Race Guide 2024: 14 Events to Help You Build Your Triathlon Calendar
It’s time to start planning your triathlon calendar for 2024, and we created this race guide to help you find the perfect event to sign up for.
Whether you’re planning to do a sprint triathlon, an Olympic triathlon, or one of the Ironman distances (read: how to pick the right race for you), this round-up features our picks for the best and most interesting races in the United States.
Table of Contents
Sprint and Olympic Races:
- St. Anthony’s Triathlon
- Escape from Alcatraz Triathlon
- Oregon Dunes Triathlon
- Door County Triathlon
- New York City Triathlon
Ironman and Ironman 70.3 Events:
- Ironman 70.3 Oceanside
- Ironman Texas
- Ironman 70.3 St. George
- Ironman Lake Placid
- Ironman Kona
- Ironman California
Off-Road Races:
Sprint and Olympic Races for Your Triathlon Calendar
Athlete: Lionel Sanders. Photo credit: Talbot Cox.
Whether you’re new to the sport and eager to tackle your first race or a seasoned triathlete looking to push your pace and achieve a personal best, sprint triathlons and Olympic triathlons are a great place to start.
Here are a few triathlon events you can consider.
St. Anthony’s Triathlon
Date: April 27 and 28, 2024
Location: St. Petersburg, Florida
Why We Love This Race:
The St. Anthony's Triathlon is acclaimed as one of the world’s best destination triathlons as well as a place where the world’s best come to race.
Celebrating its 40th anniversary in 2024, the St. Anthony’s Triathlon is renowned for its scenic downtown waterfront swim course and a flat, fast bike course. The event's picturesque setting along the St. Petersburg waterfront and its warm waters provide an idyllic backdrop.
And it’s not just the race that’s amazing--the event includes a post-race celebration featuring food, drinks, and live music, creating a festive atmosphere for both participants and spectators.
Available Distances:
- Olympic Distance: 1.5K Swim, 40K Bike, 10K Run
- Sprint Distance: 750m Swim, 12mi Bike, 5K Run
- Meek and Mighty: For ages 11+, the distance includes a 200yd Swim, 5.4mi Bike, 1mi Run; and for ages 7-10, it comprises a 100yd Swim, 3.6mi Bike, 0.5mi Run
Escape from Alcatraz Triathlon
Date: June 9, 2024
Location: San Francisco, California
Why We Love This Race:
The Escape from Alcatraz Triathlon is one of the most unique, iconic, and challenging triathlons in the world.
The race begins with a 1.5-mile swim from the notorious Alcatraz Island to the San Francisco shoreline which is known for its icy cold waters and strong currents. After the swim, athletes face an 18-mile bike ride through the hilly landscape of the Presidio of San Francisco. The event concludes with an 8-mile run that includes a mix of road and trail, leading athletes through the Golden Gate Recreational Area.
The run culminates with the infamous 'Sand Ladder', a 200-plus step sandy ascent that tests the endurance and determination of all participants.
The rich history of Escape from Alcatraz fused with its course mapped through some of San Francisco's most beautiful and challenging terrains make it a coveted race for experienced triathletes worldwide.
Available Distances:
- The triathlon features a 1.5-mile swim, an 18-mile bike ride, and an 8-mile run
Oregon Dunes Triathlon
Date: June 10, 2024
Location: Dunes City, Oregon
Why We Love This Race:
The Oregon Dunes Triathlon is renowned for its scenic courses in Dunes City. It starts with a swim in the clear Woahink Lake followed by a bike ride along serene country roads. You’ll then run through the winding trails and campgrounds of Honeyman State Park.
One thing to keep in mind: this race is renowned for its demanding final climb up the Oregon Dunes to reach an unforgettable finish line.
Available Distances:
- Sprint Triathlon
- Sprint Duathlon
Door County Triathlon
Date: July 13 and 14, 2024
Location: Door County, Wisconsin
Why We Love This Race:
Located on the Door County Peninsula, often dubbed the Cape Cod of the Midwest, this race puts you in a region known for its sandy shorelines and majestic bluffs along Green Bay and provides a picturesque setting for a triathlon.
