Best Olympic-distance triathlons in the United States

1. Steelman Racing Triathlon

Quakertown, United States · Last race 2 Aug 2026

Racers loveBike is on a fully closed, repaved road: Route 563

Watch outRolling Route 563 starts with a 1.2 mi (1.9 km) climb

“the lake is beautiful – mostly clean and clear” Bucks County Herald (Wayne Fish, 'On the Run')

2. Trinona Triathlon

Winona, United States · Last race 14 Jun 2026

Racers loveCalm Lake Winona swim, glassy in some years, with a quarter-mile 0.4 km (0.25 mi) sprint swim.

Watch outStorms cancelled or shortened the Olympic bike in 2016 and 2025; everyone rode the sprint loop.

“The water was glassy smooth and not nearly as weedy as I anticipated.” Minnesota TRI News (Alex Hooke)

3. Chicago Triathlon (Supertri)

Chicago, United States · Last race 23 Aug 2026

Racers loveRolling swim start in sheltered Monroe Harbor, 1.5 km (0.93 mi), with the skyline beside the seawall.

Watch outThe swim was cancelled for waves up to 1.8 m (6 ft) in 2019 and 2023, replaced by a run.

“the water was really cold” CBS Chicago (Eliza), CBS Chicago: Thousands run, bike and swim…

4. Huntington Bank Grand Rapids Triathlon

Ada, United States · Next race 13 Jun 2027

Racers loveCalm river swim, 20 to 21 °C (68 to 70 °F), almost no current

Watch outBike roads are open to traffic with marshals; no aid stations on sprint or Olympic bike

“especially to newer racers and people with families” dmagic17, Slowtwitch forum

5. 370 Lakeside Triathlon

St. Peters, United States · Next race 12 Sep 2027

Racers loveFlat, fast sprint and Olympic on country roads, with a park-trail run finish

Watch outAugust heat above 30 °C (86 °F); the 2027 date moves to mid September

“Well organised event at a nice venue.” 52 Racecheck reviewers (10 shown), Racecheck

6. Brewhouse Triathlon

Duluth, United States · Last race 2 Aug 2026

Racers loveMany first-timers race; 200 m (0.12 mi) and 500 m (0.31 mi) exhibition swims are offered.

Watch outWind can chop the lake; in 2022 the long swim was cut to the short distance.

“Flat water, mild weather and Brewhouse's signature fun vibe” unnamed, Minnesota TRI News

7. Survival of the Shawangunks (SOS)

New Paltz, United States · Last race 30 Aug 2026

Racers loveNot a standard Olympic: an eight-stage bike, run and swim-run race of about 81 km (50 mi)

Watch outEntry needs a qualifying result and sells out in minutes when it opens at midnight on 31 October

“the only race I care about” Slowtwitch: SOS, the most loved race

8. Las Olas Triathlon (Fort Lauderdale A1A Triathlon)

Fort Lauderdale, United States · Next race 18 Apr 2027

Racers loveWarm Atlantic swim in full view of spectators, one-way with the current, time-trial start.

Watch outSwim was shortened in 2018 and 2020; a 2019 racer met 3 to 4 ft (1 m) swells.

9. Hagg Lake Triathlon and Trail Festival

Gaston (Henry Hagg Lake), United States · Next race 7 Aug 2027

Racers loveOne of the oldest US triathlons, 45 editions, with sprint, duathlon, aquabike and trail runs the same weekend

Watch outHilly bike and run: nonstop short climbs and a half-mile (0.8 km) pitch near 10 percent, taken twice at…

“You aren't going to be setting any PR's there” Multiple posters (Scott_in_PDX, xxpr, TBinMT), Slowtwitch forum 'Hagg Lake?'

10. Lavaman Waikoloa Triathlon

Waikoloa Beach Resort, United States · Next race 4 Apr 2027

Racers loveClear, sheltered bay swim in about 24 to 26 °C (75 to 79 °F) water.

Watch outWind on the Queen K can slow riders badly, especially on the return.

“The wind can blow hard enough to slow you to a jogger's pace.” coreyalan23, RaceRaves, Lavaman Triathlon

11. Tupper Lake Tinman Triathlon

Tupper Lake, United States · Last race 27 Jun 2026

Racers loveCommunity race since 1983 with over 400 local volunteers.

Watch outWind-driven waves, sun glare on the swim return and sudden weather are possible.

“The water was warm and I felt comfortable in the water from the start.” unnamed, Slowtwitch forum (race report, 2007)

12. Bass Lake Yosemite Triathlon

Bass Lake, United States · Last race 30 May 2026

Racers loveTransition at Pines Resort, so lodging, start and finish are steps apart.

Watch outHilly bike and lake-road run at 1,040 m (3,400 ft); elevation gain is not published.

