In part three of our preview of 2011 cycling events (following the preview of century rides and road racing), today we will preview Austin area triathlons for 2011.
Now triathlons aren’t purely cycling (there’s some swimming and running in there), but they are near to my heart as they got me back on a bike ten years ago after a decade off. Since triathlon involved three sports, the fitness you get out of them is really great. This mix sport approach can also be daunting when thinking about training and equipment. It really isn’t that bad especially when you are training for the reasonable Sprint distance races (300-800 meter swim, 10-18 mile bike, 2-4 mile run depending on race.) All you really need is a pair of goggles, swim suit, bike, helmet, and running shoes. Tri-geeks get very equipment obsessed, but for short distance races, that’s really all you need. I recommend checking out sites like Beginner Triathlete and TriNewbies for pointers. There are also some good beginner books out there and the local tri shops listed on the side bar are always a good place to get some advice. Do also go to the rules meeting before your first race. It’s not complicated, but there are some key differences from group riding and road racing.
Triathlons generally fall into four categories: Sprint, Olympic (1500m swim, 40K bike, 10 K run), 1/2 Ironman or 70.3 (1.2mi swim, 56 mi bike, 13.1 mi run), and Ironman (2.4 mi swim, 112 mi bike, 26.2 mi run). There are lots of Sprint distance races on the Austin calendar, a few Olympic and 1/2 Ironman races, and currently no local Ironman distances. There are also duathlons, which substitute the swim with a run at the beginning. I’d not recommend the Olympic or longer as a first race unless you are on a relay team and only doing one leg of the race. I’ve included the race distances and as much information as is currently available on each race.
Note that all of the listed races are USA Triathlon sanctioned which means you will need a USAT membership to race. USA Triathlon offers a one-year Adult Membership ($39) and a one-year Youth membership ($5) OR if you are only going to race one or two races, you can get a one day membership through the race for $10.
Champions Triathlon & Duathlon
Saturday, March 26, 2011
Location TBA
Distance: Sprint and Olympic
Race scheduled. Sprint and Olympic Triathlon & Duathlons. More information coming soon on event website
Enchanted Rock Extreme Duathlon
Sunday, March 27, 2011
Enchanted Rock State Park, Fredricksburg, TX
Distance: Sprint Duathlon
A unique run-bike-run duathlon that ends at the top of Enchanted Rock. Race Capped at 175. Race sold out in 2010. Run: The 5 mile run is a Trail run around the park on the LOOP TRAIL. The 1. 2 mile run will finish on the ROCK. Bike: The 16 mile bike course is an out & back course on lightly travelled roads. The Course is mainly on Country roads with rolling hills. There will be Sheriff Deputies at intersections and turnaround. Drafting is illegal and will not be tolerated. Be aware that the roads are open to traffic – use caution and stay to the right. Caution – there are some cattle guards. Warning: This is not a beginner friendly course. The trail run involves climbing and running on uneven rock and dirt surfaces. The finish is on the ROCK. BRAGGING Rights will apply if you even FINISH this course.
The Rookie Triathlon
Sunday, April 17, 2011
Decker Lake, Walter E. Long Park
Distance: Sprint
The Rookie Triathlon course is a 300 meter swim, 11.2 mile bike, and 2 mile run. There will be 3 divisions: Rookies- This division is for the true rookies. Veterans- This division is for everyone that is not a true beginner. Open- The open division is exists for the fastest participants. The idea is to let the pros and elite age groupers compete against each other. The Rookie Triathlon is the 1st event in the 5th Annual Texas Tri Series. The Series is composed of five triathlon events. Participants can complete the series by participating in all of the events. The series concludes with a finisher party.
Lake Travis Triathlon
Saturday, April 23, 2011
Pace Bend Park, 2501 Pace Bend Park Road N, Spicewood, TX ‘
Distance: Sprint
Swim 500 meters, Bike 12.4 miles, Run 3.1 miles. Race scheduled. More info soon at event website.
