If there was one good thing that came out of 2020, it was the Socially Distanced Flyathlon Challenge, wherein more than 100 flyathletes took to explore their own backyards, fish their own rivers and streams, and support businesses in their own communities. And in the the process, our remote Flyathletes somehow managed to raise $25K for native trout projects through the event!
In a freaking pandemic! Nicely done!
And though, mercifully, there are strong signs of an eventual return to normal, we have decided to retain the virtual Flyathlon in our arsenal as a delicious alternative and/or addition to our in-person events. The premise of this newly rebranded "Long Distance Release Flyathlon" is extraordinarily simple. In short, we implore you to get outside, show off your backyard, and give back to your community by completing tasks firmly in the spirit of traditional Flyathlon events. And the best part about this year's virtual Flyathlon challenge is that your kids can compete by your side in their own Kids Long Distance Release Flyathlon!
How does the challenge work?
Between June 1st and September 30th, 2021, your mission is to accumulate as many points as possible doing things that you are likely to do anyway because you are Flyathletes. The more points you accrue, the more incentives you will earn, and the higher probability you will have to win extraordinary gear donated by our amazing sponsors.
Wow, that sounds amazing! How do I earn points?
A Long Distance Release Flyathlon wouldn't be a Flyathlon at all without trail running, fly fishing, and craft beer (and/or craft whiskey). So, of course, we have designed several tasks around those core disciplines. But as those of you who have truly embraced the spirit of the Flyathlon know, ours events are much, much more than alcohol-infused, multi-sport-parties held in remote and beautiful places. Through six years of events, we have created an incredibly tight community of Flyathletes and sponsors, and in the process have made a significant difference for coldwater conservation, raising nearly a quarter of a million dollars for on-the-ground projects. As such, we have created several additional tasks that focus on supporting our communities, our sponsors, and our public lands and public waters. See this attached download for the official scoring matrix.
I am in! How do I register?
Click here to sign up for the 2021 Long Distance Release Flyathlon.
What will happen once I register?
On June 1st, the challenge begins. Go running / fishing, support your local breweries and distilleries, support our incredible sponsors, volunteer in your community, raise money for coldwater conservation, and document it all to share with the Flyathlon family! Note that only the running and fishing portions of the challenge are required and that the fish must be caught during the reported run to count. All other elements are considered "Flyathlete's Choice" and can be completed within the June - September window...
We can't wait to see what cool adventures you go on.
The challenge is over on September 30th at midnight, by which point you should have submitted all of your adventure documentation. We are working on developing a file submission platform, but until we make that available, just keep it all in a folder on your computer.
Are there any other rules?
First and foremost, don't be a jack-ass. There is still a pandemic going on out there and we want to be a part of the solution, not a part of the problem. Please adhere to all applicable CDC, Federal, State, and local restrictions and guidelines. Be good to yourselves and your community. And most of all, be safe.
This is an independent challenge, so you are on your own out there. Plan accordingly.
In a freaking pandemic! Nicely done!
And though, mercifully, there are strong signs of an eventual return to normal, we have decided to retain the virtual Flyathlon in our arsenal as a delicious alternative and/or addition to our in-person events. The premise of this newly rebranded "Long Distance Release Flyathlon" is extraordinarily simple. In short, we implore you to get outside, show off your backyard, and give back to your community by completing tasks firmly in the spirit of traditional Flyathlon events. And the best part about this year's virtual Flyathlon challenge is that your kids can compete by your side in their own Kids Long Distance Release Flyathlon!
How does the challenge work?
Between June 1st and September 30th, 2021, your mission is to accumulate as many points as possible doing things that you are likely to do anyway because you are Flyathletes. The more points you accrue, the more incentives you will earn, and the higher probability you will have to win extraordinary gear donated by our amazing sponsors.
Wow, that sounds amazing! How do I earn points?
A Long Distance Release Flyathlon wouldn't be a Flyathlon at all without trail running, fly fishing, and craft beer (and/or craft whiskey). So, of course, we have designed several tasks around those core disciplines. But as those of you who have truly embraced the spirit of the Flyathlon know, ours events are much, much more than alcohol-infused, multi-sport-parties held in remote and beautiful places. Through six years of events, we have created an incredibly tight community of Flyathletes and sponsors, and in the process have made a significant difference for coldwater conservation, raising nearly a quarter of a million dollars for on-the-ground projects. As such, we have created several additional tasks that focus on supporting our communities, our sponsors, and our public lands and public waters. See this attached download for the official scoring matrix.
I am in! How do I register?
Click here to sign up for the 2021 Long Distance Release Flyathlon.
What will happen once I register?
On June 1st, the challenge begins. Go running / fishing, support your local breweries and distilleries, support our incredible sponsors, volunteer in your community, raise money for coldwater conservation, and document it all to share with the Flyathlon family! Note that only the running and fishing portions of the challenge are required and that the fish must be caught during the reported run to count. All other elements are considered "Flyathlete's Choice" and can be completed within the June - September window...
We can't wait to see what cool adventures you go on.
The challenge is over on September 30th at midnight, by which point you should have submitted all of your adventure documentation. We are working on developing a file submission platform, but until we make that available, just keep it all in a folder on your computer.
Are there any other rules?
First and foremost, don't be a jack-ass. There is still a pandemic going on out there and we want to be a part of the solution, not a part of the problem. Please adhere to all applicable CDC, Federal, State, and local restrictions and guidelines. Be good to yourselves and your community. And most of all, be safe.
This is an independent challenge, so you are on your own out there. Plan accordingly.
How many points do I need to earn and win cool stuff?
Over the years, the Flyathlon has become well known for its awesome schwag. You can expect the Long Distance Release Flyathlon to live up to those expectations. As we bring in additional sponsors, extra gear may be added as schwag at each threshold, but Table 1 details what you will receive at each points threshold at a minimum. Additionally, as is tradition, our top performers will receive prize packages from our sponsors.
Over the years, the Flyathlon has become well known for its awesome schwag. You can expect the Long Distance Release Flyathlon to live up to those expectations. As we bring in additional sponsors, extra gear may be added as schwag at each threshold, but Table 1 details what you will receive at each points threshold at a minimum. Additionally, as is tradition, our top performers will receive prize packages from our sponsors.
Points Accumulated |
Schwag / Prize |
Signing Up |
2021 Flyathlon Stickers |
100 Points |
Custom Flyathlon Buff |
250 Points |
Flyathlon Miir insulated copper cup |
400 Points |
Custom Flyathlon Jacket |
Top Three Point Earners |
Awesome stuff from our sponsors! |
Table 1: The Socially Distanced Flyathlon Challenge incentive and prize matrix.
We are looking forward to seeing your remote Flyathlon adventures!