Fishing is good. It’s even better with beer… Now, what if we added a race and a fishing challenge to the mix?
You have my attention…
What if there was a challenge that included a trail race, catching multiple fish species and chugging beer? I’d say, where do we sign up?
Running Rivers says such a competition exists.
The Troutman (a play on “Ironman”) rules are straightforward. Each participant must run the distance of a trail marathon (26.3 miles), with elevation gain more than 3000 vertical feet, catch all four trout species, drink a craft beer with a percentage of 12% or higher, all while completing these tasks in under 12 hours.
The event is completed in teams of a minimum of 2 to ensure safety and to document that each task was actually competed.
They may be straightforward but very intense. This isn’t your average fishing competition, for the average fisherman. To run that far up hill, catch FOUR different types of trout and chug a beer that is that high in percentage, is an impressive feat to say the least.
“The Flyathlon is a multi-sport event that integrates three activities that are surging in popularity; trailrunning, fly fishing, and craft beer.
While many enjoy these activities independently, we have found over the 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. A
nd once you have run back from that mountain lake or stream (or while you are there…), all of that effort is rewarded with high quality, local craft beer.”
Apparently, these events are referred to as “Flyathons” and the Troutman is the king of these races. Usually the Flyathons are around 5-6 miles long with other similar tasks involved. The Troutman’s 26.3 miles comes in far higher then any of the others.
The challenge can be completed anywhere in Colorado as long as it is documented correctly. It can actually be completed anywhere, as long as you reach out to the organizers through email and figure out the fish species to catch and the right beer to drink for your local area.
Other rules of the challenge are: No vehicles can be involved, no support staff (no one else fishing or drinking your beer), no cheating, photos of all the fish date, time and location tagged, along with a photo of the beer being gulped down.
It would certainly be a challenge. There are only 7 different people who have completed this insane event, 11 completions total since it started in 2017. The fastest time is 6 hours and 53 minutes by a fella named Byron Powell. Hats off for Byron, because impressive is an understatement for doing that.
I really don’t think I could run the 26.3 miles, let alone adding in catching the fish and drinking the beer in that 12-hour window.
Participants that complete the Troutman, submit their evidence and get a one-of-a-kind belt buckle given only to Troutman (which is what you are referred to when you complete it).
Your name is also added to the website with a mini bio and your proof of completion to ensure bragging rights. The bragging rights come well deserved for this one.
Not much beats a belt buckle, especially one that you win. But is this challenge worth it? That is the question you’ll have to ask yourself.
There’s no doubt anyone who completes the Troutman is an intense fisherman that cannot be questioned on their dedication and skills in running, fishing or beer drinking.
