​Exciting news for all triathletes! Our exclusive Cal Tri Kit Store is now open, offering a premium selection of Varlo triathlon gear tailored to elevate your performance and style. Act fast—this limited-time store closes on May 6, 2025!​

Don’t miss this opportunity to gear up with top-quality Varlo apparel designed specifically for Cal Tri athletes.

Visit Cal Tri Kit Store Today!

Featured Products

Men’s Mezza Sleeved Triathlon Suit
Experience unparalleled comfort and aerodynamics with this sleek design.

Women’s Mezza Sleeved Triathlon Suit
Engineered for performance, this suit offers a perfect blend of flexibility and support.​

Men’s Zipper Triathlon Top
Stay cool and efficient with this lightweight, breathable top featuring a convenient front zipper.​

Women’s Zipper Triathlon Top
Designed for optimal ventilation and ease, this top ensures you stay comfortable throughout your race.

Men’s Triathlon Shorts
These shorts provide excellent support and freedom of movement, essential for peak performance.​

Women’s Triathlon Shorts
Combining comfort and durability, these shorts are a must-have for any triathlete.​

Ordering Details

• Store Closing Date: May 6, 2025​

• Estimated Delivery: Approximately 4-5 weeks after the store closes

Visit Cal Tri Kit Store Today!

Last Sunday marked an exciting milestone as the 2025 Athletica Cal Tri Austin at Decker Lake officially kicked off the triathlon and multisport season in Texas! The air was buzzing with the energy of nearly 500 athletes and their enthusiastic supporters, and we at SBR Fun Events were incredibly grateful to be a part of such a dynamic event.

More than just a race, this season opener was a testament to the shared vision and passion between SBR Fun Events and our fantastic partners at Cal Tri Events – a partnership built on a foundation of collaboration and a shared altruistic mission.

For us at SBR Fun Events, fostering opportunities for women in endurance sports has been a core focus. Since 2021 (with the exception of 2024), we’ve proudly hosted our own women-only duathlon events, the PinkStrong Duathlon. Typically held just 1-2 weeks apart from Cal Tri Austin in early March, our event provided a supportive and empowering environment for women to experience the thrill of multisport.

This year, driven by a sense of collaboration and our altruistic mission to expand opportunities for athletes, we were thrilled by the invitation from Cal Tri Events to bring our PinkStrong Duathlon into their larger event. Imagine it as a “race within a race” or a special wave designed specifically for our participants within the broader Cal Tri Austin framework. 

This offered our athletes the chance to be part of a significantly larger event, experiencing a new venue and course alongside a vibrant community of multisport enthusiasts. We were also incredibly grateful that Cal Tri Events pledged to donate 100% of our race revenue back to SBR Fun Events, directly supporting our ongoing work of building and servicing the Austin Triathlon Community.

Of course, combining events required flexibility and a true spirit of teamwork. One notable difference was that Cal Tri’s standard run-bike-run event features double the run distance of our traditional PinkStrong Duathlon. 

Demonstrating incredible compromise and a team-level of planning and execution, Cal Tri Events was willing to accommodate our familiar run distances, provided we could align our bike route with the course being used by all other athletes. This willingness to try, bend, peel, give, take, and fill on both sides – even when neither of us knew exactly what to expect – truly exemplified the collaborative spirit of this partnership. 

Our ladies participating in the PinkStrong Duathlon enthusiastically embraced the new venue, the new course, and the opportunity to be part of something much larger and rise to the challenge of what bike course was hilly with a capital H!

Our experience working alongside the Cal Tri Events team provided first hand insight into what makes their events so special, always keeping the athletes’ best interests in mind:

• A Focus on Value: We witnessed how Cal Tri Events prioritizes affordability without compromising the quality of the race experience. This commitment ensures that more individuals have the opportunity to participate and discover the joys of multisport.

• Putting Athletes First - Even Before Race Day: Their commitment to athletes was evident even before the starting gun. The free swim and transition clinic offered the day before the race was a fantastic resource, providing valuable guidance and building confidence for participants of all levels. This proactive approach truly underscores their dedication to athlete success and enjoyment.

• Athlete-Centric Flexibility: The flexibility of free race transfers, deferrals, and participant swaps, even at the last minute, showcased their understanding of the realities of training and life – a level of consideration that is deeply appreciated by participants and speaks volumes about their athlete-first philosophy.

• Championing Inclusion and Choice: We were particularly impressed by the diverse range of race options available at Cal Tri Austin. From Swim-Bike and Aquabike divisions catering to those who might find running challenging, to the classic Sprint Triathlon and our empowering PinkStrong Duathlon, Cal Tri Events created a space where athletes of all abilities and preferences could find their perfect challenge.

