since 1986
The race has been part of island life since 1986, and it is organized as the GBPA Conchman, connected to the Grand Bahama Port Authority. Four decades later, it remains a highlight on the calendar of Bahamas sports events, drawing first timers, local clubs and visiting athletes to the same stretch of sand each year.
The setting is Taino Beach in Freeport, where turquoise water and soft sand make race morning feel like a beach day. It is a welcoming place for a first race and an exciting one for experienced competitors chasing a personal best.
Swim, Bike, Run
The signature event is a sprint triathlon made up of a 750 meter swim, a 25 kilometer bike and a 5 kilometer run. Athletes swim in the open water, switch to the bike, and finish on foot with the crowd cheering them home.
For anyone not ready for all three disciplines, the lineup offers plenty of options:
- Sprint, individual: the full swim, bike and run.
- Mini-Sprint: a shorter version of the triathlon.
- Relays: teams split the three legs, with all female, all male, mixed, family and 165+ age categories.
- Aquathlon and Aquabike: swim and run, or swim and bike.
- Duathlon: run and bike, no swim.
- 5K Run: a road race for runners and walkers.
Race Day Schedule
Saturday starts early. According to the official schedule, check in and transition open at 6:30 AM for all events. The Sprint, the Sprint relays, the Aquathlon and the Aquabike start at 8:00 AM. The Mini-Sprint, the Duathlon and the 5K Run follow at 8:30 AM. The young athletes take their turn at 10:00 AM, and the awards ceremony begins at 11:00 AM.
Race packets are picked up at the Pelican Bay Hotel from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM on Thursday, November 5, and Friday, November 6. Both evenings include a route overview and safety briefing at 6:30 PM. The full timetable is posted on the official race website.
A Free Race for Young Athletes
One of the most loved parts of the weekend is ConchKIDS, a free race that lets children experience the thrill of a triathlon start and finish. It turns the morning into a family event, with parents cheering from the beach as the next generation of Bahamian athletes proudly crosses the line.
How to Register
Registration runs through RunSignup, and most events close on Friday, November 6, at 9:00 AM EST. Entry for the individual Sprint is $125, the Mini-Sprint is $100 and the 5K Run is $45, while the kids’ race is free. Relay teams are $210, school relay teams are $25 and corporate relay teams enter for free. Every option is listed on the race registration page on RunSignup.
Make a Weekend of It
Arriving a day early makes race morning much easier. Athletes can collect their packet on Friday evening, sit in on the safety briefing and settle in before the early start, leaving Saturday free to focus on the race and the celebration that follows.
A race weekend is a great excuse to explore more of Grand Bahama Island. Runners who arrive early can stretch their legs on the island with the guide to the best running routes in Nassau and Freeport. After the finish, a relaxed lunch by the water is the perfect reward, and Banana Bay in Freeport is a favorite for a laid back beach meal.
For visitors planning a wider island trip, the guide to the top islands in the Bahamas helps compare Grand Bahama with the rest of the archipelago. With warm water and pleasant weather, November in the Bahamas is a wonderful time to combine a race with beach days and some of the best things to do in Freeport.
Whether racing, cheering or simply enjoying the energy on the sand, this classic event shows why a triathlon in the Bahamas feels like no other finish line.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the Conchman 2026?
The race takes place on Saturday, November 7, 2026.
Where does the race take place?
It is held at the beach in Freeport Bahamas, on Grand Bahama.
What are the distances of the Conchman sprint?
The sprint includes a 750 meter swim, a 25 kilometer bike and a 5 kilometer run.
Is there a race for kids?
Yes. The kids’ race is free and starts at 10:00 AM.
When does registration close?
Most events close on Friday, November 6, 2026, at 9:00 AM EST.
