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Beginners: Welcome to the wild, wonderful, and sometimes wacky world of triathlon!
Training for and competing in your first triathlon is a journey that will bring you so much joy, purpose, and a sense of accomplishment. Now that you’ve decided to do a triathlon, you need to select a race.
Don’t worry. We’re here to help! We’ve rounded up 15 of the best U.S.-based triathlons for beginners in 2025 to help you decide.
If you don’t feel comfortable swimming in open water just yet, you can do a triathlon with a pool swim. You could try a duathlon (run-bike-run), aquabike (swim-bike), or aquathlon (swim-run).
There are family-friendly events with kid’s triathlons and relays, closed bike courses, and flat runs. Some races have open-water swim practices and triathlon clinics. There are even a few women-only triathlons on the list.
Read on to pick your perfect triathlon, and remember, once you cross the finish line, you can officially call yourself a triathlete!
If you can swim, bike, and run, you can be a triathlete. All you have to do is sign up for your first race to make it official! Check our free guide to your first triathlon to get started with training for your big day.
The best beginner triathlons in the western U.S.
Kickstart your season with the Lavaman Triathlon in April where you can ride on portions of the Ironman World Championship bike course. Or get started with one of the other early-season races in Granite Bay, California, or Vancouver, Washington.
Section dividerLavaman Triathlon
Waikoloa Beach, Hawaii
April 6, 2025
| Race distance | Olympic triathlon | Olympic aquabike | Olympic duathlon | 2-person relay | 3-person relay |
| Swim | 1,500 meters | 1,500 meters | 3.1K (run) | 1,500 meters | 1,500 meters |
| Bike | 40K | 40K | 40K | 40K | 40K |
| Run | 10K | None | 10K | 10K | 10K |
Although Lavaman is an Olympic-distance triathlon, it’s still a great option for the beginner triathlete. The race takes place at Waikoloa Beach Resort with a 1.5K swim, 40K bike, and 10K run.
Athletes will swim in the warm turquoise waters of beautiful Anaeho’omalu Bay with average temperatures of 77-80 degrees F and a water depth of 65 feet. The entire course has kayak support as well as rescue jet skis. The bike takes athletes on a portion of the Ironman World Championship bike course for 40K through the lava fields on the iconic Queen Ka’ahumanu Highway.
The run is incredibly scenic through the lush grounds of Waikoloa Resort. Finish on the beach and enjoy a post-race party with a beer garden, live music, and BBQ in the shade of a coconut grove.
There’s also a duathlon and aquabike option, as well as a Lavakids Aquathon and fun Keiki Dash. In 2025, Lavaman will serve as the USAT State Championship for Hawaii. Even better, this is a locally owned event, and all net proceeds go back to the community.
Section dividerICE Breaker Super Sprint Triathlon
Granite Bay, California
April 12, 2025
| Race distance | ICE Breaker Tri | Aquabike | Ice Breaker Dash Tri |
| Swim | .5 mile swim | .5 mile swim | 400 yards swim |
| Bike | 8.4 mile bike | 8.4 mile bike | 4.2 mile bike |
| Run | 4 mile run | None | 2 mile run |
A super sprint is a great way to get started in triathlon because of the approachable distance. The Ice Breaker Dash Triathlon includes a 400-yard swim, 4.2-mile bike, and 2-mile run. There’s also a sprint with a .5-mile swim, 8.4-mile bike, and 4-mile run. Not interested in running? Try the sprint aquabike option.
The ICE Breaker triathlon is in its 23rd year at Granite Bay State Park, where the race begins with a chilly swim in Folsom Lake. The average water temperature is in the 60-degree F range, meaning wetsuits are strongly recommended. The bike course is on closed roads, and the run is scenic along the beautiful shoreline.
TBF Racing organizes the event and offers a unique volunteer program where you can earn a $40 voucher good toward an entry fee. Volunteers also get a breakfast burrito, coffee, lunch, and a T-shirt.
Section dividerSpring Classic Duathlon
Vancouver, Washington
April 27, 2025
| Race distance | Duathlon |
| Run | 5K |
| Bike | 13 miles |
| Run | 5K |
If you want to give multisport a try, but aren’t ready for the swimming portion just yet, sign up for a duathlon. The Spring Classic Duathlon in Vancouver consists of a 5K run, followed by a 13-mile bike, and another 5K run.
The race takes place at Vancouver Lake Regional Park with an easy-to-navigate course on smooth pavement with minimal traffic. It’s pancake flat and fast, making it an “ideal introduction to the world of multisport racing.”
