Clemson To Host USAT Collegiate Nationals

Published September 8, 2014 06:23PM

USA Triathlon today announced that the 2015 and 2016 USA Triathlon Collegiate National Championships will be held in Clemson, S.C., the home of Clemson University.

The 2015 event is scheduled for April 24-25, and more than 120 collegiate clubs from across the United States are expected to compete in three events over two days of competition on the Clemson University campus. Action will begin Friday, April 24, with the USA Triathlon Draft-Legal Collegiate Championships, introduced to the event program in 2013. This qualification-only race showcases the same style of racing contested in the Olympic Games on a 750-meter swim, 20-kilometer bike, 5-kilometer run course.

The traditional Olympic-distance Collegiate National Championships is set for Saturday, April 25, featuring the best collegiate triathletes in the country competing on a 1500m swim, 40k bike, 10k run course. The popular draft-legal, mixed team relay, in which teams of four athletes (two women, two men) each complete a super-sprint triathlon before tagging the next teammate, will close out the weekend on Saturday afternoon.

“Collegiate Nationals is the top collegiate triathlon in the country, and we’re thrilled to work with the Clemson community over the next two years to welcome collegiate triathletes to the city,” said Rob Urbach, USA Triathlon CEO. “The talent, team spirit and camaraderie really set the event apart to be one of the most high-energy events in endurance sports and we believe Clemson will be an excellent host.”

“The city of Clemson is pleased to welcome the 2015 and 2016 USA Triathlon Collegiate National Championships to Clemson, S.C.,” said Jamie Cathey, Program Director with the City of Clemson Parks & Recreation department. “The city of Clemson Parks & Recreation staff is coordinating efforts of several local agencies to showcase the unique characteristics of the Clemson area. Our goal is to provide an exciting and memorable experience for all athletes, coaches and spectators during their time in the Upstate.”

In 2014, more than 1,250 athletes representing 119 collegiate clubs competed over the two-day event held in Tempe, Ariz., with the University of Colorado Buffaloes winning their fifth consecutive team title.

More information on the 2015 event, including collegiate club eligibility and hotel information, visit usatriathlon.org/usatcn15.