Local Triathlon Named Top Destination Event

Triathletes swim in the open water under the watchful eye of those on the rescue craft. Photo by Rachel Lukas.

Complete Tri – a USA-based triathlon, cycling and fitness-focused website – this month named the Door County Triathlon to its list of the Top Destination Triathlons. 

The list is updated annually to recognize the events nationwide, and throughout the calendar year, that are particularly compelling destination races for the triathlon community. Races considered for inclusion are not only time-tested races with strong followings, but also events located in interesting parts of the country that can provide traveling participants with a distinctive experience and a taste of local flavor.  

“While most endurance racers tend to race in events near their homes, we find that participating in triathlons can have a great byproduct of allowing athletes to explore new areas,” said Von Collins, editor of Complete Tri.
Door County’s local competition, which puts athletes to the test in swimming, cycling and running, joined the company of San Francisco’s Escape from Alcatraz, the Ironman 70.3 Hawaii, and North Carolina’s Lake Lure Triathlon. See the full list of the 2022 destinations at completetri.com/10-great-destination-triathlons. 

Part of the appeal of these locations and their respective races is the ability for athletes to combine a serious athletic pursuit with leisure. 

Said Collins, “If you can find a great destination race, why not make a short vacation out of it and experience something entirely new, away from your home area?”
Triathlete Jenny Irwin of Burlington, Wisconsin, did just that, choosing to compete in the 2022 Half Ironman event in July.

“​​I chose the Door County Triathlon because it was a place I could take my family camping and enjoy the location along with the race,” Irwin said. “There are not very many Half Ironman races in the state, so the timing of the race and the location worked really well.”
Irwin, a mother of two, also appreciated that the Door County Triathlon offers a kids’ triathlon.
“You can make it a family event,” she said. “I’m considering coming back next year to do the sprint and have [my daughter] Delaney do the kids’ race.”

Next year’s race weekend is scheduled for July 15 and 16. Find additional information, including registration, at doorcountytriathlon.com. Registration opens Jan. 1, 2023.