“an amazing event!” Sierra News Online: record turnout

13. Oro Valley Triathlon and Duathlon Festival

Oro Valley, United States · Last race 14 Mar 2026

Racers lovePool swim in a 50 m (55 yd) pool at the base of the Catalina Mountains; no open-water nerves.

Watch outNot a standard Olympic: 750 m (0.47 mi) swim, 35 km (22 mi) bike, 7.5 km (4.65 mi) run.

“good season opener” Kristen Hawkins, Minnesota TRI News: Rust busting and instant…

14. The Boston Triathlon

Boston (South Boston), United States · Last race 23 Aug 2026

Racers loveFlat bike on car-free closed roads, with four lanes shut

Watch outSwim can be choppy and was cancelled in 2018

“very well organized” Flytechelite, gguerini, others, Slowtwitch: Boston Triathlon thread

15. Escape the Cape Triathlon

Lower Township (North Cape May), United States · Next race 13 Jun 2027

Racers loveJump about 3.7 m (12 ft) off a ferry into Delaware Bay to start

Watch outStrong tidal current and water of 13 to 24 °C (55 to 75 °F); weak swimmers should skip it

“nerve-wracking and exciting at the same time” Inquirer staff, Philadelphia Inquirer

16. Escape from Alcatraz Triathlon

San Francisco, United States · Next race 6 Jun 2027

Racers loveJump from a ferry beside Alcatraz, then swim 2.4 km (1.5 mi) back to the city

Watch outBay water is 12 to 14 °C (54 to 57 °F) with a strong tidal current

“I just can't say that I've ever had a better time at a race.” bt (forum handle), Slowtwitch forum: Alcatraz Race Report (long)

17. Zuma Beach Triathlon (Malibu Triathlon)

Malibu, California, United States · Challenge Family · Next race 19 Sep 2027

Racers loveClosed Pacific Coast Highway bike, called flat and fast. The Zuma Distance is a 25.7 km (16 mi) out-and-back.

Watch outSurf entry and ocean swell. Water is unpublished, probably 18 to 21 °C (64 to 70 °F).

18. St. Anthony's Triathlon

St. Petersburg, United States · Next race 25 Apr 2027

Racers loveLong-running race, 40 or more editions, with a novice Meek and Mighty event the day before.

Watch outBay swim is often rough: shortened in 2013 and 2017, and replaced by a run in 2023.

“no joke!” Felicia Neal, WeeViews

19. White Lake Spring International & Sprint

White Lake (Goldston's Beach), United States · Next race 2 May 2027

Racers loveFlat one-loop bike, 45 km (28 mi) Olympic or 30 km (18.5 mi) sprint, few turns

Watch outBikes are long, 45 km (28 mi) and 30 km (18.5 mi), so times do not match standard courses

20. Morro Bay Triathlon

Morro Bay, United States · Next race 1 Nov 2026

Racers loveSwim in the sheltered harbor beside Morro Rock; start, transition and finish are all at Coleman Park.

Watch outCold harbor, about 14-19 °C (57-66 °F) in November. A wetsuit is strongly recommended.

“I just love being able to run by the water” KSBY staff, KSBY News (11th annual)

21. Kinetic Triathlon Festival

Spotsylvania, United States · Next race 8 May 2027

Racers loveWetsuit-legal lake: 17 to 24 °C (62 to 75 °F) in 2015 to 2025

Watch outRun starts with a steep climb out of T2; the Olympic repeats it, 99 m (324 ft) of gain

“Setup does good races - you will find them well organised and staffed.” Slowtwitch forum: Kinetic half (Lake Anna)

22. Colorado Triathlon

Boulder, United States · Next race 5 Jun 2027

Racers loveSprint is 750 m (0.47 mi), 27.4 km (17 mi), 5 km (3.1 mi); first-timer wave capped at 50.

Watch outBoulder Reservoir is at about 1,590 m (5,220 ft); expect to run slower than at sea level.

23. Fort De Soto Triathlon Series (Trilogy)

St. Petersburg (Fort De Soto Park, North Beach), United States · Last race 18 Oct 2026

Racers loveShallow salt-water swim of 400 m (0.25 mi) in full view of spectators

Watch outSummer heat and humidity: highs up to 35 °C (95 °F) and no shade on the run

24. Waterman's Triathlon Festival

Rock Hall, United States · Next race 2 Oct 2027

Racers loveBreakwater-protected harbor swim; the middle is 0.6 to 0.9 m (2 to 3 ft) deep, so you can stand.

Watch outMost written accounts cover the Half; few athletes describe the Olympic or Sprint themselves.

“The run is very flat with good support.” Slowtwitch forum posters, Slowtwitch forum thread