Smiley Triathlon Festival Celebrates 10th Anniversary in Clemmons

Annual youth and adult sprint triathlons draw hundreds of athletes to North Carolina town.

Mar. 29, 2026 at 8:09pm

An abstract expressionist painting in vibrant neon colors, with rapid brushstrokes capturing the dynamic motion and energy of a triathlon competition.The Smiley Triathlon Festival's 10th anniversary celebration brings a burst of color and energy to the streets of Clemmons.Clemmons Today

The Smiley Triathlon Festival, an annual event featuring youth and adult sprint triathlons, celebrated its 10th anniversary this past weekend in Clemmons, North Carolina. The festival attracted hundreds of athletes from across the region to compete in swimming, cycling, and running events through the town's scenic neighborhoods and parks.

Why it matters

The Smiley Triathlon Festival has become a beloved community tradition in Clemmons, bringing together local residents and athletes from surrounding areas to celebrate health, fitness, and the town's natural beauty. The event's longevity and growing popularity highlight the enduring appeal of grassroots sports festivals that promote active lifestyles and foster a sense of local pride.

The details

The Smiley Triathlon Festival featured both a youth sprint triathlon for ages 7-14 and an adult sprint triathlon for ages 15 and up. Participants swam in a community pool, biked along designated routes through Clemmons, and finished with a run through the town's parks and greenways. Organizers reported strong turnout for both events, with over 300 total athletes competing across the two triathlons.

  • The Smiley Triathlon Festival took place on March 27-28, 2026.
  • The youth sprint triathlon was held on Saturday, March 27.
  • The adult sprint triathlon was held on Sunday, March 28.

The players

David Daggett

The race director for the Smiley Triathlon Festival and a longtime advocate for youth sports and fitness programs in Clemmons.

Smiley Triathlon Festival

An annual triathlon event held in Clemmons, North Carolina that features both youth and adult sprint triathlon competitions.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“We're so proud to be celebrating the 10th anniversary of the Smiley Triathlon Festival this year. It's become a real point of pride for our community, and we're thrilled to see it grow in popularity year after year.”

— David Daggett, Race Director

What’s next

The Smiley Triathlon Festival is expected to return to Clemmons in March 2027 for its 11th annual event.

The takeaway

The Smiley Triathlon Festival's decade-long run as a beloved community event in Clemmons demonstrates the power of grassroots sports initiatives to promote active lifestyles, foster local pride, and bring people together around shared passions for health and fitness.