First Responders "Bring in the Backup" Triathlon
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Event overview
The First Responders "Bring in the Backup" Triathlon takes place on Saturday, July 25, 2026, in Northwood, Iowa at Swensrud Park (Northwood Swimming Pool). The event includes a sprint triathlon, a relay sprint triathlon, an aquabike, and a duathlon. First Responders from military, fire, nursing, EMS, dispatch, corrections, and law enforcement are recognized; First Responders will start the race and other participants follow as "backup." Participation is open to non-First Responders. The triathlon allows individual athletes or 2-3 person relay teams. Duathlon and aquabike are individual events.
Course, distances, and race services
The sprint triathlon course is a swim at the Northwood Pool, a bike on public highways, and a 5k run. Course details note rolling hills on most of the bike and a mostly flat 5k with one gradual hill. Distances listed for the events:
- 150 meter swim, 10.4 mile bike, 5 km run
- 1.5 mile run, 10.4 mile bike, 5 km run (duathlon)
- 250 meter swim, 10.4 mile bike (aquabike)
Entry fees include a race t-shirt (guaranteed for registrations by July 16, 2026), a race medal, timing and results, some prizes, and refreshments. Timing will be provided by TrutimeRacing. Proceeds will be donated to local first-responder organizations and a scholarship fund; an optional donation honoring two First Responders' families is available. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