This event also has a 5K, 10K, and half marathon that take place prior to the duathlon, which starts at 11:00 a.m., so you can sleep in. Also, Why Racing Events supports Ainsley’s Angels of America, an organization that builds awareness for the special needs community.
The best beginner triathlons in the U.S. mountain region
Whether a women’s-only event, pool swim, or stand-up paddleboarding sound like the best way to get started in the sport, you can experience multisport racing with an event from the best beginner triathlons in the U.S. mountain region. Races range from July to September and take place in the following cities: Logan, Utah; Helena, Montana; and Loveland, Colorado.
Section dividerLogan Triathlon
Logan, Utah
July 12, 2025
| Race distance | Sprint | Olympic |
| Swim | 500 meters | 1,000 meters |
| Bike | 12.5 miles | 25 miles |
| Run | 3.1 miles | 6.2 miles |
If the idea of swimming in open water freaks you out, you can work your way up to it by starting with a pool swim at the Logan Triathlon.
The sprint triathlon consists of a 500-meter swim, 12.5-mile bike, and 3.1-mile run. The Olympic includes a 1,000-meter swim, 25-mile bike, and 6.2-mile run.
The swim for both the sprint- and Olympic-distance triathlons is serpentine, which means you swim up one lane and down the next until you reach the exit.
Then, you will hop on your bike and ride a flat, straight, out-and-back course with views of farmland and fields. Finally, run a 100% paved course that takes you into a neighborhood with plenty of shade around the Logan River.
Section dividerMontana Women’s Triathlon
Helena, Montana
July 20, 2025
| Race distance | Sprint |
| Swim | 500 meters |
| Bike | 10 miles |
| Run | 3 miles |
The goal of the Montana Women’s Triathlon is to “empower women to healthy lifestyles through sport.” This is a very popular event, and has sold out in the past.
The race starts with a 500-meter swim in a 50-meter outdoor pool. It consists of heats with 16 athletes swimming two to a lane. You have half a lane until you’re done swimming, so there’s no pressure to swim fast.
The 10-mile bike course travels through Centennial Park with short gravel sections, packed dirt, and paved trails. All that’s left is a 3-mile run to the finish line, and you can call yourself a triathlete!
There will be race captains and volunteers in transition who can answer any questions you might have about triathlon.
Section dividerLast Call Triathlon
Loveland, Colorado
Sept. 28, 2025
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| Race distance | Sprint triathlon | Sprint SUP triathlon | Supersprint triathlon | Duathlon | Aquabike | Aquathlon |
| Swim | 750 meters | 750 meters (SUP) | 450 meters | 2.15 miles (run) | 750 meters | 750 meters |
| Bike | 10 miles | 10 miles | 4.9 miles | 10 miles | 10 miles | 10 miles |
| Run | 3.1 miles | 3.1 miles | 2.15 miles | 3.1 miles | (dash to finish line) | 3.1 miles |
Last Call Triathlon in scenic Colorado offers six different multisport distances, so there’s a race for everyone. 2025 will mark the seventh year for this event with “a family feel that’s intimate, fun, and uniquely challenging.”
They have a super sprint, sprint, duathlon, and aquabike. If you don’t want to swim, there’s even a sprint SUP (stand-up paddleboard) triathlon as well as relay options. The super-sprint distance includes a 450-meter swim, 4.9-mile bike, and 2.15-mile run, while the sprint is a 750-meter swim, 10-mile bike, and 3.1-mile run.
All athletes receive a T-shirt, finisher medal, free event photos, and post-race food and craft beer from Loveland Aleworks.
The best beginner triathlons in the central U.S.
Dip your toes into the sport with The J Indoor Triathlon in Overland Park, Kansas, in February. And if you fall in love with triathlon (brace yourself, most people do), you can take on an outdoor triathlon in Petersburg, Illinois; El Paso, Texas; or St. Louis, Missouri.
Section dividerThe J Indoor Triathlon
Overland Park, Kansas
Feb. 23, 2025
| Race distance | Sprint | Super sprint | Youth super sprint |
| Swim | 750 yards | 400 yards | 200 yards |
| Bike | 12.4 miles | 8 miles | 5 miles |
| Run | 3.1 miles | 2 miles | 1.5 miles |
If you’re new to triathlon, or just want a fun challenge during the winter months, consider the J Indoor Triathlon. It takes place entirely indoors at the Jewish Community Center in Overland Park, Kansas.
There’s a super-sprint distance with a 400-yard swim, 8-mile bike, and 2-mile run, as well as a sprint distance with a 750-yard swim, 12.4-mile bike, and 3.1-mile run. There’s even a youth super sprint for kids ages 10-14.
