Indoor Biathlon at Odyssey: Bike & Run Your Way into the Action

Love the idea of race day…but not so in love with the idea of swimming? You’re not alone. That’s exactly why the indoor biathlon option at Odyssey Fitness Center exists.
For over 30 years, Odyssey has hosted an indoor triathlon right here in Wilkes-Barre—but you don’t have to complete all three legs to be part of the tradition. With our bike + run format, you can compete as a duo-athlete, skip the pool entirely, and still soak up the community, energy, swag, and finish-line pride.

What Is the Indoor Biathlon at Odyssey?

Our indoor biathlon is a two-sport twist on the classic triathlon. Instead of swim–bike–run, you’ll complete:

A bike ride on a stationary bike
A run on our indoor track

Everything happens inside Odyssey Fitness Center, using the same unique layout that makes our long-running indoor triathlon possible. No open water, no road traffic, no weather drama—just you, the bike, the track, and a room full of people cheering each other on.

It’s perfect if you:

Aren’t confident in your swimming
Have shoulder issues or other reasons to avoid the pool
Prefer to focus on cycling and running
Want a slightly “lighter” first step into multi-sport events

You’re still very much part of race day—you’re just taking on the two legs that fit you best.

A 30+ Year Tradition—Now with a Bike + Run Option

Odyssey has been hosting the indoor triathlon for over three decades, and the biathlon grew naturally out of that tradition. We know not everyone wants to hit the water, but plenty of people still want a goal that’s more exciting than “just another treadmill workout.”

The biathlon lets you:

Share the same event space, energy, and excitement as triathletes
Experience the challenge of back-to-back disciplines
Be included in the same community celebration and post-race ceremony

You’re not a “lesser” participant for choosing the duo option—you’re simply customizing the event to match your strengths and comfort level.

Curious about dates, details, or distances?
Contact Odyssey Fitness Center to learn more about our next indoor biathlon in Wilkes-Barre.

How the Duo-Athlete Format Works

On race day, you’ll complete two legs in sequence: the bike ride on a stationary bike, followed by your run on the indoor track. Staff and volunteers will guide you through where to go, when to start, and how transitions work between the two.

Because the entire event is indoors, you can expect:

Clear, easy-to-follow instructions
No long walks between venues
A controlled environment (no worrying about rain, wind, or ice)

Participants in the biathlon still get:

Official timing
Recognition in the program
A spot in the awards breakdown by class and age

In other words, you’re “all in”—just in a two-sport version.

Solo or Team: Where Does the Biathlon Fit In?

You’ve got options, and they’re all fun:

Triathlon solo: Swim + bike + run
Biathlon solo: Bike + run (no swim)
Team of 3: Each person does one leg of the tri

If your heart says “I definitely don’t want to swim,” the biathlon is your go-to. If you’d rather team up, you could also join a three-person relay and just take the bike or the run.

The beauty of the event is that it’s flexible: you can build your race day around your strengths, your comfort level, and maybe your friends’ competitiveness.

Community Vibes: Volunteers, Sponsors, and Local Impact

One of the coolest parts of our indoor triathlon and biathlon? The community behind it.
A big portion of our volunteers are Odyssey Fitness Center members who:

Help with setup and check-in
Support timing and transitions
Cheer loudly for every participant

We also partner with local businesses in Wilkes-Barre and the surrounding area as event sponsors. In recent years, donations from the event have been made to the Wilkes-Barre Police Department, so your race day effort supports more than just your personal goals.

Whether you’re swimming, biking, running, or just doing the duo, you’re part of a community effort that gives back.

Swag, Shirts, and Swag Bags (Yes, You Still Get It All)

Biathlon athletes enjoy the same race-day perks as tri participants—including the all-important goodies:

A commemorative event shirt featuring our sponsors
A program pamphlet highlighting the race and community partners
A swag bag filled with race-related items

It’s all designed to make you feel like part of the tradition and give you something fun to remember the day by—besides your tired legs and huge smile.

