USA Triathlon Introduces Age-Group Mixed Team Relay Series

USA Triathlon announced the five events that have been selected to form the inaugural USA Triathlon Mixed Team Relay Series in 2014.

The Mixed Team Relay (MTR) Series was created to encourage continued participation in multisport and raise awareness of the growing mixed team relay format, which was introduced by the International Triathlon Union in 2009. Relay teams comprised of two men and two women ages 10 and up will compete on a super sprint triathlon course, with each athlete completing a 100-150 meter swim, 6-8 kilometer bike and 1-1.5 kilometer run. All four team members will complete each discipline together before moving to the next segment.

Events in the 2014 MTR Series include:

• May 24-25: Rev3 Rush Mixed Team Relay, Richmond, Va.
• May 25: MMTT Mixed Team Relay, Geneva, Ill.
• July 12: Get Fit TRYathlon Mixed Team Relay, Pittsburg, Kan.
• Sept. 6: FIU Mixed Team Relay Tri, North Miami, Fla.
• Sept. 14: Tortoises and Hares Tag Team Tri, Pflugerville, Texas

"We're launching the Mixed Team Relay Series to capture social energy and offer a unique race option to athletes who are looking for new ways to participate in the multisport lifestyle," said Rob Urbach, USA Triathlon CEO. "The mixed team relay format is a great way for friends, families, co-workers and teammates to share a dynamic experience, and we look forward to expanding the reach of the series in the future."

The events are open to first-time triathletes and seasoned veterans alike, and teams may be a mix of youth and adult athletes. The mixed team relay format fosters teamwork and camaraderie while exposing athletes of all ages to the multisport lifestyle in a fun, safe environment. Each of the five series events will be timed.

The mixed team relay format has been gaining popularity in the United States for the past few years. USA Triathlon has hosted a Mixed Team Relay event at its Youth and Junior National Championships since 2010 and Collegiate Nationals since 2012. In 2013, the U.S. team of Gwen Jorgensen, Ben Kanute, Sarah Groff and Cameron Dye earned a bronze medal at the ITU Mixed Relay World Championships in Hamburg, Germany. Most recently, a team comprised of Kaitlin Donner, Jarrod Shoemaker, Sara McLarty and Eric Lagerstrom finished second at the inaugural PATCO Mixed Relay Pan American Championships on March 9 in Sarasota, Fla.

For more information on the USA Triathlon MTR Series, visit usatriathlon.org/mtrseries.

About USA Triathlon: Founded in 1982, USA Triathlon is proud to serve as the National Governing Body for triathlon - the fastest growing sport in the U.S. Olympic Movement - as well as duathlon, aquathlon, aquabike, winter triathlon, off-road triathlon and paratriathlon in the United States. USA Triathlon sanctions more than 4,300 races and connects with more than 550,000 members each year, making it the largest multisport organization in the world. In addition to its work with athletes, coaches and race directors on the grassroots level, USA Triathlon provides leadership and support to elite athletes competing at international events, including International Triathlon Union (ITU) World Championships, Pan American Games and the Olympic and Paralympic Games. USA Triathlon is a proud member of the ITU and the United States Olympic Committee (USOC).