The Door County Triathlon is not just a race but a scenic experience in a beloved Midwestern tourist destination, offering a blend of natural beauty and challenging athletic competition.
Available Distances:
- Sprint Triathlon and Kids Triathlon (July 13)
- Half Iron Distance (July 14)
Chicago Triathlon
Date: August 24 and 25, 2024
Location: Chicago, Illinois
Why We Love This Race:
Recognized as one of the world’s largest and most accessible triathlons, the Chicago Triathlon caters to a wide range of racers, from first-timers to seasoned veterans--including kids, grandparents, and paratriathletes.
This race offers the unique experience of swimming in Lake Michigan, biking on the closed-off Lake Shore Drive, and running along the city's lakefront path, allowing you to experience Chicago's beauty while navigating a course that weaves through the city's iconic landmarks.
The event's integration into the heart of a major city, combined with the scenic views and diverse course, makes it an extraordinary experience for both athletes and spectators.
Available Distances:
- Supersprint (on August 24): Involves a 0.23-mile swim, 6.2-mile bike ride, and a 1.5-mile run.
- International (on August 25): Features a 0.93-mile swim, 24.8-mile bike ride, and a 6.2-mile run.
- Sprint (on August 25)
New York City Triathlon
Date: September 29, 2024
Location: New York, NY
Why We Love This Race:
This triathlon offers the extraordinary experience of racing through one of the world's most famous cities.
Both challenging and iconic, the New York City Triathlon includes swimming in the Hudson River, biking down the West Side Highway, and running through Central Park. It also offers a wide variety of age and racing divisions, including paratriathletes, elite amateurs, first responders, and even first-timers.
Available Distances:
- International Triathlon: Consists of a 1500m swim in the Hudson River, a 40K bike up the West Side Highway, and a 10K run to the Finish Line in Central Park.
- Duathlon: Features a 2-mile run, followed by the same bike and run course as International Triathlon participants.
- International Tri Relay: Teams of 2 or 3 athletes will split the 1500m swim, 40K bike, and 10K run.
Ironman and Ironman 70.3 Events for Your Triathlon Calendar
For more experienced triathletes, taking the step up to an Ironman 70.3 or Ironman 140.6 offers you a nearly unmatched physical challenge--as well as the opportunity to race in some pretty incredible places.
Here are a few of our favorites.
Ironman 70.3 Oceanside
Date: April 6, 2024
Location: Oceanside, California
Why We Love This Race:
Ironman 70.3 Oceanside is renowned for its stunning coastal course. Starting with a 1.2-mile swim in the Pacific Ocean, you’ll then embark on a 56-mile bike ride through Camp Pendleton, offering a unique blend of natural beauty and military presence. The event concludes with a 13.1-mile run along the scenic coastline, providing a challenging yet picturesque experience for triathletes.
Available Distances: Half Ironman distance: 1.2-mile swim, 56-mile bike, and 13.1-mile run (70.3 miles in total)
Ironman Texas
Date: April 27, 2024
Location: The Woodlands, Texas
Why We Love This Race:
Set in The Woodlands, Ironman Texas is unique for its embodiment of Texas's larger-than-life spirit.
You’ll begin your race with a swim in the spectator-lined Lake Woodlands followed by a bike course on mostly closed roads and conclude with a marathon embraced by the local community's support.
This race, often chosen as North America's best overall, offers a blend of a challenging course and a festive atmosphere, making it a standout event in the Ironman series.
Available Distances: Full Ironman distance: 2.4-mile swim, 112-mile bike, 26.2-mile run (140.6 miles in total)
Ironman 70.3 St. George
Date: May 4, 2024
Location: St. George, Utah
Why We Love This Race:
The Ironman 70.3 North American Championship in St. George is a celebrated event for its rigorous course set in Utah's dramatic desert landscape.
