The 2026 Cal Tri Austin race has come and gone, and the energy this year was unlike anything we’ve seen at this event before. Walter E. Long Metropolitan Park was buzzing from the moment athletes arrived, with spectators lining the course, cowbells ringing, and the kind of collective excitement that only builds when a community shows up in force.

This was the largest Cal Tri Austin to date, with over 500 athletes taking on the challenge. That milestone is a testament to the growing momentum behind this event and the athletes who keep coming back and bringing their people with them.

Just like every Cal Tri Events race, Austin offered something for everyone. Athletes competed across multiple distances and formats, including Olympic, Sprint, and Youth distances spanning Triathlon, RunBikeRun, SwimBike, SwimRun, and standalone swim and run events because endurance sport should have a place for every athlete, regardless of where they are in their journey.

Race Day Conditions

Mother Nature brought her A-game. Skies were clear and sunny all morning, with temperatures sitting comfortably in the 60s at race start. The heat held off until after the final athletes crossed the finish line, meaning the day played out nearly perfectly from start to finish.

Water temperature at Walter E. Long Lake came in at 68°F so warm enough to feel welcoming, but still crisp enough to keep the legs lively. The lake showed just a hint of motion on the surface, but nothing that slowed athletes down. The smiles coming out of the water said it all.

Course Highlights

Athletes waded into the lake for a beach walk-in start before settling into their rhythm and getting after it. The swim set the tone for a day that was going to demand everything you had.

The bike course is a clockwise loop that traces the perimeter of Walter E. Long Lake. The 11.5 miles of rolling Texas Hill Country-style terrain with 670 feet of climbing packed into every lap. Sprint athletes took on one loop while Olympic athletes tackled two, stacking nearly 1,340 feet of climbing on the bike alone.

The run brought athletes back into Walter E. Long Metropolitan Park for an out-and-back course that, on paper, looked manageable. In reality, after the bike has already taken its toll, the mid-run climb hits very differently. Olympic athletes tackled the course twice, and those who skipped their hill work felt it by the turnaround. Still, the park offered a beautiful backdrop, and the energy at the finish line ensured no one crossed quietly.

By the Numbers

• 38% female / 62.6% male / .4% Non-Binary
• 43% first-time racers
• Youngest athlete: 8 years old
• Oldest athlete: 78 years old

Top Finishers

Olympic Triathlon

Female

Sprint Triathlon

Female

Male

Full race results can be found at https://results.raceroster.com/v3/events/xky4quvwbxqmsz4p

Race Week Activities

The days leading up to race day were anything but quiet. The skills camp gave athletes a chance to dial in their technique and shake off the rust before the pressure of race morning set in.

Saturday’s pre-race clinic brought the community together one last time working on swim skills, walking through transitions, and getting those last-minute questions answered. There’s something about that pre-race gathering that shifts the energy from nervous to ready, and this year was no exception.

A Big Thank You

A race this size doesn’t happen without a lot of people giving a lot of themselves. We’re incredibly grateful to Walter E. Long Metropolitan Park for providing such a spectacular venue, and to TacoWey for keeping athletes and spectators fueled and smiling at the finish line. A huge thank you as well to local law enforcement for keeping the course safe, the lifeguards who watched over every swimmer, and the army of volunteers who showed up early, stayed late, and made the whole day run seamlessly.

To every single person who gave their time and energy to make this race happen, thank you. You are the backbone of this event.

Results and Photos

Race results and photos are available:

Race Results: https://results.raceroster.com/v3/events/xky4quvwbxqmsz4p

Race Photos: https://flickr.com/photos/caltrievents/albums/72177720332819736

About Cal Tri Events

Cal Tri Events is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization with a safe, affordable, and accessible mission, producing races nationally in all four U.S. time zones. The organization is committed to promoting health, fitness, and wellness in the communities it serves.

The 2026 Cal Tri Lake Havasu race is officially in the books, and what a way to open the season. Lake Havasu State Park delivered a stunning backdrop for a fantastic day of endurance racing, setting the tone for everything Cal Tri Events has in store this year.

