Official Transamerica Chicago Triathlon Program

Official Program magazine

August 27, 2017 ChicagoTriathlon.com #ChiTri

Official Program August 27, 2017 Welcome to the 35th Annual Transamerica Chicago Triathlon Weekend!

We are incredibly excited to host 9,500 athletes at the world’s greatest short course triathlon destination.

Race weekend hosts a variety of events and activities, starting with the Multisport & Fitness Expo. New this year is our inaugural Gildan Underwear Run – a fun, charitable shakeout run held Friday evening, August 25 at the lakefront. The Kids’ and SuperSprint races launch Saturday morning, followed by Sunday’s signature International and Sprint races.

As always, this year’s pool of athletes represents a broad spectrum of abilities and experiences: First Timers: Nearly one third (31%) of this weekend’s participants will complete their first ever triathlon. This is a special group, as we’ve watched many of them develop over the summer within our Open Water Swim Clinic Series. We couldn’t be more excited to witness them complete their journey on race weekend.

Returning Veterans: Nearly half (48%) of this year’s field are returning to conquer this course, many of whom have not yet experienced the redesigned International distance Bike Course. Beyond cruising Lower Wacker and the Busway, these athletes can qualify for entry into the new 2018 Life Time Tri Championship event, held July 1 in New York City. Learn more inside this guide.

Newcomers: The remaining 21% of our field are experienced triathletes, yet new to the Chicago Triathlon – kids and adults alike. The majority of whom travel from across the world (44 U.S. States, 16 countries) to compete in this historic event – something incredibly uncommon for short course triathlon.

Whatever your background and goals, know that our team (including more than 2,500 dedicated volunteers) is absolutely committed to providing you with an unparalleled race experience. We may be biased, but we believe there is no comparison when it comes to racing in Chicago.

Thank you for joining us, and best wishes for success!

STAFF LIST

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Julie Coleman | Race Director (Sunday) Al DeGracia | Race Director (Saturday) Mary Beth Kunz | Regional Event Director Gloria Aguilera | Accounting Manager Dan Lakin | Marketing Manager Trish Varner | Expo Manager Jose Rangel | Production Manager Cassidy Kloss | Marketing Intern

ChicagoTriathlon.com

Alejandra Toledo | Marketing Coordinator David Rosenbrock | Charity/Team Coordinator Yasamin Sabeti | Volunteer Manager Tim Brazel | Partnership Marketing Sean Sweeney | Partnership Marketing Justin Dela Cruz | Marketing Associate Tiffany Berenberg | Athlete Services Manager Scott “Hootie” Hutmacher | Tri Brand Manager

Newsworthy in 2017 Gildan Underwear Run

A brand new, 1-mile fun run event on Friday – generating funds for the 100 Club of Chicago.

Final Open Water Swim Clinic

Plan to attend the Open Water Swim Clinic finale on Tuesday, Aug 22 at Ohio Street Beach. This event will attract 1,000 athletes and offers a beachfront Athlete Briefing. Space is limited, participants must RSVP.

Open Course Talks

Prior to picking-up their packets, all of Sunday’s participants must attend a 30-minute Course Talk at the Expo.

However; unlike previous years, these sessions are now on a first-come, firstserve (no advance RSVP required).

New Race App

Download the new Athlinks Race Day App. The app features a variety of quick links, event communications, maps and more to help you navigate race weekend.

Available on Google Play and iOS.

Team Challenge Competition

In this free, opt-in competition, individuals form teams of 5-10 who compete using cross-country style scoring. Teams then compete for local bragging rights and prizes. Finish times from each team’s fastest five finishers are combined into a final score. Prizes include trophies, gift cards and beer!

Transamerica Bike Support Crew Fifteen roving bike mechanics will again patrol Sunday’s bike course to ensure safety, fix flats and aid athletes with any mechanical problems throughout the day.

Participant Numbers at a Glance April

May

June

July

April

August

May

Full Ironman

5-9 Half Ironman

None

June

July

August

10+ Never (1st Time)

3-4

2

16 Number of Countries Represented

SuperSprint International 1 Sprint

Triathlon Experience

9,500 Kids Tri: 1,000

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Total Number of Participants SuperSprint: 1,000

57%

Male

43

Previous Chicago Triathlons Completed

10

Median Age

Sprint Distance: 3,000

44

Median Age for Kids Tri

International Distance: 4,500

1st Timers’ Program 1st Responders Program Triple Challenge

%

Female

Number of States Represented

49%

Divvy Wave Mountain Bike Division

Special Programs Represent 11% of the entire weekend ďŹ eld

Para Triathlon

1,050 participants

0

100

200

300

400

500

Chicago Residents

Remaining 2017 Life Time Tri Events Life Time Tri Tempe Tempe, AZ September 17, 2017

Escape to Miami Triathlon Miami, FL September 24, 2017

Life Time Tri San Diego San Diego, CA October 15, 2017

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Official Program August 27, 2017

Race Week Schedule * All dates and times are subject to change

Thursday, Aug 17

Saturday, Aug. 26

10:00 a.m.

