Top 10 Cal Tri Events Race Tips

Jul 2, 2024 | 0 Comments

  • Triathlon is a sustainable lifestyle, not a job. Think recess not summer school.
  • Have a goal but don’t sweat the little things. There is no such thing as the perfect race.
  • Swim, bike and run 2x/week each. Run/jog at least 1 mile after the bike 1x/week
  • Good preparation yields good results. Study the schedule, course maps & FAQ / FAQ EN ESPANOL. Contact info@californiatriathlon.org if you have questions.
  • Tune up your bike. Bonus points for having the ability and gear to change a flat tire.
  • Attend a pre race swim/transition clinic to get more comfortable swimming in open water.
  • Ride/drive the bike course before the race. Remember to ride on the right, pass on the left and never cross the centerline.
  • Bring your fan crew. Make sure to show them good places to spectate, i.e., the swim start and finish line.
  • Say thank you to emergency services personnel and volunteers. Without them, there are no races. Volunteer at the next race.
  • Injured or life happens? Cal Tri Events athletes enjoy the best 15 words in triathlon; Free race transfers, deferrals & participant transfers as late as the day before the race.

Treading Water: The State of NCAA Women’s Triathlon

May 12, 2024 | 0 Comments

In 2014 USA Triathlon (USAT) announced a $2.6M grant program as seed money for colleges to create varsity women’s’ triathlon programs, paving a path for high school-aged female athletes to pursue collegiate competition. Originating near the peak of the triathlon boom when there were 2000 races compared to 600 today, the idea was that universities would welcome the opportunity to recruit thousands of female athletes and capture the tuition dollars generated.  Ten years later and millions of additional dollars spent, women’s collegiate triathlon is best described as treading water. 

Today forty-two colleges across all three NCAA divisions list women’s triathlon among their varsity programs, just two higher than the floor to be an emerging sport.  USAT recently announced Gallaudet’s addition, one of six since the fall 2023: Chicago State, Gallaudet, LaSalle, University of Indianapolis, Northern Kentucky and Warren Wilson.  What wasn’t announced was that over the same period six programs are no longer listed: American International College, Belmont Abbey, Lake Superior State, Montana State – Billings, Northern Vermont University, and Transylvania University. Summarily, a net zero growth. 

And what about total athletes?  From available information in September 2023, 42 programs enrolled 279 collegiate triathletes, with average roster sizes of eight women, ranging from one to nineteen. Some programs have turned abroad to meet their goals, like Queens University (100% international), Wagner University (100% international) and Wingate University (74% international). One quarter of all collegiate female triathletes are international students.

What does women’s triathlon do for colleges? Overwhelmingly, the colleges sponsoring women’s triathlon have small endowments, are tuition dependent and maintain meager athletic budgets. Student athletes will choose and pay to continue to compete collegiately. By adding a sport, these schools wish to increase enrollment and tuition revenue without significantly increasing overhead. In many cases the track and swim coaches and assistant coaches’ other duties as assigned now include supporting triathlon without requiring any new facilities. Too often, the colleges’ interest in supporting triathlon lasts as long as the USAT grant.   

How does women’s triathlon compare to another NCAA emerging sport, women’s wrestling? Having only been named an emerging sport in 2020, women’s wrestling projected 70 teams, with over 800 athletes in 2023-24, and is on track to be a NCAA championship sport in 2026. It would join rowing (1996), ice hockey (2000), water polo (2000), bowling (2003) and beach volleyball (2015).

The NCAA is experiencing unprecedented turmoil. It could face billions in damages relative to paying players. The Big Ten and SEC, who recently demoted the Big 12 and ACC to the kids’ table, have hinted at a world that does not include the NCAA.  Last week Iowa State wrestling, a Big 12 conference program and one of the premier programs in the country, postponed construction of a new facility due the impact of college football realignment. We have to openly wonder where an emerging sport like collegiate women’s triathlon, struggling to gain traction, is on the NCAA’s priority list when there are existential threats to the organization itself. While we are hopeful, the reality is that the window of opportunity may have already closed. 

See 2023-2024 Collegiate Triathlon Snapshot-DataSheet for more details.

 

Cal Tri Events Launches Spanish FAQ to Enhance Accessibility

Apr 25, 2024 | 0 Comments

Lexington, VA, April 25, 2024 – Cal Tri Events, the largest national short-course triathlon series in the U.S., is proud to announce the launch of its Spanish FAQ section on its website. This first to market initiative underscores the organization’s commitment to fostering inclusivity and breaking down barriers for Spanish-speaking athletes.

The newly launched Spanish FAQ section provides Spanish-speaking athletes with comprehensive information on event registration, race logistics, training tips, and frequently asked questions related to triathlon competitions.

