USA Triathlon's Retro Tri Series Celebrates the Sport's History

Triathlon returns to its roots with the third annual USA Triathlon Retro Tri Series, featuring 12 beginner-friendly swim, bike, run events across the country in 2015. 

Established in 2013, the aim of the Retro Tri Series is to introduce new participants to the sport of triathlon, and events focus on camaraderie and enjoying multisport rather than competition. Some of the events are not timed. Participants in the Retro Tri Series are encouraged to wear retro-themed attire to celebrate the sport's origins in the 1970s.

Geared toward adult and youth competitors ages 13 and older, each race includes a 300- to 400-yard swim, 5- to 10-mile bike and 2- to 5-kilometer run. In 2014, the Retro Tri Series grew 70 percent with nearly 1,200 athletes joining the fun.

Registration for the events is open to first-timers, seasoned veterans and anyone looking to stay active through swimming, biking and running. Each event is sanctioned by USA Triathlon. Eight of the 2014 events are again on the schedule for this year, and each of USA Triathlon's 10 Regions are represented on the schedule.

"Retro Tri Series events allow the whole family to be introduced to the fun of a healthy, active multisport lifestyle," said Judi Carbary, organizer of the San Diego Retro Tri and Splash & Dash, set for June 7. "At our event, kids 6-12 years old can swim and run in the Splash & Dash, and adults and kids ages 13 and up can participate in the Retro Tri event. With no high-tech gadgets, expensive bikes or timing required, we have a very beginner-friendly experience where parents and their kids can participate together just for the fun of it and cheer each other on."

 Visit usatriathlon.org/retro for complete information on the series.

2015 USA Triathlon Retro Tri Series Schedule
April 25: Rio Grande Retro Triathlon, Albuquerque, N.M.
April 26: Santa Cruz Retro Triathlon, Santa Cruz, Calif.
May 31: Tri-It-Out, Columbia, Md.
June 7: Omaha Retro Triathlon, Omaha, Neb.
June 7: San Diego Retro Tri, San Diego, Calif.
June 7: Tributary Retro Tri, Douglasville, Ga.
June 13: Moses Lake Triathlon, Moses Lake, Wash.
June 14: Mighty Moss Retro Tri, Norwalk, Conn.
June 20: Fayetteville Retro Tri, Fayetteville, Ark.
July 5: Tri Graeagle, Graeagle, Calif.
July 25: Summit Lake Optimist Sprint Triathlon & 5k, New Castle, Ind.
Oct. 18: 4th Annual Old Dominion University (ODU) Triathlon, Norfolk, Va.

About USA Triathlon: USA Triathlon is proud to serve as the National Governing Body for triathlon, as well as duathlon, aquathlon, aquabike, winter triathlon, off-road triathlon and paratriathlon in the United States. Founded in 1982, USA Triathlon sanctions more than 4,300 races and connects with nearly 500,000 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).