This year marked Cal Tri Events’ first time operating the race, and athletes felt the difference. New energy, refreshed course updates, and a buzz in transition that many returning athletes agreed made for an even better racing experience than years past.

Athletes from across the United States and Canada toed the line across 18 event options, including Olympic, Sprint, and Youth distances spanning Triathlon, RunBikeRun, SwimBike, SwimRun, and standalone swim and run events. That variety is no accident. It reflects Cal Tri Events’ core commitment to making endurance sports safe, affordable, and accessible for athletes of every background and ability level.

Race Day Conditions

Race morning delivered the kind of conditions triathletes dream about, with sunny skies, calm water, and nearly no wind at the start. Water temperature held at a brisk 62°F, keeping athletes sharp from the first stroke.

Winds began building as the morning progressed, reaching around 12 mph by 10:00 AM and climbing to around 20 mph by the time the final athletes crossed the finish line. The timing worked in athletes’ favor, with the bike cutoff at 10:30 AM meaning most had already finished the ride before the stronger gusts arrived.

Course Highlights

Athletes kicked off the day with a classic beach start, running into the water and navigating around the East Quoddy Lighthouse Replica. Olympic distance athletes pushed further down the channel toward the iconic London Bridge before making a u-turn and navigating towards the swim exit. 

Out on the bike, London Bridge Road offered open desert views and a fast, rolling return leg. Fair warning to future athletes: the course packs more climbing than it might look on paper. Those who respected the hills on the way out were rewarded with a satisfying downhill charge back to transition.

The run brought it all home in style, passing beneath the London Bridge itself and tracing the scenic Shoreline Trail along the channel waterfront before the final push to the finish line.

By the Numbers

• 199 athletes participated
• 42% female / 58% male
• 37% first-time racers
• Youngest athlete: 7 years old
• Oldest athlete: 67 years old

Top Finishers

Olympic Triathlon

Female

Sprint Triathlon

Female

Male

Full race results can be found at https://www.athlinks.com/event/30285/results/Event/1135678/Results

Race Week Activities

The week leading into race day was packed with opportunity to prepare. Thursday and Friday’s skills camp gave athletes dedicated time to sharpen their technique before the pressure of race morning.

On Saturday, the pre-race clinic brought athletes together to work on swim skills and transitions, get their race day questions answered, and maybe most importantly, shake off the nerves and head into Sunday feeling ready and confident.

A Big Thank You

The 2026 Cal Tri Lake Havasu race wouldn’t have been possible without the generous support of some incredible organizations and individuals:

• Lake Havasu State Park
• Mohave County Sheriff Department
• Lake Havasu Police Department
• Paramedics, lifeguards, and kayakers
• Race captains and volunteers

Their dedication, hard work, and commitment to athlete safety made for a seamless and welcoming race day experience. We are truly grateful for each and every one of them.

Results and Photos

Race results and photos are available:

Race Results: https://www.athlinks.com/event/30285/results/Event/1135678/Results

Race Photos: https://flickr.com/photos/caltrievents/albums/72177720332549490

About Cal Tri Events

Cal Tri Events is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization with a safe, affordable, and accessible mission, producing races nationally in all four U.S. time zones. The organization is committed to promoting health, fitness, and wellness in the communities it serves.

2026 CAL TRI EVENTS WATER TEMPERATURE & WEATHER FORECAST. The forecast provided is just that, a forecast.  It is the best guidance we have months in advance relative to the expected air and water temperature on race day at a particular venue. We measure the water temperature both the day before the race and the morning of the race and that information is communicated to race participants.

With the rare exception, all of our races are wetsuit legal. In several cases, a wetsuit is recommended but not mandatory.

