This weekend, over 6,000 athletes raced across multiple distances over three days in Milwaukee, Wisconsin as part of the annual USA Triathlon Age-Group National Championships. Some version of the U.S. national championship has been running since 1983—though these days the focus is on the age-group, everyday athlete. In both the Olympic and the sprint distance (contested on different days), national titles were awarded across 14 age-groups for both men and women, as well as overall national champions. And, of course, Triathlete was in attendance. Share your photos by tagging us on social and we’ll reshare some of our favorites.
In the Olympic-distance race on Saturday, Milwaukee native Annamarie Strehlow, 31, covered the 1500m swim, 40K bike, and 10K run in 2:07:58 to take the women’s title by just 17 seconds. The men’s race was won by 25-year-old Ben Stone in 1:50:41.
On Sunday, some athletes doubled up to also race the sprint distance (while others focused on just the shorter event). The short and fast sprint events were won by young up-and-comers 15-year-old Clara James-Heer and 17-year-old Sam Tullis.
Milwaukee had previously hosted the age-group national championships from 2013 to 2015.
Athletes hung onto a floating dock until the starter’s gun went off. With waves for every age group spaced out over the morning, it took almost two hours to get all athletes going.
The swim took place in the harbor off Lake Michigan.
Athletes rolled down a relatively flat and fast course along the water.
Enjoying the 40K bike.
Over 6,000 athletes were registered over the three days.
While storms rolled in overnight, athletes saw perfect conditions during the races.
Even the spectators enjoyed themselves.
After a swim in the harbor and bike out of downtown and back, athletes then ran along the water.
Robert Plant won the men’s 75-79 age group in the Olympic-distance race, with a time of 2:48:23.
Dozens of national titles and spots on the age-group worlds team were on the line in both the Olympic and sprint races.
Most were happy to see the finish line.
And take home one of the medals.
Hallelujah!
Jenna Horner won the women’s 20-24 age group—but got to break the tape as the first woman across the line, with later age groups following.
And then, of course, you had to take your photo in front of the Triathlete cover to commemorate the occasion.