Chicago Triathlon
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Chicago Triathlon 2026
The Chicago Triathlon is a multi-sport event held in late August along the shores of Lake Michigan and through the streets of downtown Chicago. The event accommodates a wide range of participants, including individual racers, relay teams, and paratriathletes. Participants can choose from several race formats held over two days:
- Olympic: 1.5 km swim, 40 km bike, and 10 km run.
- Sprint: 0.47 mile swim, 15 mile bike, and 3.1 mile run.
- SuperSprint: 0.23 mile swim, 6.2 mile bike, and 1.5 mile run.
- Triple Challenge: A combined distance of 1.63 mile swim, 46.3 mile bike, and 10.85 mile run.
- Kids Senior (Ages 11-14): 200 m swim, 4.4 mile bike, and 1.24 mile run.
- Kids Junior (Ages 7-10): 100 m swim, 2.2 mile bike, and 0.62 mile run.
The course for the main distances begins with a swim in the waters of Lake Michigan. For Sprint and Olympic participants, the swim takes place in Monroe Harbor, while SuperSprint and Kids categories utilize Foster Beach.
The cycling portion features closed roads, including Lakeshore Drive, Lower Wacker Drive, and the McCormick Place Busway for the longer distances. The run takes participants past urban landmarks such as Buckingham Fountain, the Shedd Aquarium, and the Field Museum, ending with a finish on Columbus Drive. Registered participants receive a medal, T-shirt, timing services, and post-race food. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
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