“At Cal Tri Events, we are dedicated to creating a welcoming and accessible environment for all athletes,” said Thom Richmond, CEO at Cal Tri Events. “The introduction of our Spanish FAQ section reflects our commitment to supporting Spanish-speaking athletes and ensuring that they have the resources they need to fully engage in our events.”

The Spanish FAQ section is part of Cal Tri Events’ ongoing efforts to make its events more inclusive and accessible to athletes from diverse backgrounds. By providing information in Spanish, the organization aims to empower Spanish-speaking athletes to participate fully in the triathlon community.

As Cal Tri Events continues to expand its reach and impact within the triathlon community, the launch of the Spanish FAQ section reaffirms its commitment to diversity, accessibility, and inclusion.

For more information about Cal Tri Events and to access the Spanish FAQ section, please visit www.californiatriathlon.org.

 

**About Cal Tri Events:**

Cal Tri Events, a 501(c)3, is the largest national short-course triathlon series in the U.S. Our athletes enjoy free youth races & the best 15 words in triathlon; Free race transfers, deferrals & participant transfers as late as the day before the race. Learn more at www.californiatriathlon.org.

Cal Tri Events & 2024 Escape From Alcatraz Triathlon Partnership

Apr 12, 2024 | 0 Comments

Ready for an unforgettable adventure in San Francisco? Join us for the 2024 Escape From Alcatraz Triathlon on June 9th, 2024. Experience the rich history and stunning scenery of San Francisco through an exhilarating, bucket-list race!

Corporate Escape Relay: Gather your colleagues to form a relay team of a swimmer, cyclist, and runner and compete for the “Keys to the Rock” Cup and other perks:

  • Company Recognition: Featured on our website and newsletter.
  • “Keys to the Rock” Cup: Winners take home the “Keys to the Rock” Cup for the year, along with two complimentary team entries for 2025.
  • VIP Access: Exclusive entry to the VIP hospitality tent, ideal for networking.
  • Corporate Swag: Corporate Escape T-shirts & athlete gift bags.
  • Entry Fee: $550 per team member.

Open Relay: Join with friends, family, or other athletes. Whether you’re a duo or trio, the Open Relay lets you tackle this historic race!

  • Team Options: Male Relay, Female Relay, and Mixed Relays.
  • Entry Fee: $450 per team member.

Limited slots available! Register now!

Secure your spot by emailing info@escapealcatraztri.com by April 19th. Complete registration and payment by April 26th.

For more information, visit the ESCAPE website or contact them at info@escapealcatraztri.com.

Why ESCAPE? This partnership with the Escape From Alcatraz Triathlon underscores our commitment to delivering exceptional and immersive racing experiences. It’s an excellent opportunity to engage with the triathlon community and participate in a race that’s both challenging and visually stunning.

2024 Cal Tri Austin Recap

Apr 10, 2024 | 0 Comments

2024 Cal Tri Austin – 4.7.24 was a fantastic kick off to the season! With great weather and amazing volunteers, the race was a perfect opportunity for our athletes to shine. 

For all races, the website is always the best bet for race information. Schedules, course maps and FAQ are very helpful. Below are links to the photos and race results. The race results are typically real time and the photos arrive on Tuesday.

2024 Cal Tri Events Water Temps & Weather Forecast

Apr 4, 2024 | 0 Comments

2024 CAL TRI EVENTS WATER TEMPERATURE & WEATHER FORECAST. The forecast provided is just that, a forecast.  It is the best guidance we have months in advance relative to the expected air and water temperature on race day at a particular venue. We measure the water temperature both the day before the race and the morning of the race and that information is communicated to race participants.

With the rare exception, all of our races are wetsuit legal. In several cases, a wetsuit is recommended but not mandatory.

  • 52.9 or below. Cancelled swim
  • 53-57.9 Wetsuit is mandatory. If the water temperature is below 58 degrees.  Any athlete without a wetsuit will not be allowed to compete.
  • 58.0 – 64.9 Wetsuit recommended if the water temperature is between 58-65 degrees
  • 65.0 – 78.0 Wetsuit is legal if the water temperature is 78 degrees or lower.
  • 78.1 – 83.9 Athletes may wear wetsuits but will not be reflected in the overall results or eligible for awards.
  • 84 – 88.0 Wetsuit prohibited If the water temperature is 84 degrees or above
  • 88.1 or above. Cancelled swim

NEED A WETSUIT? Enjoy a 20% off discount(CALTRI) with blueseventy. Learn more about what to look for when buying a wetsuit by listening to our California Triathlon Soup Podcast with John Duquette, CEO of blueseventy. 

Early Season Race Updates

Feb 13, 2024 | 0 Comments

Upcoming February Prices Increases
13 – DC
20 – Lake Perris
27 – Lake Monticello & San Antonio

Don’t miss out. Register Today!