Cedar Park Kid’s Triathlon
Sunday, May 1, 2011
Elizabeth Milburn Park, 1901 Sunchase Blvd, Cedar Park, TX
Distance: Kid’s tri
This triathlon is a USAT sanctioned event. The purpose of the Cedar Park Kid’s Triathlon is to offer kids between the ages of 7 and 15 the opportunity to experience a multi-sport event in a safe and positive environment. The age you turn during the calendar year of 2011 is the age group in which you will compete in. While competition is always part of any race, it is not the primary focus of this race. The main focus of this event is for the kids, their families and the community to have FUN! Distance : Juniors (age 7-10): 100m – Swim / 3 mile – Bike / 1k (.6 miles) – Run; Seniors (age 11-15): 200m – Swim / 6 mile – Bike / 2k (1.2 miles) – Run
Skeese Greets Women’s Triathlon
Sunday, May 8, 2011
Texas Ski Ranch, 6700 I-35 N, New Braunfels, TX 78130
Distance: Sprint
The 2011 Skeese Greets Women’s Tri is a short early season event that is perfect for a beginner to test the waters or an intermediate to advanced triathlete to get warmed up for the season to come. The Texas Ski Ranch is a great location that is safe, and participant and spectator friendly. Come join us for an outstanding event and then relax on the beach with food and music. 300 meter swim, 11 mile bike, 2 mile run
Ranger Triathlon (Childrens & Adult Triathlon)
Sunday, May 15, 2011
Texas School for the Deaf, 1102 South Congress Ave
Distance: Kid’s Tri & Sprint
The Ranger Triathlon is a USAT sanctioned event that is being hosted to benefit the Texas School for the Deaf Physical Education Programs. The purpose of the Ranger Triathlon will be to offer kids ages 7 years and older and “first time adults” the opportunity to experience a multi-sport event in a safe and positive environment. While competition is always part of any race, it is not the primary focus of this race. The main focus for the participants their families and the community is to have FUN! Juniors (7-10 years) 100m swim • 2.2 Mile Bike •.5 mile run (track); Seniors (11-14 years) 200m swim • 5.5 mile bike • 1 mile run (mixed terrain); Adults (15+ years) 200m swim • 5.5 mike bike • 2 mile run (mixed terrain)
Rockin’ R Toobin’ Triathlon
Saturday, May 21, 2011
Rockin R River Rides, 1405 Gruene Road, Gruene, TX
Distance: Sprint
A triathlon based from the Rockin R located on the Beautiful Guadalupe River in the quaint town of Gruene Texas. Swim: The 400 meter swim will be an out and back river swim Bike: The 12 mile bike course is an out & back course on lightly travelled roads. The Course is mainly on Country roads with gently rolling hills. There will be 5 Sheriff Deputies at intersections and main turns. Drafting is illegal and will not be tolerated. Be aware that the roads are open to traffic. Run: The 3.3 mile run is a 1 loop course on pavement in the City of Gruene. Special Camping rates available.
Capital of Texas Triathlon
Monday, May 30, 2011
Auditorium Shores, Austin, TX
Distance: First Tri, Sprint, Olympic
Triathlon racing memorial weekend in downtown Austin. Capital of Texas Olympic Triathlon : Swim 1500 meters, Bike 24.9 miles, Run 6.2 miles. Capital of Texas Sprint Triathlon : Swim ½ mile, Bike 12.4 miles, Run 3.1 miles. Capital of Texas Tri First Time : Swim 400 meters, Bike 6.2 miles, Run 3.1 miles.
Varsity & Jr. Varsity Triathlon
Sunday, June 19, 2011
Location TBA
Distance: Kid’s Tri & Sprint
Race scheduled. More information coming soon on event website.
