Begin Easy

http://www.riograndetriathlon.com/

Rio Grande Retro Triathlon

Albuquerque, New Mexico

Distance: 3.1-mile run, 16.5K-bike ride, 400-yard swim

• A fast, reverse format race where fun is encouraged. 
• Also encouraged: speedos, neon, 80s music and all things retro.

Brutalize Yourself

http://www.ironman.com/triathlon/
events/americas/ironman-70.3/st.-george

Ironman 70.3

St. George

Distance: Half Ironman (1.2-mile swim, 56-mile bike, 13.1-mile run) 

• Topping the list of the most difficult, crushing races by Triathlete Magazine.
• This one is slow, steep and hot. It may kill you.

Family Friendly

http://www.challenge-familyusa.com/challenge-quassy/

Revolution 3 Quassy

Middlebury, Connecticut

Distance: 1.2-mile swim, 56-mile bike ride, 3.1-mile run (1.5Kswim, 40K bike, 10K run)

• The race takes place at the Quassy Amusement Park.
• Open to friends and family on race day. They can wave from the top of the coaster.

Vacation Worthy

D Ramey Logan Photo via wikimedia 
http://www.escapefromalcatraztriathlon.com

Escape From Alcatraz

San Francisco, California

Distance: 1.5-mile swim, 18-mile bike ride, 8-mile run 

• Flee Alcatraz via the chilly pacific waters, followed by a rugged assent up Baker Beach to the trails of the Golden Gate Bridge. 
• It’s true no inmate ever escaped the bleak prison, but you’ll love your escape into beautiful San Francisco.

Star-Studded

http://www.nauticamalibutri.com/

Nautica Malibu Triathlon

Malibu, California

www.nauticamalibutri.com

Distance:1.5-k swim, 40-k bike ride, 10-k run OR 1/2mile swim, 18-mile bike ride, 4-mile run

• Pace yourself against Hollywood celebrities as you complete one of the courses designed to get you sweating with the stars.

Most Moola

http://www.hy-vee.com/company/press-room/press-releases/hy-vee-triathlon-events-discontinued.aspx

Hy-Vee Triathlon

Des Moines, Iowa

hy-veetriathlon.com

Distance: Olympic (0.93-mile swim, 24.8-mile bike, 6.2-mile run)

• With a purse of $250,000, this is where the money is! 
• Athletes aren’t the only ones getting rich; since it’s inauguration in 2007, the race has raised over $750,000 for Variety Children’s Charity.

Greenest

http://www.portlandtri.com/

Portland Triathlon

Portland, Oregon

Portlandtri.com

Distance: 1.5 km swim, 40 km ride, 10 km run OR 750 m swim, 26 km bike, 5 km run

• If green is your thing, this carbon neutral event is for you.
• This event sports bamboo bicycle racks, local organic food, trophies made from recycled materials and a fun time for all.

Mobbed

http://www.chicagotriathlon.com/chicago

Chicago Triathlon

Chicago, Illinois

chicagotriathlon.com

Distance: Olympic (0.93-mile swim, 24.8-mile bike, 6.2-mile run)

• The largest of the famed Life Time Fitness Triathlons. 
• Join the 8,499 other people who race through this action packed course in one of America’s most iconic cities.

Mash Up

http://sostriathlon.com/

Survival of the Shawangunks

New Paltz, New York

sostriathlon.com

Distance: 30-mile bike, 4.5-mile run, 1.1-mile swim, 5.5-mile run, 0.5-mile swim, 8-mile run, 0.5-mile swim, 0.7-mile run

• When the standard swim-bike-run has you yawning, this will wake you up. 
• This 8 stage mash up of a course has you running between, and swimming in, three spring fed mountain lakes in some of the most beautiful country there is.

Scenic

Aidan Grey Photo via Flickr

Boulder Peak Triathlon

Boulder, Colorado

www.ironman.com/

Distance: Olympic (0.93-mile swim, 24.8-mile bike, 6.2-mile run)

• If you can look up from the 15 degree climbs and the brutal runs, you’ll be rewarded with jaw-dropping views of the majestic Rockies.

Gastronomic

www.raceit.com

Lobsterman Triathlon

Freeport, Maine

lobstermantri.com

Distance:Olympic (0.93-mile swim, 24.8-mile bike, 6.2-mile run)

• A destination event, and a truly amazing Maine experience.
• Complete with a full lobsterbake following the race, the Lobsterman is as good as triathlon gets.

Off-Road

Xterra Facebook Gallery

XTERRA Triathlon

Ogden, Utah

Xterraplanet.com

Distance: 1,500-meter swim, 15-mile trail ride, 6.8-mile run

• Set in one of the most unique landscapes around, you can get off the road with this Xterra triathlon that exchanges the bike stage for mountain biking.

No Boys Allowed

Sonic Fitness Sports Photography via Flickr

Iron Girl Events

Locations vary

www.irongirl.com

Distance: Varies by event

• The Iron Girl event experience provides women with the perfect platform for first timers and experienced athletes to reach their personal bests. 
• Surrounded by a supportive community, you will be cheered on and celebrated no matter where you finish!

Best on City Streets

sports.herbalife.com

Herbalife Permanente Los Angeles Triathlon

Los Angeles, California

latriathlon.com

Distance: Olympic (0.9-mile swim, 24-mile bike, 6.2-mile run)

• The LA Triathlon deftly handles the chaos of a metropolitan triathlon while still treating the athletes to a one-of-a-kind tour of this celebrated city.

Best Post Party!

Xterra Facebook Gallery

XTERRA World Championship

Maui, Hawaii

xterraplanet.com/maui/worldChamps

Distance: 1.5k swim, 30.4k mountain bike, 9.5k trail run

• Xterra at Maui combines beer, food and a great party like no one else. 
• Nothing can top the famous Halloween Party after this race. Bring your costume. Seriously. Make it good.