TriWaco, a Waco Chamber event, a triathlon Olympic and Sprint distance event, will begin at 6:30 a.m. on Sunday, July 15 at Indian Springs Park. Hundreds of participants are expected for this event.
The Olympic triathlon starts with a 1500-meter open water swim in the Brazos River, followed by a mostly flat and fast 25-mile bike ride north and west of Waco, ending with a hilly 10-kilometer run along the Brazos that leads to the suspension bridge.
The sprint distance event includes a 400-meter open water swim in the Brazos, a 12-mile bike ride and a 3.5-mile run finishing on the suspension bridge.
A new addition this year is the Aquabike Races, an endurance sport composed of swimming and cycling stages. It is an ideal race for athletes who are focused on the swim and bike legs of the triathlon without the run.
The Kids Zone will be open from 7 to 10 a.m. on Sunday, July 15. Bounce houses and sign-making supplies will be available. Kona Ice and the H.O.T. Dog House will be selling treats and food onsite. The Kids Zone is sponsored by H-E-B and manned by the Waco Family YMCA.
“TriWaco is a great event for both novice and competitive racers,” said Amanda Haygood, director of sports and special events at the Greater Waco Chamber of Commerce. “Whether attempting a triathlon for the first time with our relay options or trying to qualify for additional races, the Brazos River, Cameron Park and paths along the river offer the perfect landscape for these athletes. The historic suspension bridge and activity zones will also be excellent ways for spectators to cheer on the athletes and enjoy the riverfront area.”
Online registration is open through Friday, July 13 at TriWaco.org.
Interesting facts: Did you know that Waco is the home of the first triathlon ever held in the state of Texas? The Waco Striders running club hosted the event in May 1980 with 24 men and one woman to compete in the Olympic distance at Lake Waco with the staging area at Speegleville Park. The event grew to 500 entries with a waiting list each year. The 12th Annual Waco Triathlon was in 1991. That was the last year for the triathlon until the new TriWaco in 2009. Many triathletes considered the Waco Triathlon the best in Texas, and the Annual TriWaco event continues to grow in popularity.