• 52.9 or below. Cancelled swim
• 53-57.9 Wetsuit is mandatory. If the water temperature is below 58 degrees.  Any athlete without a wetsuit will not be allowed to compete.
• 58.0 - 64.9 Wetsuit recommended if the water temperature is between 58-65 degrees
• 65.0 - 78.0 Wetsuit is legal if the water temperature is 78 degrees or lower.
• 78.1 - 83.9 Athletes may wear wetsuits but will not be reflected in the overall results or eligible for awards.
• 84 - 88.0 Wetsuit prohibited If the water temperature is 84 degrees or above
• 88.1 or above. Cancelled swim

NEED A WETSUIT? Enjoy a 20% off discount(2026caltri) with blueseventy. Learn more about what to look for when buying a wetsuit by listening to our California Triathlon Soup Podcast with John Duquette, CEO of blueseventy.

Are you ready to train smarter, race faster, and have more fun in 2026? Our Cal Tri Skills Camps are back and they’re the perfect way to take your triathlon game to the next level! Whether you’ve done a race or two or just crushed our swim and transition clinics, this is the next step in your journey to better performance and confidence.

What’s a Skills Camp?
Think of it as race weekend + insider training camp rolled into one unforgettable experience. You’ll spend two focused days sharpening every part of your triathlon alongside the Cal Tri Events team and fellow athletes.

Camp Highlights Include:
✔ In-depth swim mechanics & analysis
✔ VO2 max bleep testing
✔ Bike handling and confidence drills
✔ Form running and core strength work
✔ Heart rate training & fueling strategy
✔ Transition clinic and race planning
✔ Nutrition insights & “A Race” periodization tips
…and so much more!

Plus we’ll hook you up with swag like a Cal Tri hat, t-shirt, race belt, swim cap, snacks, hydration, and other goodies to fuel your success.

📅 Where & When

The 2026 Cal Tri Skills Camps are happening around the country in conjunction with our race weekends  from Lake Havasu to Austin, Richmond to Newport Dunes and beyond! These camps are free for registered athletes, but space is limited! Note: A California Triathlon kit (top & bottoms) must be worn on the first day.

🤩 Who Should Come?

This camp is perfect if you:

🔥 Have done a triathlon and want to go faster
🔥 Loved our free clinics and want deeper learning
🔥 Want to preview your race course
🔥 Are excited to train and connect with the Cal Tri community!

📝 How to Register

1️⃣ Register for your Cal Tri Events race
2️⃣ Add Skills Camp as an add-on during registration
3️⃣ Already registered? Log into RunSignUp and manage your current registration to add the Skills Camp

👉 Full program details on our Skills Camp page: https://www.californiatriathlon.org/skills-camp/

💪 Get Stronger, Faster, and More Confident

This is your chance to train with purpose, race with confidence, and learn from experienced coaches and fellow athletes. Don’t just show up on race day.  Show up prepared, focused, and ready to crush your goals. Register for Skills Camp today and make 2026 your best season yet! 🚀

At Cal Tri Events, we proudly boast “the best 15 words in triathlon” : Free race transfers, deferrals, and participant transfers, as late as the day before the race.

These words aren’t just a tagline. They’re a promise. They reflect our commitment to creating an athlete-first experience that values safety, flexibility, and peace of mind. Because life happens with injuries, travel conflicts, weather, or simply the unexpected and your registration shouldn’t be another source of stress.

What Makes This Policy So Special

Many race organizations have strict, no-change policies. But at Cal Tri Events, we believe that supporting athletes means meeting them where they are. Our Free Race Transfer + Deferral Policy allows athletes to make last-minute changes without losing their registration or fees.

That flexibility is what sets Cal Tri Events apart and keeps athletes coming back, race after race.

The Deferral Process: Two Simple Steps That Matter

While our policy is simple, there’s one key detail that can trip athletes up: deferring your race is a two-step process. Let’s break it down:

Step 1: Defer Your Race (By 11:59 PM the Day Before Your Event)

This first step puts your registration on hold. It tells our system that you’re not racing but want to save your entry for a future event.

• Deadline: 11:59 PM the day before your race
• Result: Your registration is protected. There is no need to panic.

