Colonial Beach Triathlon
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Colonial Beach Triathlon
The Colonial Beach event on the Potomac River in Colonial Beach, VA offers Olympic and Sprint triathlon distances plus relay and aquabike options. The swim takes place in the brackish Potomac River with a rectangular course that parallels the shore, typically staying within 150 meters of the beach. The swim uses time trial starts and marked buoys, with sighting buoys placed about every 75 meters. Water temperatures historically hover around 80–82 F and the race is often not wetsuit legal; an official temperature is taken before the race.
Bike courses run on well paved roads with views of the Potomac River, marshland and forests. The Olympic athletes complete 26 miles using two laps of the Sprint loop; the Sprint bike is a mostly flat 14 mile, one-loop course with three main turns.
Run courses are pancake flat out and back routes along the boardwalk and Irvine Avenue, offering waterfront views. The Olympic run covers 10K with shaded middle miles and aid stations every mile serving Gatorade and ice water; the Sprint run is a 5K with limited shade and the same mile-by-mile aid support.
The event is USA Triathlon sanctioned. Categories include Overall, Masters, Age Group, Aquabike, Military, Clydesdale, Athena and Relay Teams. Race packets must be collected in person and photo ID is required. Typical race swag includes a tech T-shirt, custom finisher medal, race socks and free finisher photos. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
