Fly Fishing photo
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A few days ago a friend brought to my attention an organization called Flyathlon, based here in Colorado. Apparently, these folks are out there trail running, fishing, and drinking beer in sanctioned, competitive races.

According to its website, a Flyathlon is “a new multi-sport event that integrates three activities that are currently surging in popularity in the Western U.S.: trail running, fly fishing, and craft beer. While many enjoy these activities independently, we have found over the last several years that putting them together is even more enjoyable. Simply put, many of the best and most beautiful places to fish are way back in the woods, and the quickest way to get back to these remote places to maximize fishing time is to trail run. And once you have run back from that mountain lake or stream, all of that effort is rewarded with high-quality, local craft beer.”

Some of the rules from last year’s race are pretty funny:

Racers are encouraged to beer-carbo-load the night before. Pretending to enjoy yourself in order to be fresh for the actual race may result in a DQ.

A crippling time penalty will be assessed if you show up at the beer cooler with no fish evidence.

A 2x multiplier will be added to your bonus if the fish you catch is a cutthroat (not a cuttbow).

Fishing sabotage—throwing a rock into the beaver pond/stream after you catch your fish to slow down your opponent—is not just uncool, it is cheating.

In an effort to be inclusive of all types, we have decided to allow all types of fisherpeople in this year’s event. So bring your spin-rod and run-friendly tackle box if that is how you roll. We will try not to judge you.

Looks like I might have one more reason to actually get back into trail-running shape this season. What about you? Would you compete in the Flyathon?

Photograph via Rocky Mountain Flyathlon/Facebook