RunSignUp Help Page: How to Defer Registration

This is the part many athletes miss.  You’re not done yet.

Step 2: Claim Your Deferral (By December 31 at 11:59 PM)

After your initial deferral, you must log back in and claim your entry once registration opens for the next year and register for a new Cal Tri Events race. You can choose any open race in our calendar.

• Deadline: December 31 at 11:59 PM of the same year
• Result: You’re officially entered into your new race.

If Step 2 isn’t completed by the deadline, your registration expires and, per policy, cannot be reinstated. We send courtesy reminders, but it’s ultimately up to each athlete to claim their deferral before the deadline.

RunSignUp Help Page: How to Claim a Deferred Registration

We’re Here to Help

We know life gets busy, and deadlines can sneak up. That’s why Cal Tri Events sends multiple reminders:

• It’s in our FAQ and confirmation emails
• It’s included in courtesy reminder emails before the deadline
• And our customer support team is always ready to help

We want every athlete to take advantage of the flexibility our policy offers without losing their spot.

Final Thought

Those 15 words, Free race transfers, deferrals, and participant transfers, as late as the day before the race, represent more than a policy. They represent a community built on trust, understanding, and athlete-first values.

So if you ever need to change your race plans, know that Cal Tri Events  has your back. Just remember: Step 1 saves your registration. Step 2 secures your next start line.

In October 2024, natural disaster Hurricane Helene left more than 230 dead across six states, making it the second deadliest storm to hit the mainland United States in more than 50 years, behind Hurricane Katrina. Many of those areas and communities are still feeling the storm’s impact and will be forever changed.

When 2024 Cal Tri Charlotte, scheduled for October 5, was unexpectedly canceled, the news hit hard. It was a stark reminder that even the best-managed multisport events are vulnerable to unpredictable “acts of God.” Behind the scenes, the team reflected on what it meant to truly take care of their athletes, not just when things went right, but especially when they didn’t.

Cal Tri Events had long prided itself on what it called the best 15 words in triathlon; Free race transfers, deferrals & participant transfers as late as the day before the race. It’s a simple promise built on fairness, flexibility, and the belief that athletes deserve confidence when they register. But in October 2024, that didn’t feel like enough.

Out of that moment came something new: the Divine Intervention Refund Policy. Announced in November 2024 and put into effect immediately, it marked a renewed commitment to the community; proof that even in the face of uncertainty, Cal Tri Events would stand by its athletes. If an entire Cal Tri Events race is canceled due to an “Act of God” (meaning a natural disaster, accident or other incident outside of human control) by either Cal Tri Events or the municipal authority, then registered participants will be automatically refunded their full registration fee. 

Cal Tri Events absorbs the cost of increased protection, 2% of the registration fee, so that athletes would not be left out of pocket simply because a storm, flooding, or other unforeseeable event canceled the event. Cal Tri Events’s rationale is rooted in protecting athletes from the financial and emotional frustration of a canceled race. 

As Cal Tri Events CEO Thom Richmond put it: “Our athletes have reached out in high numbers to express their gratitude and delight in the policy. It’s clear that when you give people choice and protection, they feel seen and respected.”

It’s worth recognizing that in August 2025, USA Triathlon reversed its long-standing no-refund stance when its 2025 Sprint & Paratriathlon National Championships in Milwaukee were canceled due to extreme flooding. USAT announced full refunds for affected athletes, despite their prior waiver language forbidding such refunds. This is a positive step, and there is hope that they will use this moment to permanently revise its policies more meaningfully beyond emergency situations, moving toward a consistent athlete-friendly standard in 2026 and beyond.

The Divine Intervention policy from Cal Tri Events represents a thoughtful evolution in athlete focused policy: with a clear trigger (full race cancelation due to external cause), a transparent response (full refund), and built-in cost absorption. While no policy can eliminate risk entirely, this sets a high bar in the multisport event space. It also raises the question of whether other organisers will follow suit with more generous, overdue athlete protections moving forward.

