Exciting news! Your participation in the Heart O' Dixie Triathlon now supports The Refuge of MS. The Refuge is a non-profit organization in Philadelphia, MS, that provides specialized care and support for adults with special needs and with developmental, intellectual, and physical disabilities. At The Refuge, our primary goal is to bridge the gap in care for aging adults with special needs while offering a safe and inclusive environment where they can thrive and reach their full potential that God has given them. The Founders of The Refuge and several of it's Board Of Directors are long time triathletes and ambassadors of the sport. We are excited to be managing the race and look forward to creating an amazing race in 2026 for our athletes! For more on The Refuge and how your support matters, follow the link and see what all we are up to: https://www.refugeofms.org/
New For 2026:
- The Heart O' Dixie Triathlon is now managed by The Refuge of MS.
- Stearns Race Timing, LLC is our new timing company for 2026.
- On course professional race photography provided by Weaver Images.
- New Swim Course.
- New swim start format.
- Custom pottery awards made by Friends from The Refuge of MS.
- Expect the same great HOD experience!
Event Description
The 47th edition of the Heart O' Dixie Triathlon will be held on Saturday June 20th, 2026 - during the Neshoba County Fair. The race begins at 6:30 a.m. with a 1/2 mile swim in Lake Tiak O’Khata in Louisville, MS - followed by a 27 mile bike ride down hwy 15 into Philadelphia, MS - it concludes with a 7 mile run finishing on the horse racing track at the historic Neshoba County Fairgrounds. The first Heart O' Dixie Triathlon was held in 1980 not long after the first modern swim/bike/run Triathlon event was held at Mission Bay in San Diego, California in 1974. The Heart O' Dixie Triathlon is one of the longest running triathlons in the United States and is an annual fundraiser for The Refuge of MS. We invite you to come experience one of the most unique, yet thrilling triathlons in the U.S.
Events
Individual
Team Captain (creates team)
Team Member (joins existing team)
Contact Form
If you have any questions about this race, click the button below.
Event Location
Lake Tiak-O'Khata
1290 Smyth Lake Rd
Louisville, MS 39339 US
View Location on Map