• Athlete Support and Development: This year’s event also marked an exciting partnership with Athletica, the title sponsor and an innovative online AI coaching platform. Demonstrating a true commitment to athlete development, Cal Tri Events and Athletica provided all race participants with 30 days of free coaching enrollment. This app-based platform offers personalized and adaptive training plans based on individual fitness levels and activity, providing invaluable support and guidance to athletes as they pursue their multisport goals. This forward-thinking initiative further highlights Cal Tri Events’ dedication to providing added value and empowering their participants.

The athlete energy on race day was infectious. It was incredible to see athletes from 30 U.S. states and five countries, spanning an impressive age range of 7 to 83, come together to compete across 19 different race formats. The sheer diversity of participants underscored the universal appeal of multisport. 

Moments like watching a determined 7-year-old complete their first sprint triathlon alongside their proud parent, or an entire family of five celebrating their finish line achievements, were deeply moving and highlighted the positive impact of events like these.

By the smiles and enthusiastic fist bumps at the finish line and even before the race, it was clear that athletes deeply appreciated all the hard work Cal Tri Events put into creating a top-notch experience. This included a new and efficient transition layout, thoughtful touches like carpet for tender feet in transition, convenient bathrooms strategically placed on the course, dedicated in-water safety patrol and kayakers ensuring swimmer well-being, comprehensive full traffic control along the bike course for rider safety, and the unwavering support of a mega team of volunteers. It was evident that Cal Tri Events hit all the high marks by which to measure a successful event. And most importantly, all athletes went home safe, ready to celebrate their accomplishments.

A special nod must also go to MJ and the entire Athletica crew, whose enthusiastic presence and support along the transition area and run course undoubtedly fueled the athletes’ determination with high-fives and motivating fist pumps. And of course, the tireless efforts of the volunteers, team captains, emergency personnel, and SBR board members were instrumental in creating a seamless and memorable race day for everyone.

Our experience working with Cal Tri Events on the Athletica Cal Tri Austin season opener has left us feeling energized and optimistic about the future of triathlon and the power of collaboration within our community.  To be transparent there were a few hiccups and waypoint finding moments as with any new adventure journey into the unknown and akin to being on a first date. 

Their commitment to accessibility, athlete well-being, and fostering a vibrant community, now amplified by their innovative partnership with Athletica and their meticulous event execution, aligns perfectly with our own values at SBR Fun Events. This event wasn’t just a race; it was a beautiful example of how organizations can come together, embrace flexibility, and ultimately provide a richer and more diverse experience for all athletes.

We extend our sincere gratitude to Cal Tri Events for their leadership, for their collaborative spirit, for inviting us to bring our PinkStrong Duathlon into their event, and for their incredible generosity in pledging 100% of our race revenue back to SBR Fun Events. 

We look forward to future collaborations and continuing to work together to make triathlon accessible, enjoyable, safe, and now even more supported through resources like Athletica ai coaching, for all!

The triathlon landscape is changing and we are glad we are helping to paint the big picture.

45% First-Timers! How SBR Fun Events & Cal Tri Austin Are Growing the Sport Together

Kicking Off the Season with Collaboration & Community

Last Sunday’s Athletica Cal Tri Austin at Decker Lake wasn’t just the start of Texas’ multisport season—it was a celebration of new beginnings, community, and collaboration. At SBR Fun Events, we were proud to partner with Cal Tri Events to bring our PinkStrong Duathlon into their season opener, creating a unique “race within a race” experience.

But what stood out the most? Nearly 45% of participants were first-timers, tackling their very first triathlon or multisport event. That’s what SBR Fun Events and Cal Tri Events are all about—getting more athletes to the start line, breaking down barriers, and making multisport accessible to everyone.

A Shared Vision for Growing Multisport

For years, SBR Fun Events has championed women in endurance sports through our PinkStrong Duathlon, traditionally held around the same time as Cal Tri Austin. This year, we saw an exciting opportunity—what if race directors worked together, shared resources, and elevated the athlete experience?

That idea led to a groundbreaking collaboration, with Cal Tri inviting us to host PinkStrong as a special wave within their event. This gave our athletes a chance to experience a larger race atmosphere and a new course, while Cal Tri went above and beyond by donating 100% of our PinkStrong Duathlon revenue back to SBR Fun Events—a generous commitment to supporting our work in the Austin triathlon community.

Making It Work: The Power of Collaboration

Merging our events required flexibility and creative problem-solving. Cal Tri Austin’s standard race distances didn’t perfectly match PinkStrong’s format, but their team worked with us to find solutions that honored our event while integrating seamlessly into theirs. This athlete-first approach was key to making it all come together.

Through this collaboration, we saw firsthand what makes Cal Tri Austin stand out:

✅ Exceptional Value – Keeping races affordable without sacrificing quality.
✅ Athlete-First Approach – Offering a pre-race swim/transition clinic, along with flexible transfer & deferral policies.
✅ True Inclusion – With 19 race formats (including PinkStrong!), athletes of all abilities found their perfect challenge.
✅ Commitment to Development – Every participant received 30 days of free AI coaching from Athletica, an incredible training resource.