Lake Pflugerville Triathlon
Sunday, June 19, 2011
Lake Pflugerville, Pflugerville, TX
Distance: Sprint
Course: 500 m Swim/14 mi Bike/3 mi Run. This is a fantastic venue for all levels of athletes whether you are a beginner or have completed numerous triathlons. For the intermediate and elite, it is a great opportunity to set new PR’s. You will feel right at home at this family-friendly event and it is a race you will enjoy since it is a fun course at a great location. The triathlon starts with a 500-meter swim in Lake Pflugerville with a sandy beach entry and an easy exit to a paved transition area. Then you are off on a 14-mile bike ride through the countryside with enough low rollers to keep it interesting. Racers will finish up with a 3-mile run around the lake on a flat crushed granite trail with water stops along the way. Pizza and ice cream for the finishers… can it get any better than that? Bring your friends and family to this spectator-friendly event or, if you are not racing, volunteer and join the pfun!
Greater Gator Olympic Triathlon
Saturday, June 25, 2011
Boerne Lake, Boerne, TX
Distance: Olympic
Swim: Triangle Course 1500 meter open water swim in Boerne Lake. Bike: The 24.5 mile bike course is out and back on lightly travelled roads. The ride has one challenging hill called heartbreak hill but after that it’s all downhill. Drafting is illegal and will not be tolerated. Be aware that the roads are open to traffic – use caution and stay to the right Run: the 6.2 mile is a 1 loop course on pavement inside and outside Boerne Park.
Buffalo Springs Lake Triathlon(Ironman Qualifier)
Sunday, June 26, 2011
Buffalo Springs Lake, Lubbock, TX
Distance: Half Ironman/70.3
This is a qualifier for the World Championship Ironman in Kona. SWIM: 1.2 mile open water lake swim. Wave starts (approximately 100 per wave), rectangular course counter clockwise, entry at beach area and exit on cement boat dock area, within 20 yards of the transition area. Swim cutoff time is 75 minutes. BIKE: 56 miles, modified out and back, out of town farm to market roads, limited traffic, flat with 8 challenging hills, ranging from 2.9% – 8.9% grade and a quarter of a mile to 1.2 miles in length. These are good asphalt roads with some shoulders. Only CPSC-approved helmets are allowed. RUN: 13.1 miles, asphalt, flat with 3 challenging hills, ranging from 6.4% – 7.6%(not the same hills as found on the bike course) grade. The hills are approximately 300 yards to 880 yards in length. Partially shaded, tough, scenic course. No non-participant pacing allowed. Course cut-off time is 8 hours.
Couples Triathlon
Sunday, July 10, 2011
Walter E. Long Park, 6614 Blue Bluff Rd, Austin, TX
Distance: Sprint
The two person team triathlon event. Using a format that is unique in the sport of triathlon, teams of two, whether they be friends, spouses, or family members combine their ages and sign up in the appropriate category. Each person on the team does the entire triathlon, and then their times are combined for the overall results. One may also participate as an individual. Course: 800m Swim/11.2 mi bike/3.1 mi run
Hill Country Kid’s and Family Triathlon
Saturday, July 23, 2011
McNaughton Pool in Plum Creek, 5820 McNaughton, Kyle, TX 78640
Distance: Kid’s Tri & Sprint
This is the Hill Country Kid’s and Family Tri! This is a fun kid’s race for children ages 5-15 years old and it includes an optional parent’s “mini-tri”. You have to have a child participating in the race in order to compete as a parent. A family team consists of one parent, and one child. The adults will race after the last child is off their bike. Course: Juniors 5-6 (25 m swim/2.5 mile bike/.6 mile run), Juniors 7-10 (100 m swim/2.5 mile bike/.6 mile run), Seniors 11-15 (200 m swim/5.1 mile bike/1.2 mile run), Parents (200 m swim/5.1 mile bike/1.2 mile run)
Jack’s Generic Triathlon
Sunday, July 31, 2011
Texas Ski Ranch, 6700 North Ih 35, New Braunfels, TX 78130
Distance: Sprint
Jack’s Generic Triathlon was founded by Jack Murray in 2003, at a time when he thought many triathlons had forgotten about the participants. Events had become so focused on getting big sponsors, accommodating pro athletes, and trying to look good that they sometimes neglected the actual product – the race. Athletes ended up paying more, but their racing experience was actually less. Jack had the idea to put on a race with very little pomp & circumstance, yet at the core be a great race. The course (500m Swim, 13.8 mile bike, 3 mile run) is short enough for the beginner, and still challenging enough for the experienced athletes to ‘light it up’. Jack’s is one of the best well run, safest, and most fun triathlon events you will ever do. The ‘relatively short’ swim is held in the Texas Ski Ranch cable lake, free from any boats. The bike and run are held on back country central Texas roads with little to no traffic. The event concludes with a party with free burgers, beer, and ice cream.