The swim takes place in a pool with heats every 20 minutes. Then, athletes ride on a Keiser stationary bike with pre-set resistance. Finally, the run goes around a track.
Section dividerMighty Mujer Triathlon
El Paso, Texas
May 3, 2023
| Race distance | Sprint | Super sprint | Aquabike | Bike-run | 2- or 3-person relay |
| Swim | 300 yards | 300 yards | 300 yards | None | 300 yards |
| Bike | 18 miles | 9.3 miles | 18 miles | 18 miles | 18 miles |
| Run | 3 miles | 2 miles | None | 3 miles | 3 miles |
The Mighty Mujer triathlon is an all-female race with a super-sprint and sprint triathlon, aquabike, bike/run, run/walk, and relay options. You can even form a mother-daughter team and compete against others racing the same distance.
The sprint consists of a 300-yard swim in a 25-yard pool, an 18-mile bike, and a 3-mile run. The super sprint includes a 300-yard swim, a 9.3-mile bike, and a 2-mile run.
In the past, this event has held pre-race clinics with swim, bike, and run workouts, transition practice, and nutrition education.
Section dividerPioneer Spirit Triathlon
Petersburg, Illinois
May 10, 2025
| Race distance | Mini | Sprint | Tri-challenge |
| Swim | 100 yards (pool) | 300 yards (pool) | 100 yards, then 300 yards |
| Bike | 5 miles | 13 miles | 5 miles, then 13 miles |
| Run | 1 mile | 3.1 miles | 1 mile, then 3.1 miles |
The Pioneer Spirit Triathlon hosts both a classic sprint and a mini triathlon that’s a great introduction for beginners and kids. If you feel bold, take on the Tri-Challenge and do both races back-to-back.
The mini-triathlon includes a 100-yard pool swim, 5-mile bike, and 1-mile run. The sprint triathlon consists of a 300-yard pool swim, 13-mile bike on a rolling prairie road, and 3.1-mile run through historic Petersburg.
All ages are welcome in the mini triathlon, but athletes must be 12 years of age or older to compete in the sprint triathlon. For all distances, there are Clydesdale (220+ pounds) and Athena (165+ pounds) divisions you can choose from.
Section dividerSt. Louis Triathlon
St. Louis, Missouri
June 29, 2025
| Race distance | Sprint triathlon (relay and paratriathlon options available) | Sprint aquabike | Sprint duathlon | Sprint aquathlon | Olympic triathlon (relay and paratriathlon options available) | Olympic aquabike | Olympic duathlon | Olympic aquathlon |
| Swim | 750 meters | 750 meters | 3K (Run) | 750 meters | 1 mile | 1 mile | 5K (Run) | 1 mile |
| Bike | 20K | 20K | 20K | None | 40K | 40K | 40K | None |
| Run | 5K | None | 5K | 5K | 10K | None | 10K | 10K |
The Lou Fusz Subaru St. Louis Triathlon is a mouthful but it’s worth it for the experience. With many race formats and distances to choose from, there’s something for everyone. There’s a sprint triathlon, aquabike, duathlon, aquathlon, relay, and paratriathlon. In addition, there’s a high school sprint and Athena/Clydesdale sprint.
Another option is the Olympic triathlon with all the same divisions as the sprint, as well as an elite category with prize money up for grabs.
The sprint includes a 750-meter swim, 12.4-mile bike, and 3.1-mile run. Olympic athletes do double those distances.
This event takes place at Creve Coeur Park, and they offer bike drop-off the day before the race. There’s also a race expo, as well as a pre-race talk with the race director, water rescue captain, timing manager, and USAT official. In 2025, this event serves as the USAT State Championship for Missouri.
The best beginner triathlons in the eastern U.S.
The eastern U.S. is home to races with unique formats, stunning vistas and clinics designed for first-time athletes. Start the season in March or April and keep on racing until September when you sign up for one of these best beginner triathlons in Glen Allen, Virginia; East Meadow, New York; St. Petersburg, Florida; Columbus, Georgia; or White Lake, North Carolina.
Section dividerEast Coast Triathlon Festival
Glen Allen, Virginia
March 3-4, 2025
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| Race distance | Ages 5-10 triathlon or duathlon | Ages 11-14 triathlon or duathlon | Ages 15+ triathlon or duathlon | Ages 13-15 draft-legal triathlon | Ages 16+ draft-legal triathlon | Ages 16-19 draft-legal triathlon |
| Swim | 100 meters OR .5-mile run | 200 meters OR .5-mile run | 375 meters OR .5-mile run | 375 meters | 375 meters | 750 meters |
| Bike | 5K | 10K | 10K | 10K | 10K | 20K |
| Run | .5 mile | 2.5K | 2.5K | 2.5K | 2.5K | 5K |
This Virginia-based, multisport festival has 10 different races suitable for all ages and experience levels. There’s a youth and adult triathlon and duathlon with distances for kids, teenagers, and adults. There’s also a draft-legal adult triathlon and youth/junior elite triathlon.