Los Angeles, CA. 2025 Cal Tri LA, returning to Playa del Rey on Sunday, October 19, 2025, is shaping up to be one of the most geographically diverse triathlon events in California this fall. With 623 athletes currently registered, representing 20 U.S. states and 6 countries, this year’s field highlights the growing national and international appeal of Cal Tri Events.

Competitors from Canada, Colombia, Germany, Japan, Mexico, and the United Kingdom will join athletes from across the United States for a full day of racing on one of Southern California’s most scenic coastal courses. Participants range in age from 8 to 83, showcasing Cal Tri LA’s reputation as an inclusive, all-ages multisport experience.

Athletica Swim & Coaching Clinic Draws Strong Interest

In addition to the race on Sunday, 172 athletes are registered for the Athletica Swim & Coaching Clinic on Saturday, a signature no-cost, pre-race program designed to help participants fine-tune open water techniques and race-day strategy. The clinic reflects Cal Tri’s commitment to athlete development and education at every level from youth to masters.

Event Overview

• Date: Sunday, October 19, 2025
• Location: Dockweiler State Beach, Los Angeles, CA
• Distances: Olympic & Sprint triathlon, runbikerun, swimbike, swimrun, swim & run events
• Start Time: 7:00 AM
• Registration: https://losangeles.californiatriathlon.org/

The Cal Tri LA course features an ocean swim, a flat and fast bike course along Vista Del Mar, and a scenic run on the beachfront path—ideal for first-timers and experienced triathletes alike.

Cal Tri Events Athlete-Friendly Features

Cal Tri Events has earned nationwide recognition for its Athlete-Friendly Policies, designed to make the sport more accessible and transparent:

• Free Deferrals, Transfers, and Event Changes: Free race transfers, deferrals & participant transfers as late as the day before the race.
• All-In Pricing: Registration includes everything and excludes burdensome and expensive insurance schemes.
• Youth & Community Programs: Promoting multisport participation from ages 7+ through youth races, volunteer partnerships, and charity initiatives.
• Trust But Verify: Cal Tri Events athletes enjoy the highest safety standards including pre-race access to traffic control plans, water quality reports and a best in industry 25:1 athlete to lifeguard ratio.

A Message from Cal Tri Events CEO Thom Richmond

“Cal Tri LA embodies everything we stand for — inclusion, accessibility, and community,” said Thom Richmond, CEO of Cal Tri Events. “From first-time triathletes to seasoned competitors, we’re proud to welcome athletes of all ages and backgrounds to Los Angeles. Our continued growth is only possible because of a community that values fun, flexibility, and the joy of racing.”

About Cal Tri Events

Founded in 2014, Cal Tri Events produces over 18 triathlons nationwide in all 4 time zones, providing safe, affordable, and professionally managed races for athletes of all abilities. The organization’s Athlete-Friendly Policies have made it the largest national fast-course triathlon series in the U.S., emphasizing value, flexibility, and participation across all ages.

For more information or to register for 2025 Cal Tri LA, visit www.californiatriathlon.org.

We are excited to share some important updates for the final 2 races of 2025.

2025 Cal Tri Los Angeles – 10.19.25
2025 Optimism Cal Tri Newport Dunes – 11.2.25

👉 Final Price Increase – September 30
Don’t miss your chance to register before the last price increase. Sign up now to lock in your spot.

👉 New Partners at Optimism Cal Tri Newport Dunes
We’re thrilled to welcome several new partners to the Cal Tri Events community:

• DryWater

• Super Age. Sign up for The Mindset

• Thrive Juice Lab

• Wren

Their support helps make race weekend possible, and we look forward to sharing their offerings with you.

👉 Open Water Swim Clinic
A huge thank you to Anthony Grey for leading yesterday’s open water swim clinic at Marina del Rey. The session was very well attended, and it was fantastic to see so many athletes getting ready for race day.

We look forward to racing with you soon in Los Angeles and Newport Beach. Until then, keep training strong!