Robust Summer Triathlons – A Perfect Time to Get Started

By Kristen Hislop

The second half of summer is the heart of triathlon season when water temperatures are comfortable and fitness is peaking. We are lucky to have outstanding race options within a few hours ranging from beginner-friendly sprint races to national championship events.

Whether you’re considering your first triathlon or wondering what comes after your first or fiftieth race, our region’s most popular late-season events are amazing. Here’s the race lineup:

Vermont Sun Triathlon Series – The last two races in the series are the Vermont Sun Triathlon (sprint) and Branbury Classic (paddle instead of swim) on Sunday, Aug. 2, and Vermont Sun Triathlon (sprint) and Lake Dunmore Triathlon (Olympic) on Sunday, Aug. 30. Based at Branbury State Park on beautiful Lake Dunmore, the courses offer races in a relaxed, welcoming environment. They’re fun for newbies gaining experience and for seasoned athletes challenging themselves. Last summer, Vermont Sun was my son Jack’s first triathlon. He enjoyed the swim, in an almost always calm lake. The bike is safe and fast with some rolling and gradual hills. A collegiate runner, he enjoyed the shady out and back run. The pint glass award sealed the deal for him to race again. If you’re not ready for solo, then create a relay team: vermontsuntriathlonseries.com.

Crystal Lake Triathlon – Held at Crystal Cove in Averill Park on Saturday, August 15, the 26th annual Crystal Lake Triathlon features a 0.5-mile calm swim, 18-mile rolling hills bike, and three-mile mostly flat run around the lake. Hosted by the Capital District Triathlon Club, this USAT-sanctioned sprint race options include the individual, team relay, and aquabike – making it an ideal entry point into the sport. It’s one of the most challenging sprint bike courses in the area, so it’s strongly recommended that you preview the course at CDTC’s Weekly Tuesday Night Training. Register by July 13 to be guaranteed a race giveaway: cdtriclub.org.

Peasantman Steel Distance Triathlons – Held on Sunday, August 16 at Penn Yan in the northeast corner of the Finger Lakes. The races are designated “steel” because the bike courses are all a little bit longer than traditional distances. They’re hosting the 2026 USA Triathlon Ultra Distance National Championship (triathlon, aquabike, duathlon) meaning you can qualify to represent Team USA at the world championships. Options range from sprint up to full steel at 144.6, and the swims are in Keuka Lake. The races offer relaxed cut-off limits – giving “peasants” plenty of time to cross the finish. The town truly supports the event and the race team creates an amazing experience. Dining and shopping options are fantastic, so plan for a long weekend: firstknightracing.com.

Lake George Triathlon – Hosted by AlphaWin, the Lake George Triathlon offers sprint, Olympic and 70.3 options over the course of Labor Day weekend. The long course (70.3) is held on Saturday, September 5th. The sprint and Olympic are held on Sunday the 6th. This year the Olympics once again serves as the New England College Championship. Both the sprint and Olympic serve as the USAT New York North State Championships. The crystal clear water of Lake George is a perfect swim for a first time triathlete. The bike and run both have hills but can be previewed over the summer: alpha.win.

Greene County Triathlon – Taking place at beautiful Sleepy Hollow Lake in the Coxsackie and Athens area on Saturday, Sept. 12, the sprint triathlon features a 350-yard swim, 11.5-mile bike, and 5K run. Organized by the Greene County YMCA, a branch of the Capital District YMCA, the community supported race is open to individuals and teams, with post-race food and drink. Early registrants (by 8/18) save money, receive a draw-string bag, and all get a swim cap: zippyreg.com.

Sprint and Olympic distances are the best way to enter the sport. Since they are less expensive, easier to fit into family life, require less training, allow more racing opportunities, have lower injury risk, and are incredibly fun!

Everyone’s first question is ‘can I do it?’ For a sprint, the quick answer is yes! Then it is quickly followed with ‘but what do I need?’ Probably less than you think. The absolute minimum and throwback to the early days is a swimsuit, swim goggles, bike, helmet, and running shoes. That’s enough to complete your first triathlon. Helpful but optional items include tri kits (shorts and top), race belt (to secure your race bib; join Saratoga Tri Club and you get one), bike computer, wetsuit, clipless pedals, and bike shoes. Many people worry about getting a triathlon bike. The best bike is the one you already own. Once you know you enjoy cycling and triathlons you’ll be in a better position to buy a new bike; even then, used can be a great option. For a wetsuit, if you go to an area tri club meeting or swim practice you’ll likely find someone willing to lend or sell you one.

As mentioned earlier, my son Jack did his first triathlon last summer. He wore a tri suit (since mom was happy to buy it) with a race belt. He rode an old road bike that honestly was too small and wore his run shoes for the bike and run (like I did in my early racing days). This year, he has a new road bike, bike shoes with clipless pedals, and a computer. The wetsuit (on loan from dad) will be a game day decision for a June race.

If you’re tri-curious and wondering where to begin, you can sign up for a sprint triathlon; train consistently for 8-10 weeks; borrow gear before buying it; join a tri club workout; and race individually or as part of a team relay. Any of these races will be a great starting point with plenty of support from those who have been in your shoes before. My coaching motto is do. believe. achieve. You’ve got to start someplace. Register and then reach out for help. That help will allow you to believe in yourself and then see what you can achieve!

Kristen Hislop (hislopcoaching@gmail.com) is a USA Triathlon and Ironman U coach, and race director for the Delightful Run for Women. Hislop Coaching offers a mindset program for all ages/abilities called Stronger Than Yesterday. She is a proud mother of two sons who ran in college, and her husband races and volunteers at many local events.