The weekend kicks off on Saturday with a swim warm-up and course preview, as well as a 1-mile fun run. All triathlons and duathlons take place on Sunday. It features staggered starts for each race type from 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
The bike course is completely closed to traffic with multiple loops that are great for spectators, and there are hay bales at each corner for extra safety.
This is a very popular event that’s hosted athletes from over 40 states and five countries.
Section dividerMini Mightyman Triathlon
East Meadow, New York
April 13, 2025
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| Race distance | Adult triathlon | Adult aquabike | Adult bike-run | Relay | Ages 7-14 triathlon |
| Swim | 400 meters | 400 meters | None | 400 meters | 100 meters |
| Bike | 6 miles (closed roads) | 6 miles (closed roads) | 6 miles (closed roads) | 6 miles (closed roads) | 2 miles (closed roads) |
| Run | 2 miles | None | 2 miles | 2 miles | .25 mile |
The Mini Mightyman Triathlon has been described as the “perfect beginner race.” With a 400-meter pool swim, 6-mile bike, and 2-mile run, it’s a great introduction to the wonderful world of multisport. There’s also a youth triathlon for kids ages 7-13.
One unique feature is a beginner’s triathlon clinic that’s held in March. It includes a swim session, cycling lecture, transition demonstration, and explanation for how to change a flat tire.
Section dividerMeek and Mighty Triathlon at St. Anthony’s
St. Pete, Florida
April 26, 2025
| Race distance | Kids ages 7-10 | Ages 11+ |
| Swim | 100 yards | 200 yards |
| Bike | 3.6 miles | 5.4 miles |
| Run | .5 mile | 1 mile |
St. Anthony’s Triathlon is one of the largest Olympic races in the U.S., but they host another event that you might not have heard of: Adults and kids can take part in the Meek and Mighty Triathlon with a pool swim.
Age groups include 7-10, 11-15, and 16+, which makes this race the perfect entry point for beginner triathletes. The teen and adult race includes a 200-yard swim in a beautiful outdoor pool, a 5.4-mile bike, and a 1-mile run.
If you want to try the sprint course on Sunday, it includes a 750-meter swim in the bay, a 18K bike, and a 5K run.
During the weekend, there are two open-water swim clinics with coach Leo Briceno, a Meek and Mighty triathlon clinic, and a beginner clinic with USAT coach, Jennifer Hutchinson.
Section dividerChattahoochee Challenge Sprint Triathlon
Columbus, Georgia
July 12, 2025
| Race distance | Sprint triathlon | Sprint duathlon |
| Swim | 500 meters | 1 mile (run) |
| Bike | 12 miles | 12 miles |
| Run | 5K | 5K |
Way down yonder on the Chattahoochee, triathletes who don’t want to swim can compete in the floatie division! The Chattahoochee Challenge offers a special category with a 500-meter float, 12-mile bike, and 5K run.
This sprint triathlon in Columbus, Georgia, is a perennial favorite with athletes thanks to their unique swim start procedure. You slide down a giant rainbow inflatable into the river! Then, hop on your bike and ride along riverside trails. The run is nice and flat along the river, and once you cross the finish line, you can cool off with a ride along the slip and slide!
Section dividerWhite Lake Fall International Double Sprint
White Lake, North Carolina
Sept. 6-7, 2025
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| Race distance | Sprint | Double sprint |
| Swim | 1,500 meters | Swim: 375 meters Run: 1.5 miles |
| Bike | 28 miles | Bike: 18.5 miles |
| Run | 10K | Run: 1.5 miles Swim: 375 meters |
Goldston’s Beach is the site of a unique triathlon in White Lake, North Carolina. This two-day event hosts an international triathlon, as well as a double sprint.
On Saturday, athletes can compete in an international distance race, which consists of a 1,500-meter swim, 28-mile bike, and 10K run. On Sunday, athletes can do a double sprint, which includes the following: 375-meter swim, 1.5-mile run, 18.5-mile bike, 1.5-mile run, and 375-meter swim.
It’s unconventional with somewhat of a reverse triathlon format, but the distances are short, so it’s a fun way to mix things up and practice your transitions!