An Unforgettable Race Day

With nearly 500 athletes, ages 7 to 83, representing 30 states and five countries, the energy on race day was undeniable. Whether it was a 7-year-old crossing the finish line of his first sprint triathlon with his dad or a family of five each taking on different race formats, the event proved that multisport is truly for everyone.

Our PinkStrong women’s squad tackled the hilly bike course with grit and determination, supporting each other every step of the way. The fist bumps, high-fives, and finish-line smiles showed that this was more than just a race—it was a celebration of endurance, empowerment, and community.

Looking Ahead—Building the Future of Multisport

Like any new partnership, there were learning moments and unexpected challenges along the way. But at the heart of it all, the athletes showed up, pushed their limits, and proved why growing multisport participation is so important.

We’re grateful for the experience and proud of the community, camaraderie, and opportunities this event created. From first-timers gaining confidence to seasoned racers taking on new challenges, this event was about the athletes—and that’s what truly matters.

A huge thank you to Cal Tri Events for opening the door to new possibilities and to Athletica for bringing the energy and coaching support. 🚴‍♀️🏊‍♂️🏃‍♀️ Here’s to more partnerships, more growth, and more incredible race experiences ahead!

In 2024, the Spudman Triathlon’s 2,400 spots sold out in a record 10 minutes. This year the organizers moved to a lottery system,  and they received 3,300 entries for the 2,400 places. Founded in 1987 and taking place on the last Saturday in July, Spudman Triathlon is lovingly produced by the Burley Lions Club; and it includes both a river-assisted downstream sprint and an olympic distance. The 2026 event will be their 40th anniversary. One Spudman feature is the “Family and Friends” wave to accommodate athletes who want to participate without competing for podium awards. 

We caught up with 80 years young race cofounder Scott Bloxham and current race director Carl B. Darrington to learn more about Spudman’s secrets of success. Scott will race Spudman for the final time this year. From the first race in 1987- which attracted 189 athletes, Scott and his co-founder Ron Ploeger, have focused on creating a great family experience. The race has grown with those families and their participation over performance emphasis, while also welcoming elite athletes. After a couple years of trial and error, the race became sustainable, and is now known as a multisport juggernaut. Their success has enabled them to contribute significantly to the local community.  In 2024 Spudman donated $43,000 to local organizations who supported the race in some way. And their volunteer involvement is legendary, including residents like Sandy Baker.  For over three decades she has dedicated eight months each year to handcraft the much sought- after ceramic spuds trophies,  molding, coloring, firing, glazing, and painting each one.

When the 2025 Ironman 70.3 Boise race was relaunched last September, the race moved from its traditional second weekend of June date to the last Saturday in July; Spudman race weekend. Ironman 70.3 Boise is scheduled to return after a decade-long hiatus since 2015 when 878 athletes crossed the finish line. Based on this year’s registrations, Spudman’s position as a premium fast course race with a loyal athlete community has seemingly made it immune from even the world’s most popular triathlon brand. We see you Spudman!

About Burley Lions Club.  The Burley Lions Club is the sponsor of the Spudman Triathlon. The Burley Lions Club was founded in 1938 and has been working to enhance our community through service ever since. In an effort to find a fundraiser to provide funds to support for the community, the Spudman Triathlon was born in 1987. This race has grown from a few hundred racers in the beginning years to now over 2,400 participants. Spudman is always the last Saturday in July and is truly a community event with support from hundreds of volunteers. We are a 100% volunteer organized race and all proceeds go back into the local community.

About Cal Tri Events. Cal Tri Events is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and the largest national short-course triathlon series in the U.S. Their mission is to provide safe, affordable, and accessible triathlon experiences that make a difference in the communities they serve. The Cal Tri Events difference includes $85 all-in early bird pricing, free pre race swim clinics, and the best 15 words in triathlon; Free race transfers, deferrals & participant transfers as late as the day before the race. Learn more at www.californiatriathlon.org.

Annually hosting 1800 participants, the Door County Triathlon has been welcoming athletes to Egg Harbor, Wisconsin since 2005.  The race offers a beginner friendly sprint distance on Saturday morning, the Mark Ernst Memorial Kids Triathlon on Saturday afternoon and a more competitive 70.3 mile effort on Sunday. In 2024 Door County’s signature event, the 70.3 mile distance, was the largest non-Ironman 70.3 mile race in the U.S. (497 finishers) ahead of the Patriot Half (357 finishers) and Clash Daytona (323 finishers). In 2023 it was selected as USA Today’s Best Triathlon In The U.S.

