The Survival of the Shawangunks (SOS) was created by Don Davis, a veteran Triathlete and founder of the New York Triathlete Association.  The first official running of the SOS was in 1983.  

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The SOS course was previously run by Don and friends as a training course to prepare for Ironman.

 

The SOS is an eight stage triathlon held in New Paltz, NY every September. Consistently ranked among the best adventure triathlons in the world, and among the most scenic, the SOS has become so popular the event sells out in minutes.

Fewer than 200 athletes get to compete each year on the scenic highways circling the northern ridge of the Shawangunk Mountain Range and through Minnewaska State Park for a combination run/swim journey through some of America's most beautiful cross-country trails and spring fed lakes.