Gatorbait Memorial Triathlon
Saturday, August 13, 2011
Boerne Lake, Boerne, TX
Distance: Sprint
Race scheduled. More information coming soon on event website.
Austin F1 Cubed Triathlon
Sunday, August 14, 2011
Pace Bend Park, Spicewood, TX
Distance: Sprint
Formula One style racing meets triathlon. Teams of 3 triathletes each completing their own triathlon as a relay. Or teams of 3 single sport athletes competing each discipline three times in rotation (swim, bike, run). Or individual triathletes doing the course three times in succession. There will also be the option for kids and beginner triathletes to do just one rotation of the course. Sprint Triathlon: 3 X 350 meter swim/10K bike/2.5K run.
Sweet & Twisted Triathlon (Womens Only)
Sunday, August 21, 2011
Location TBA
Distance: Sprint
Race scheduled. More information coming soon on event website.
The Austin Triathlon
Monday, September 9, 2011
Auditorium Shores, Austin, TX
Distance: Sprint, Olympic
Olympic and Sprint distance triathlons in downtown Austin on Labor Day weekend. Olympic Distance: 1500m Swim, 40 Km bike, 10 Km run. Sprint Distance: 700m Swim, 27 Km bike, 5 Km run.
Dilloman Triathlon
Sunday, September 25, 2011
Pace Bend Park, Spicewood, TX
Distance: Sprint
Race scheduled. More information coming soon on event website. The Dilloman is the annual race of the Austin Triathlon Club. Distance: Sprint 750m swim/20K bike/5K run.
The Kerrville Triathlon
Saturday, October 1 and Sunday, October 2, 2011
Location TBA, Kerrville, TX
Distance: Sprint and Half Ironman
Race scheduled. More information coming soon on event website. Sprint distance on Saturday, Oct 1 and 1/2 ironman (1.2 mile Swim / 56 mile Bike / 13.1 mile Run) on Sun, Oct 2.
Ironman 70.3 Austin
Sunday, October 23, 2011
Decker Lake, Walter E. Long Park, Austin, TX
Distance: Half Ironman
Ironman 70.3 Austin is a Long distance triathlon consisting of: 1.2 mile swim, 56 mile bike, 13.1 mile run. SWIM – 1.2 mile freshwater swim, in Decker Lake. Average water temperature is 72-78 degrees F. BIKE - 56 mile spectacular, scenic 1 loop course through rolling Texas farmland. Pass sprawling ranches, cedar-covered vistas, sunflower fields, prickly pear cacti and see why this is part of the big sky country. This is true Texas! You’ll see more cattle than cars. There will be 4 aid stations with bottle hand ups. Gatorade Endurance Formula, water and PowerGels will be available. RUN - 13.1 mile Run meanders through Walter E. Long Park, along the shores of Decker Lake and through the Travis County Expo Center grounds, finishing inside the raucous Luedecke Arena. There will be aid stations more frequent than every mile stocked with Gatorade Endurance Formula, Water, PowerBars, PowerBar Gels, fruit, and defizzed cola.
on Jan 14th, 2011 at 2:44 pm
Honest question, how on earth are these prices justified?