During this race, you’ll traverse through state parks and basalt lava fields that embody the spirit of endurance in a land shaped by ancient seas.
The region's geological history and proximity to Zion National Park make it an exceptional destination, offering a race experience that's both physically challenging and visually stunning.
Available Distances: Half Ironman distance
Ironman Lake Placid
Date: July 21, 2024
Location: Lake Placid, New York
Why We Love This Race:
Set in the scenic Adirondack Mountains, Ironman Lake Placid is a hallmark event in the triathlon world. The course includes a swim in Mirror Lake, a bike ride through the mountains with significant elevation gain, and a run through the Olympic Village, culminating at the iconic Olympic Oval.
This race is distinctive for its challenging hilly terrain and the historic Olympic setting, making it a favorite among triathletes.
Available Distances: Full Ironman distance
Ironman Kona
Date: October 26, 2024
Location: Kona, Hawaii
Why We Love This Race:
Renowned as the birthplace of Ironman, this race boasts an iconic status as one of the most challenging endurance events in the world.
The race serves up extreme conditions, including intense heat and strong crosswinds along the Queen Ka'ahumanu Highway, and the Energy Lab section of the marathon course.
These factors, combined with the scenic but demanding landscape of Hawaii, create a race environment that tests the limits of even the most elite triathletes, solidifying its reputation as a pinnacle event in the world of triathlon.
Available Distances: Full Ironman distance
Ironman California
Date: October 27, 2024
Location: Sacramento, California
Why We Love This Race:
Taking place just outside of Sacramento, Ironman California is known for its fast course, offering athletes a chance to achieve their personal bests.
The race features a downriver swim, a fast and flat bike ride through picturesque farm and wine country, and a spirited run with a finish line at the California State Capitol.
This setting provides an energetic and iconic backdrop, encapsulating the California spirit of freedom, adventure, and love for the outdoors.
Available Distances:
- Full Ironman distance
Off-Road Races for Your Triathlon Calendar
Athlete: Lionel Sanders. Photo credit: Talbot Cox.
Unlike their traditional counterparts, off-road triathlons take place on unpaved trails, often involving challenging terrains like hills, forests, and rugged natural paths. These races offer a unique blend of endurance sport and adventure, appealing to those who enjoy natural settings and diverse, physically demanding courses.
If you’re looking for a race that’s off the beaten path, you’ll love these.
USAT National Off-Road Triathlon Championships
Date: September 2024 (Exact date TBD)
Location: Ogden, Utah, at Snowbasin Ski Resort
Why We Love This Race:
The USAT National Off-Road Triathlon Championships feature a challenging mountain biking course in the scenic terrain of Ogden, Utah. This event distinguishes itself with its rugged off-road triathlon format, set against the backdrop of the renowned Snowbasin Ski Resort, offering athletes a distinct and adventurous racing experience.
Available Distances: Standard distances for off-road triathlon, including mountain biking segments
XTERRA Lake Tahoe
Date: September 15, 2024
Location: Lake Tahoe
Why We Love This Race:
The XTERRA Lake Tahoe race is an all-time classic off-road triathlon course known for its challenging and scenic routes. The triathlon starts from Sand Harbor State Park, situated in one of the purest and deepest lakes in North America, Lake Tahoe. The trail runs, taking place on the same day, begin and end at the Village Green in Incline Village, NV, adding to the diversity of the event.
Available Distances:
- Full Triathlon: 1,500M Swim, 35.5K Bike, 10K Run
- SprintTriathlon: 750M Swim, 35.5K Bike, 5K Run
Get Prepared for Your 2024 Triathlon Season with FORM
Wherever your 2024 triathlon calendar takes you, becoming a stronger swimmer can supercharge your race. And that’s where FORM’s Smart Swim Goggles come into play. With FORM, you can see real-time data and drills directly in front of your eyes while you swim. FORM googles are officially race-approved for use in SLT, USAT, PTO, and World Triathlon events. You can use the open water mode to see your stats while you swim and help you pace your swim leg perfectly.