Medals and Recognition: Duo-Athletes Included

After everyone finishes—triathletes and biathletes alike—we hold a post-race awards ceremony at the club. Medals are awarded based on:

Team categories
Class
Age groups

Biathlon participants are part of the celebration. You’ll stand shoulder-to-shoulder with other athletes, clap for winners, and maybe wear a medal of your own home afterward. And even if you don’t land on the podium, you’ll walk away with a real sense of accomplishment.

Want to see your name in the program and on the results sheet as a duo-athlete?
Reach out to Odyssey Fitness Center to ask about registering for the bike + run biathlon option.

Why Choose the Biathlon Over the Full Triathlon?

There are lots of good reasons someone might pick the biathlon:

You’re new to multi-sport events. Starting with two legs instead of three can feel more manageable.
You don’t love swimming (or pools in general). Totally valid. You can still race.
You’re coming back from an injury. Maybe your shoulders or back need a break from the pool.
You’re a runner or cyclist at heart. This format lets you lean into what you already enjoy.

Think of the biathlon as a stepping stone:

It can be your main event year after year, or
It can be your intro before you eventually try the full triathlon down the road

There’s no “right” path—just the one that keeps you healthy, motivated, and excited.

How to Train for the Indoor Biathlon

The good news? Training is straightforward and friendly to busy schedules. Focus on:

Cycling sessions: Mix steady rides with some intervals on a stationary bike.
Running workouts: Use the indoor track or treadmill to practice building your distance and comfort.
Brick workouts: Occasionally practice a bike + run back-to-back so your legs get used to the transition.
Light strength training: Core, hips, and legs—nothing fancy, just solid basics.

Because Odyssey Fitness Center already has the exact equipment you’ll race on, you can train in the same environment where you’ll compete. That’s a huge confidence booster.

Frequently Asked Questions About Biathlons in Wilkes Barre

1. Do biathlon participants get the same swag as triathletes?

Yes! Whether you’re racing the full triathlon or the bike + run biathlon, you’ll receive the commemorative event shirt featuring our sponsors, a program pamphlet, and a swag bag with race-related items. We see duo-athletes as full participants in the event, not an afterthought. You’re part of the same long-running tradition and community celebration—just in a two-leg format that fits you best.

2. Will I still be included in the awards ceremony as a biathlon athlete?

Absolutely. After the event, we host a small awards ceremony at Odyssey Fitness Center where medals are awarded based on team, class, and age. Biathlon participants are recognized in their respective categories, so you’ll have a chance to earn medals and celebrate your accomplishment alongside triathletes. Even if you’re just racing to finish, it’s a fun, uplifting way to close out the day.

3. I don’t belong to Odyssey Fitness Center—can I still sign up?

Yes! You don’t need to be a member to take part in the indoor triathlon or biathlon. Many participants are members, especially among our volunteers, but the event welcomes athletes and beginners from around Wilkes-Barre and the surrounding area. If you’re new to the club, it’s also a great way to experience the facility, meet the community, and see firsthand why our unique layout is perfect for this kind of race.

4. Is the biathlon better for beginners than the full triathlon?

For many people, yes. If you’re new to events, nervous about swimming, or just building up your fitness, starting with the bike + run combo can feel far less intimidating. You still get the excitement of transitions, the challenge of back-to-back disciplines, and the satisfaction of finishing—but with fewer moving parts to worry about. Some athletes stick with the biathlon every year because it suits them perfectly; others use it as a stepping stone to the full tri. Both are great choices.

5. How do I know if I should sign up for the biathlon vs joining a three-person triathlon team?

Ask yourself what kind of challenge you’re craving. If you’d like to complete two legs and really test your stamina across bike and run, the solo biathlon is a fantastic option. If you’d rather focus on just one discipline—maybe you’re an avid runner or cyclist—you might enjoy being part of a three-person triathlon relay team instead. Either way, you’ll have a place at the event, a reason to train, and a whole community cheering you on at Odyssey Fitness Center.