NC Triathlon Options

There appears to be some increased interest in completing a triathlon based on emails and phone calls that I am seeing. I thought I would point out some options for those that are interested. I know very little about what makes a good or bad triathlon, but I do know that Set Up Events is an outstanding race organizer, so the ones below should be run well. I intentionally focused on event with shorter swims (less than half a mile), because I know most of us have the greatest fear with the swimming leg. After all, you can't drown on asphalt.

• 07/08 Triangle Triathlon: 750m swim, 15 mile bike, 5k run. This event is in Raleigh, and has a lake swim. Not the shortest swim, but it isclose by.
• 08/12 UNC Wellness Super Sprint: 250 yd swim, 9 mile bike, 5k run. This event is in Chapel Hill, and is probably the best option for a first time tri. The swim is very short and in a pool.
• 08/25 Endurance Challenge: 500m swim, 16 mile bike, 5k run. This event is in Hillsborough, and is another good option to get started. The swim and bike is a bit longer, but it is once again in a pool.
• 09/08 Time Trial Challenge: 14 mile bike, 750m swim, 5k run. This event looks like fun. It is a time trial, so all participants start on 15 second intervals. Each leg is run as an individual event, with roughly an hour rest in between each one. At the end, all of the times are added up to determine your finishing time. This is far from a tradional tri. Plus, it is at crystal clear White Lake. Also, you can save $10 if you volunteer to help on Sunday's race (see below).
• 09/09 Dash for Divas: 750m swim, 14 mile bike, 5k run. This event is the day after the Time Trial Challenge at White Lake and shares the same course. As the name implies, it is a women's only event. It could be a fun weekend to have a group race Saturday, and then watch the women race Sunday.

If you have any interest in an event, post a comment so others will know you plan to participate. There are some great options above to try your first race. Don't wait until they are filled.