We reached out to Sean Ryan, the Race Director, to find out the secret sauce to Door County’s extended success. “Our success is based on a great destination, solid execution, and our community’s involvement.   The numerous quaint villages that dot the Door County peninsula provide endless dining, shopping and tourism amenities and a natural scenic backdrop that is perfect for sports enthusiasts. By offering the three events over two days, it allows the race to serve as the highlight for a family ‘tri-cation.’ Nearly half of the participants have a fellow family member taking part in the same or another event at our venue that weekend. The athletes’ seamless experience is thanks to our core team of dedicated organizers that have worked hard to produce a five-star race for more than two decades. And we are fortunate to have more than 20 local charities that benefit financially from the race and help fill the volunteer ranks each year.”

Sean’s advice for other race directors is always focus first on making an impression, not making a profit. If you consistently produce a quality event, the registration numbers and the entry fees will generate the profits needed to justify your efforts. Organizers need to work within budget limits but participant safety and the quality of the experience shouldn’t be sacrificed to achieve profits.

About Door County Triathlon.  The Door County Peninsula is often referred to as the “Cape Cod of the Midwest.” This popular Midwestern tourist destination offers an abundance of lodging, dining, shopping and entertainment options. The sandy shorelines and majestic bluffs along Green Bay north of Sturgeon Bay provide an ideal setting for a triathlon. Frank Murphy Park is located in Horseshoe Bay, just 15 miles north of Sturgeon Bay and 3 miles south of Egg Harbor. The park has an ornate pavilion, a sandy beach, and a permanent pier that is perfect for spectators. Several large fields directly across the road from the park’s entrance provide ample parking for participants and spectators.

About Cal Tri Events. Cal Tri Events is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and the largest national short-course triathlon series in the U.S. Their mission is to provide safe, affordable, and accessible triathlon experiences that make a difference in the communities they serve. The Cal Tri Events difference includes $85 all-in early bird pricing, free pre race swim clinics, and the best 15 words in triathlon; Free race transfers, deferrals & participant transfers as late as the day before the race. Learn more at www.californiatriathlon.org.

They say everything is bigger in Texas and this is certainly true about the Houston Kids Triathlon (formerly the Typhoon Texas Kids Triathlon and the Houston Texans Kids Tri).   Returning for its tenth year as the largest kids triathlon in the world, Houston Kids Tri will see 1,500 kids swim, bike and run and most likely splash at Typhoon Texas Waterpark. Race participants receive entry into the waterpark, a $40 value, as part of their race entry. The race is great for kids of all ages and skill levels and features paratriathlon, an adaptive splash & dash, and assisted options for both the triathlon and splash & dash. 

Making the race fun while prioritizing kids’ safety is how Houston Kids Triathlon has been so successful. It takes over 300 volunteers and staff to provide guidance and ensure that athletes, many of whom are participating in this type of race for the first time, stay happy and healthy. That includes medical support along the bike route and a medical team on site at the finish line.  And the energy will surround the kids, with Houston’s #1 radio station 104.1 broadcasting at the finish line and 4,500 spectators lining the course eagerly cheering on their budding triathletes. After the race many of the athletes and spectators will stay for the day and enjoy Typhoon Texas Waterpark with their family.

The Houston Kids Triathlon prioritizes affordability and accessibility. The financial assistance fund which includes $2000 from the race director combined from donations from the greater community opens up this type of opportunity for those with less means. Race Director, Tony Sapp, works to keep fees low so that available dollars can be invested in the quality of the race. “Acquiring affordable insurance that meets or exceeds all our partner requirements makes the difference between a good and great race experience.  Since 2023, after nearly a decade as a USAT-insured event, we switched to Cal Tri Events for race insurance—and the results have been impressive. We’ve enjoyed increased registrations, fewer inquiries, and a significant drop in abandoned carts during registration. Cal Tri Events has been an outstanding partner, and I’m excited about our continued collaboration for the foreseeable future,” comments Sapp.  

About My Negative Split.  Negative Split Productions was founded in 2014 with the goal of producing the premier endurance events in the greater Houston area. Tony Sapp, founder and owner of Negative Split Productions, was an avid runner and triathlete who began assisting in the production of events in 2012 as the volunteer coordinator for Onurmark Productions. When he decided to step into the Race Director role and begin the development of the Run Houston! Race Series in early 2014, Negative Split Productions was born. Today, Negative Split Productions offers a variety of race services including accurate and on-time timing & results, unique & cost effective race awards, turnkey virtual race services, and general event consulting.

About Cal Tri Events. Cal Tri Events is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and the largest national short-course triathlon series in the U.S. Their mission is to provide safe, affordable, and accessible triathlon experiences that make a difference in the communities they serve. The Cal Tri Events difference includes $85 all-in early bird pricing, free pre race swim clinics, and the best 15 words in triathlon; Free race transfers, deferrals & participant transfers as late as the day before the race. Learn more at www.californiatriathlon.org.