I would love to do a triathlon, but at $75-225 a pop for even the short ones it seems pretty ridiculous.
Take the CapTri, they’ll have say 3000 people there all paying $120 each, that’s $360,000. Dozen lifeguards at $20/hr + 2 dozen Police at $35/hr = Maybe $7k. Equipment I could see at coming in for maybe $50k for a one-weekend rental. They’ve got volunteers running the water stations and transitions. What are they doing with all the other money? That’s also not including their sponsors’ donations.
Let’s say that nobody’s pocketing the money and all the proceeds go to charity. Are these triathlons tax-deductible then? Are any of these non-charitable so that you can just decide on your own where your charity-funds go?
Not trying to sound like a non-giving jerk (I give plenty to the organizations I think help the world), but why are these things so expensive? And that’s not even including the price of equipment. Definitely not an endeavor for all social classes.
on Jan 14th, 2011 at 4:24 pm
Otis,
These prices are pretty typical of a triathlon. I’ve done about two dozen in the last decade and I think $45 was the least I’d ever spent and that was a race in the boon docks (see paragraph below about City fees for reason that one was cheap). It is an expensive sport.
I do not think the organizers are ripping people off or making a fortune. They are expensive, complicated events to put on. The Cap Texas for example, shuts down major parts of downtown to all traffic as well as Town Lake and takes up a hunk of Auditorium Shores for a week. The City isn’t exactly giving those permits away.
There is also the issue of insurance. Because you have people swimming and biking at high speed, insurance is expensive. (One person drowns, and you WILL get sued.) You are also leaving out promotion of the event (ads are not free) and the professional staff that have to be paid to put on the event.
I’ve produced over 100 events over the last 20 years in this town without half these issues, and frankly your summary of expenses left out a dozen things that cost money that I thought of in a few minutes. All those things add up.
One other thing, the triathlons that cost $225 are the half ironmans. While all the logistics are more than the shorter races, the are also licensed by the Ironman entity, the WTO. That means the race directors have to pay a lot for the right to put dot I man in their name. They also get the benefit as most of those races sell out months before hand.
I’ve not seen the books of any of these events, but I have read the series Dan Empfield of Slowtwitch wrote about being a race director here which starts here http://www.slowtwitch.com/RD_Aids/How_to_be_a_race_director_231.html. Empfield knows a lot about triathlon, and I’d suggest you take a look at the series to see all that it takes to put on a good race. I don’t doubt the CapTex Tri costs six figures to produce.
Finally, I do know a lot of people who only do one race a year as something special to train for. I think 4 races was the most I ever did in year and most were the cheaper sprint ones.
on Jan 17th, 2011 at 4:14 pm
Cool, thanks for the info.
I definitely have a better understanding for the costs.
I guess you could look at it as a combo meal. It’s like you’re paying for a high-profile bike race and 5k-40k foot race, and you get a swimming race free.
on Feb 23rd, 2011 at 8:35 pm
I have put on a couple half marathons and some 5Ks and 10Ks. The stress of it takes it’s toll as well. There are a lot of tasks and expenses one would not think of normally. I have thought about putting on a triathlon but my wife begs me not to as she if afraid our marriage might not survive the stress. Running events -just one discipline- are tough enough. I can just imagine what putting on a three discipline event must mean.
on Jun 28th, 2011 at 10:14 am
Triathlons are not cheap! I’ve race directed a couple of races and they are difficult to put on. It requires alot of good planning, good sponsorship, good crew and volunteers. The entree fee are high and people want a good race for their money. But compared to events you getting a good deal for your money because you are doing three events. Look at the price of a 5K, or a swimming race, or bicycling race and add those entree fees together and triathlons come out as a better deal. Ask the race director if he/she would give discount for your Tri-Club. Also you can get discounts for doing a series of races.
USAT requires you to do three races per year to get ranked. Remember they have to be 3 Tri or 3 Du. Ranking is one of your benefits of having your license.