There is more to the triathlon world than Ironman, Rev 3, and Challenge Family. Many communities also offer local triathlons and go out of their way to make them a great event for the triathlete and fun for families. Besides, these shorter distance local races are a great way to get your feet wet in the sport and the family involved before progressing to longer distances or to use as a training race.
We picked a few of our favorites to share with you. All of these locations are perfect for great road trips and offer small regional airports, hence getting in and out is a breeze.
3 LOCAL TRIATHLONS TO PUT ON YOUR NEXT RACE SCHEDULE
Omaha Triathlon
The Omaha Triathlon takes place in mid July. It is actually located at Bluewater in Valley, Nebraska just outside of Omaha. The race offers both Olympic and Sprint distances as well as team events, so there is something for everyone. The swim takes place on a clear sand bottom lake with a beach start. The bike is flat and fast and very beautiful as is the run.
Why travel to the Omaha Triathlon? Well, it is in Omaha, a great family destination. The location is also perfect for meeting triathlon friends and family from all over the country, since it is smack dab in the middle of the United States.
Photo credit Omaha Triathlon.
What To Do
There is so much to do in Omaha. The city is a blast for families with many great hotels, not to mention it is home to the number one Zoo in the World – The Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium. We highly recommend that you purchase a combo ticket, so that you can enjoy the rides and IMAX as well on your trip.
Omaha also has a vibrant arts community. Visiting the Old Market, you have the opportunity to pop in and out of many galleries and shops. The two other not-to-miss stops when here are the Children’s Museum, with many interactive activities for the kids and the world renowned Josyln Art Museum. The Josyln is home to many permeant collections and the new Art Works, where families can let their curiosity flow. Make sure to also leave time to visit their sculpture gardens!
Santa Barbara Triathlon
How about a race everyone in the family can enjoy? What we love most about the Santa Barbara Triathlon, besides the stunning scenery, is the fact that everyone in the family can find something to participate in over the weekend if they so choose. There is a long course, including Aqua Bike and Team; a Sprint, which also includes women’s only and a parent/child team event; a Duathlon; and even a fun division for those who just want to race side by side with family and friends.
The Santa Barbara Triathlon, in mid August, just happens to be one of the longest running independent triathlons in the country. When you finish, they will even feed you lunch! I mean come on with the oceanfront transition you might even get a triwife to participate…Well, maybe….After the event, there are children’s beach activities and other great happenings as well.
Photo credit Santa Barbara Triathlon.
What To Do
The possibilities of what to do while visiting Santa Barbara are endless. Besides all the amazing food and activities in the city and surrounding area, you have San Francisco to the north and Los Angeles and San Diego to the south.
Locally, we highly suggest you not miss Stearns’s Wharf. Beyond the tourist shops, you have to visit the Sea Center where the kids can get up close and personal with the creatures of the waters around Santa Barbara and the tidal pool exhibits. Be sure to also save time to visit the Maritime Museum and learn all about the area’s history.
To get in touch with the natural environment of the area visit Arroyo Burro Beach County Park. The beach is flat and wide and has lots of tidal pools to explore. Not to worry, the Boathouse is right there for cocktails and good eats. The Santa Ynez Valley is an easy drive north of the city and offers a burgeoning wine region with multiple tasting opportunities.
Westchester Triathlon
For 30 years, the Westchester Triathlon has conducted a multisport event in the New York Tri State area. Held at the end of September, over 1,000 triathletes, young, old, novice, and pro, gather for this often final race of the season for many triathletes. It takes place at Rye Playland in Rye, NY.
The Westchester Triathlon offers Sprint and Olympic distance races, Aqua Bike, a Corporate Challenge, and a Kids Triathlon. The Super Sprint Triathlon is a great entry race for teenagers 15 years and older, young adults, and race beginners. It’s perfect for spectators, too. The entire race takes place on a completely contained course away from main roads and car traffic. And the swim is always spectacular. It takes place along the boardwalk on the Long Island Sound with gorgeous sunrises.
What To Do
Well, your options for fun activities and great food are endless and you don’t have to venture far. NYC is only 25 miles away and if that doesn’t interest you, there are tons of things to do in Westchester County and nearby Connecticut. Besides, hey, it’s fall on the east coast. Here are some of our favorites activities.
You can’t go wrong with visiting Kykuit, the Rockefeller Estate. Then stopping by Sleepy Hollow, Washington Irving’s home, and Lyndhurst Castle, where each room is decorated to replicate a fairy tale. If you need a bit of culture, check out the Neuberger Museum of Art in Purchase or Katonah Museum of Art. They truly have the most amazing outdoor sculpture garden. Finally, check the website and sign up for a tour of West Point or visit the New York Botanical Gardens in the Bronx.
In Connecticut, check out Yale in New Haven, the Naval Submarine Base in New London, along with Mystic Seaport and Aquarium. Or venture up to Litchfield County and do a little shopping in the quaint towns. Then have a spa treatment at the Mayflower Inn and Spa.
For more information on any of these races, click here:
Do You Know of Local Triathlons Worth the Trip?
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Sherry is one of the TriWivesClub and LifeDoneWell co-founders and contributes to multiple blogs. She is a former co-owner of the California Apparel News and had a career in the healthcare industry. Her passions include traveling, real food, the environment, and animal rescue/welfare. She lives a healthy lifestyle and has been a vegetarian since 1987. She and her husband are parents to two rescue pups and reside in Connecticut.
