Kewaskum TrIE-Athlon Brings Challenges Participants at River Hill Park

On Saturday, September 12, 2026 Kewaskum Friends of Parks and TRiE fitness teamed up to host the Kewaskum TRiE-Athlon at River Hill Park. The event had around 125 participants who kayaked down the Milwaukee River, starting at River Hill Park, ran through Hon-E-Kor, then biked through Kewaskum. Participants could compete as individuals or as a relay team. The event was not timed, the goal of the event was for individuals to push themselves, have fun and try something new.

Bekki Scheel, Kewaskum Friends of Parks member, said, “The event grew exponentially this year. I think last year, the concept was new, the kayak launch was new, and people were just introduced to the idea. A triathlon with kayaking instead of swimming is different! This year, the event really took off. I think those that participated last year had a great experience and we welcomed many back for the second year, as well as many first time participants, including a huge number from out of town and even out of state!”

The event course changed slightly with the location of the run changing, “The kayak course and the bike course didn’t change from last year. The 5K was run on the Eisenbahn Trail last year, but this year it was changed to run on Hon-E-Kor Golf Course. This switch was fantastic. Running on the golf course was scenic and peaceful and really unique. There really aren’t any other adult events that take place on the golf course, so this was a really special route.” said Scheel.

Multiple organizations came together with TRiE Fitness and Friends of Parks to give their time and make the event a success. Scheel said, “The Village of Kewaskum and DPW helped in the set up, the Kewaskum Police Department and Fond du Lac County Sheriff Dept. helped with course monitoring and traffic crossing, Hon-E-Kor Golf Course, for letting us use their facility for the 5K run. We also had a number of kayaks that we rented from PaddleBreak Kayak and Lake Country Kayak, as well as kayaks borrowed from individuals. This is the definition of a community coming together to support a wonderful event!” With Early Farm Days going on in River Hill Park that day as well, attendees could head down after they completed the event and enjoy concessions provided by the Kewaskum Historical Society and look at the antique farm equipment in the park along with the Historical Society’s museum.

They plan to host the event again next year and the organization says they will add more waves if needed. “We’d love to bring more people to Kewaskum and introduce them to the beauty of River Hill Park and the Kettle Moraine.”

Kewaskum Friends of Parks is going to use the money that they raised from the event to purchase a bike repair station that will be located along the Eisenbahn Trail and some new racks throughout the Kewaskum Parks.