 

2024 Cal Tri Austin – 4.7.24. The season kicks off in just 54 days at Decker Lake in Austin. Registration is up 80% and Saturday’s swim/transition clinic is approaching the 100 athlete limit (91). Athletes are coming from 21 states and 3 countries. Come for the race but stay for the total eclipse. Austin is a prime viewing area.

2024 Cal Tri DC – 4.14.24. A spring race for 2024 (and beyond), this race now kicks off the East Coast race calendar. Perfect for all those athletes still looking for an early season goal to help get their training started or those looking for an early season data point.

2024 Cal Tri Castaic Lake – 6.15.24 is Cal Tri Events newest SoCal race and proceeds benefit Canyon High School. We are really excited to announce a new bike course when the traffic control plan has final approval.

2024 Kendall-Jackson Cal Tri Sonoma – 6.23.24 is the perfect race-cation with the swim at Johnson’s Beach and finish at Windsor High School. This weekend is also Taste of Sonoma so we highly encourage athletes to arrange lodgings in advance. Our host hotel is the Hampton Inn & Suites Windsor – Sonoma Wine Country. Registration is up 191%. When the race sells out, there will be a race list. 

Free Youth Racing at Cal Tri Events in 2024

Nov 2, 2023 | 0 Comments

Lexington, VA (November 1, 2023) – Young athletes, ages 7-17, will race for free at any race in the Cal Tri Events series starting in 2024. They can participate in up to 7 sprint events; triathlon, triathlon relay, swimbike, swimrun, 400 yard swim and 5K run.

“This is a best in class initiative and only possible with the support of generous local and national sponsors and public private partnerships. It takes the burden off of budget constrained parents who want to share the benefits of an active, healthy lifestyle without breaking the bank.”, per Thom Richmond, CEO, Cal Tri Events.“

Kelly Amiss, mother of two and avid triathlete is in complete agreement. “As a family of four, it can get really expensive for us to all race together. It’s amazing that there’s an organization whose goal is to make the sport more accessible for young athletes. They definitely offer the best value in triathlon with their free swim clinics at the race venue the day before and free race deferrals. This type of initiative will definitely encourage more kids to get involved in the sport and hopefully more organizations will follow suit”.

Cal Tri Events is calling on its community to share this opportunity in non-traditional channels. A “Cal Tri Youth” toolkit will be rolled out in several weeks that enables everyone to create awareness by presenting this program at local school board meetings and during city council meetings.

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Cal Tri Events, a 501(c)3, is the largest national short-course triathlon series in the U.S with first-in-class features like free youth racing (ages 7-17) and the best 15 words in triathlon; free race transfers, deferrals & participant transfers as late as the day before the race. Learn more at Triathlete Magazine, Endurance Business and the New York Times.

2023 & 2024 Cal Tri Events Race Update

Oct 2, 2023 | 0 Comments

Celebrating 10 Years in 2024. 2024 marks the 10th year Cal Tri Events has been producing races for our athlete community in California. We have added one race per year in California for the last three years and we are hopeful that 2024 Cal Tri Folsom – 9.8.24 will be organized in time to keep that streak alive.

Year / Location  LA Newport Dunes Lake Perris Ventura Sonoma
2015 x
2016 x
2017 x
2018 x x
2019 x x
2020
2021 x x 2x
2022 x x x x
2023 x x x x x
2024 x x x x x

2 Races To Go In 2023 – Record Registration. Cal Tri LA & Cal Tri Newport Dunes are right around the corner and we hope that your training is proceeding well. Registration is at record pace for both races. Thank you. The Cal Tri LA Athlete Guide is online and hopefully the lazy race director will get around to revising and publishing the Cal Tri Newport Dunes Athlete Guide this week.

Talk about great races in great places with PR sprint & Olympic distance courses in Marina del Rey (LA) and Newport Beach (OC). Even this late in the game, you can pick up both races for $200 or use the same deal to race once in 2023 and 2024. Always remember the best 15 words in triathlon; Free race transfers, deferrals & participant transfers as late as the day before the race. 

2023 Cal Tri LA – 10.22.23. Features IronBruin, a 200 athlete collegiate event hosted by the UCLA Triathlon Team which kicks off the entire race. UCLA Alum? When you race or volunteer, the UCLA Triathlon Team benefits.

2023 Cal Tri Newport Dunes – 11.5.23. Started in 1978 as the Human Race Triathlon, Cal Tri Newport Dunes is the longest running triathlon in the world operating from the same location. Also started in 1978 was the Ironman World Championship Triathlon Oahu but it moved to Kailua-Kona, Hawaii in 1981. This serves as the Cal Tri Events National Championship Race with registration in the 1500-2000 range.

2024 Cal Tri Events Schedule (California). Typically Cal Tri Events opens race registration 364 days ahead of the race. This is the best time to score early bird prices. The first 3 races of 2024 (linked races) are already open for registration. The last races will be open in a little more than a month.