Best sprint triathlons in the United States

1. YWCA Minneapolis Women's Triathlon

Minneapolis, United States · Last race 9 Aug 2026

Racers loveAbout 35 percent are first-timers; volunteer noodle swimmers and a novice swim cap help nervous swimmers.

Watch outWomen only; there is no men's or mixed start.

“It's so much more fun participating in something than watching.” St. Kate's news, St. Kate's University: 10th YWCA Women's Tri

2. 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

“It’s a roller-coaster up and down.” FlyingFishHockey (Wayne Fish) race preview

3. 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)

4. Smith Mountain Lake Sprint Triathlon

Huddleston, United States · Next race 1 May 2027

Racers loveRecord 144 first-timers among 350-plus athletes in 2025; the host called it the smoothest year.

Watch outCold years put the start-of-May water at 15 to 18 °C (59 to 65 °F).

“A spectacular event.” Smith Mountain Eagle staff, Smith Mountain Eagle: Accomplishments aplenty…

5. RVA Sprint Triathlon

Rockville, United States · Next race 22 Aug 2027

Racers loveBeginner-only race: 137 m (150 yd) pool swim, 9.7 km (6 mi) bike, 2.4 km (1.5 mi) run.

Watch outParking was muddy in 2026 and hard to walk.

“well-organized event with well-laid-out course” Racecheck reviewers, Racecheck (RVA Sprint)

6. Stissing Triathlon

Pine Plains, United States · Next race 27 Jun 2027

Racers loveNo cutoff times, and the last finisher is cheered in

Watch outBike is hilly over 20.3 km (12.6 mi), with a named climb on Sigler Hill Road

“a great race” New Pine Plains Herald staff, New Pine Plains Herald

7. 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…

8. 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

9. 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

10. 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

11. Polar Bear Triathlon

Brunswick, United States · Usually May

Racers lovePool swim of 480 to 525 m (0.3 mi), so no open water worries.

Watch outBike roads are open to traffic; cars passed riders in 2023.

“fairly flat and the coastal Maine landscape was idyllic” Nathan Hammerschmitt Le Gal, Dartmouth Admissions blog, first triathlon

12. 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.

“Beautiful start to the multisport season” James0802, RaceRaves

13. Hayden Triathlon

Hayden, United States · Next race 10 Jul 2027

Racers loveBeach swim in Hayden Lake, 750 m (820 yd), wetsuit optional, swim cap provided

Watch outWind made the 2026 swim choppy.

“The support here is awesome” Bill Buley, Coeur d'Alene Press 2026 recap

14. She Tris Sprint Triathlon - Chapel Hill

Chapel Hill, United States · Last race 11 Oct 2026

Racers loveWomen-only 250 yd (229 m (751 ft)) pool swim, no open water

Watch outOrganiser warns of sharp turns on downhill bike sections

“normalizes this idea of being active” UNC Media Hub: More than a finish line

15. Naperville Sprint Triathlon

Naperville, United States · Next race 1 Aug 2027

Racers loveCalm quarry swim of 375 to 400 m (410 to 437 yd), shorter than a standard sprint

Watch outBeach parking is limited; the city guide says to arrive 90 minutes before your wave.

“well organized” NCTV17 staff, NCTV17 (10th anniversary)

16. 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…

17. 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)

18. Waupaca Area Triathlon

Waupaca, United States · Last race 15 Aug 2026

Racers loveAbout 900 racers across courses; entries capped most years

Watch outEntries have capped out in past years, so register early

“They think it is very well run.” ThedaCare (sponsor), ThedaCare: Waupaca Area Triathlon 15th year

19. 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

20. 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

21. Tri Goddess Tri

Grass Lake, United States · Next race 26 Jun 2027

Racers loveWomen-only field with many first-timers, plus super sprint, duathlon and aquabike options.

Watch outBike has rolling hills over 16.6 km (10.3 mi) and the run mixes road and trail.

22. 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).

23. Barbara Schmidt Millar Women's Triathlon

Nevada City (Cascade Shores), United States · Next race 29 Aug 2027

Racers loveWomen-only triathlon, with relay teams and a 5K walk option.

Watch outThe Lake Lane hill hits both the bike and the run; locals call it the dreaded hill.

“It was the most joy-filled event” Elias Funez, The Union (Grass Valley)

24. Montana Women's Triathlon

Helena, United States · Next race 18 Jul 2027

Racers loveWomen-only race with half a lane each in a 50 m (55 yd) outdoor pool, no deep water.

Watch outBike has gravel and packed dirt, not all smooth tarmac; bring a bike that handles it.

“empower women to healthy lifestyles through sport” Triathlete staff, Triathlete: best beginner triathlons 2025