Perfect Triathlons for Beginners

Written by
Marc Lindsay
Looking for the right race to start your triathlon career? With flat courses, pool swims and short distances, these nine races are the easiest way to call yourself a triathlete.
South Davis Splash N Sprint Triathlon
May 12, 2018 in Bountiful, Utah
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One of the most popular triathlons in Utah, the Splash N Sprint offers the unique option of registering for the novice category, which consists of a 150-yard swim, a 2.4-mile bike and a 1.5-mile run.
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Tri for Fun Triathlon Series
June 9, July 14 and August 11, 2018 in Herald, Calif.
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The name of the event says it all. If it's just for fun, you don't have to take yourself too seriously. Sign up and discover the joy of multisport racing on the 200-yard swim, 4-mile bike, 1-mile run course. Plus, with three opportunities to test the waters, you can choose the date that works best for you.
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Callaway Gardens Triathlon
June 16, 2018 in Pine Mountain, Ga.
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The flat, fast course at Robin Lake Beach is designed for beginners. The swim hugs the shore around the perimeter of the lake, the bike takes place on gently rolling terrain and the run is "very fast."
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Big Spring Super Sprint Triathlon
July 7, 2018 in Big Spring, Texas
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Triathlons don't get more beginner-friendly than this—for the participants and the fans! Triathletes will start with a swim in the "lazy river" oval of the Russ McEwen Aquatic Center, followed by closed bike and run courses through the Comanche Trail Park. This multiple loop course makes it easy for loved ones and other spectators to cheer you on every step of the way.
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Bootlegger Super Sprint Triathlon
September 9, 2018 in Dawsonville, Ga.
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Another family-friendly event, this race has five different categories for kids and three waves for adults. With a cap of 180 participants, the course is never crowded.
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GVSU Try-a-Tri
March 24, 2019 in Allendale, Mich.
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This race takes place completely indoors, negating the need for beginners to purchase a bike or become comfortable with open water swimming. The event will consist of a 10-minute pool swim, a 20-minute stationary bike ride and a 15-minute run on GVSU's indoor track.
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Tune Up Tri
March 24, 2019 in Manassas, Va.
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Tune Up Tri is the perfect short-distance event for beginners to try their very first race or for experienced triathletes to gauge early-season fitness. Run in reverse order, the race consists of a 1.5-mile run, a 4-mile bike and a 250-yard swim.
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Kiwanis Sprint in the Park Triathlon
April 13, 2019 in Litchfield, Arizona
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Starting with a 300-yard serpentine swim in the pool, participants will ride 8.4 miles (two laps) around Litchfield Park before an easy 2K run. Registration is limited, which guaranteed a race free of the chaos at larger events.
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Rio Grande Retro Triathlon
April 27, 2019 in Albuquerque, N.M.
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Part of the USA Triathlon Retro Tri Series, the Rio Grande Retro Triathlon encourages "neon everything" and uses '80s music to get you pumped up. Add a fast course and reverse format and this race becomes all sorts of fun, especially for first-timers.
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