The Black Squirrel Scurry, organized by the City of Merrill Parks and Recreation Department alongside the Merrill Area Chamber of Commerce, promises an exhilarating day for triathlon enthusiasts. Set to take place on Saturday, July 31, 2027, this event combines elements of paddling, cycling, and running through some of Wisconsin's most scenic landscapes. Participants can pick up their race packets either at the Smith Center from 5-8 PM on Friday, July 24th or at Prairie Trails Park starting area between 6:30-8:30 AM on Race Day. The triathlon begins with a two-mile paddle down the serene Prairie River before transitioning to cycling along the scenic River Bend Trail for approximately 17.5 miles through Lincoln County's countryside. Finally, athletes will tackle a challenging 5K trail run winding through Merrill Area Rec Complex and Council Grounds State Park. Race fees are $70 for solo participants aged 20 and older (rising to $80 after July 1), while those under 19 pay $45 ($60 post-July 1). Tandem and relay teams incur a fee of $140 per team, increasing to $160 after the same date. Returning champions or competitors seeking seeded starting times should contact Greg Eichelkraut by July 15th for special arrangements. The day's festivities kick off with announcements at 8:10 AM followed closely by a race start at 8:30 AM sharp from Prairie Trails Park, N2121 Cty Rd K. The transition between events takes place first at Stange’s Park and then concludes back at MARC (Merrill Area Rec Complex) for the finish line. Awards ceremonies will be held promptly at 1 PM in Cenotaph Park where top three finishers in each division, along with overall winners in Solo Male and Female categories, receive recognition. Additionally, all participants can look forward to raffle prizes during this celebratory event. The Black Squirrel Scurry not only challenges athletes but also supports local initiatives like the Northwoods Veterans Post and Friends of the River Bend Trail. In case of severe weather or extreme heat conditions, safety measures will be communicated by race officials in collaboration with the Merrill Fire Department to ensure a safe experience for all participants. For more information about packet pick-up details, event updates, or to register, visit www.blacksquirrelscurry.com or contact Greg Eichelkraut directly at blacksquirrelscurry@gmail.com. Follow them on Facebook under "Black Squirrel Scurry" for real-time race news and community engagement. Join us in Merrill this summer for an unforgettable adventure that blends athleticism with natural beauty!
Races Offered
19U Triathlon Relay Team (Ages 19 and under)
Jul 31, 2027
straighten
Distance —
19U Triathlon Relay Team (Ages 19 and under)
terrain
Type —
Multisports
timer
08:30
sell
$80.00
19U Triathlon Solo (Ages 19 and under)
Jul 31, 2027
straighten
Distance —
19U Triathlon Solo (Ages 19 and under)
terrain
Type —
Multisports
timer
08:30
sell
$45.00
19U Triathlon Tandem Team (Ages 19 and under)
Jul 31, 2027
straighten
Distance —
19U Triathlon Tandem Team (Ages 19 and under)
terrain
Type —
Multisports
timer
08:30
sell
$80.00
Triathlon Relay Team (Male, Female or Mixed)
Jul 31, 2027
straighten
Distance —
Triathlon Relay Team (Male Female or Mixed)
terrain
Type —
Multisports
timer
08:30
sell
$140.00
Triathlon Solo Participant
Jul 31, 2027
straighten
Distance —
Triathlon Solo Participant
terrain
Type —
Multisports
timer
08:30
sell
$70.00
Triathlon Tandem Team (Male, Female or Mixed)
Jul 31, 2027
straighten
Distance —
Triathlon Tandem Team (Male Female or Mixed)
terrain
Type —
Multisports
timer
08:30
sell
$140.00
eBike Triathlon Relay Division (No Throttle)
Jul 31, 2027
straighten
Distance —
eBike Triathlon Relay Division (No Throttle)
terrain
Type —
Multisports
timer
08:30
sell
$140.00
eBike Triathlon Solo Division (No Throttle)
Jul 31, 2027
straighten
Distance —
eBike Triathlon Solo Division (No Throttle)
terrain
Type —
Multisports
timer
08:30
sell
$70.00
Weather History
These values represent the 3-year monthly averages for July in Merrill.
thermostatTemperature
15.3° / 25.6°
wb_sunnyFeels like
14.9° / 25.4°
light_mode
Avg sunshine hours
12h 33m
water_drop
Avg rainfall
3.0 mm
ac_unit
Avg snowfall
—
air
Avg wind speed
9.2 km/h (Light breeze)
opacity
Sweat loss rate
High
terrain
Course conditions
Hard and dry surface
sunny
Max UV Index
Moderate (5.6)
humidity_mid
Humidity
74.6%
wb_twilight
Sunrise
05:27
nightlight
Sunset
20:40
About Merrill
Learn more about the host city, Merrill.
Merrill is a city in and the county seat of Lincoln County, Wisconsin, United States. It is located to the south of and adjacent to the Town of Merrill. The population was 9,347, according to the 2020 census. Merrill is part of the United States Census Bureau's Merrill MSA, which includes all of Lincoln County. Together with the Wausau MSA, which includes all of Marathon County, it forms the Wausau-Merrill CSA.