5:30 a.m.

Transition Open – Foster Beach

9:00 a.m.

Chicago Triathlon Multisport & Fitness Expo Open – Chicago Hilton

Athlete Guide/Wave Starts Distributed

Tuesday, Aug. 22 4:30 7:30 p.m.

Final Open Water Swim Clinic —Ohio St. Beach

10:00 a.m.

10:00 a.m.

11:30 a.m.

Friday, Aug. 25 1:00 p.m.

7:00 a.m.

Chicago Triathlon Multisport & Fitness Expo Open—Chicago Hilton

2:00 p.m.

Life Time Kids Tri Chicago Race Start – Foster Beach

Kids Tri Awards Ceremony – Foster Beach

Chicago Triathlon SuperSprint Race Start – Foster Beach SuperSprint Tri Awards Ceremony – Foster Beach

Transition Open – DuSable Harbor

Sunday, Aug. 27 Get the Race App

Athletes and Spectators are encouraged to download our new Athlinks Race Day App. The app features a variety of quick links, event communications, maps and more to help you navigate race weekend.

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4:00 a.m.

Transition Open – DuSable Harbor

8:00 a.m.

Finish Festival Open – Finish Area

6:00 a.m.

8:45 a.m.

12:00 p.m.

2:00 p.m.

3:00 p.m.

International Race Start — Lake Shore Drive at Balbo Drive Sprint Race Start – Lake Shore Drive at Balbo Drive Awards Ceremony – Finish Area Finish Festival Closes Trolley Service ends

Race Weekend Events

Download the Transamerica Live Athlete Tracker for interactive map, live streams, estimated arrival times and more. Go to: racemyrace.com/chicagotri

Chicago Triathlon Multisport and Fitness Expo Friday, Aug. 25 and Saturday, Aug. 26 Hilton Chicago, 720 S. Michigan

Life Time Kids Tri Chicago Saturday, Aug. 26 Foster Beach, 7:00 a.m.

The Multisport & Fitness Expo, one of the best in the industry, is the site of packet pickup and course talks for the Transamerica Chicago Triathlon, SuperSprint and Life Time Kids Tri races. All Sunday participants (including all relay members) are required to attend. More than 150 exhibitors offer the latest and finest in swimming, cycling, running gear and more. The event is free and open to the public.

The kids race is one the largest events of its kind in the U.S., featuring 1,200 aspiring triathletes. The perfect launching pad for youth, ages 7-14, to break into the sport.

NEW! GILDAN UNDERWEAR RUN

A beginner’s triathlon for anyone 15 years and older, it includes a 375-meter swim, 10K bike and 2.5K run. This year’s race Wave, integrating 100 of Chicago’s again includes the famous blue commuter bikes.

Friday, Aug. 25 Chicago Lakefront, 6:30 p.m.

The Gildan Underwear Run is a fixture to sister race, the New York City Triathlon, and a new addition to the 2017 Transamerica Chicago Triathlon weekend. This 1-mile fun run will be hosted at the lakefront on the Friday of race weekend (full schedule forthcoming). There will be no transitions, no timing chips, no expensive race gear – just 500 strangers running around in their underwear. $10 donation supports the 100 Club of Chicago. Register at chicagotriathlon.com

Chicago Triathlon Supersprint Saturday, Aug. 26 Foster Beach, 10:00 a.m.

Transamerica Chicago Triathlon Sunday, Aug. 27 Monroe Harbor, 6:00 a.m.

The big enchilada. The Sprint and International distance races take place in and around Grant Park, with the swim at Monroe Harbor and a finish at Columbus Drive and Balbo Drive. The post race party is guaranteed to be packed between 8:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m.

ChicagoTriathlon.com

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Official Program August 27, 2017 Start Finish Line Aid Station Mileage Transamerica Transition Area Course Alert

Transamerica Trolly Drop O & Pick up Mobile Transamerica Bike Support Team

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Race Day Spectating

The Transamerica Chicago Triathlon is the world’s largest multisport event. Just as all athletes should properly prepare for the enormity of race day, so should spectators. It’s not uncommon for many to show-up without a plan and become overwhelmed.

A few tips to help the Sunday race viewing experience: • Know exactly what time your athlete starts the swim, and set a meeting point and time to say your goodbyes!

• Plan your logistics, both into Grant Park and throughout the race venue.

Public transit, parking garages, cabs and/or Divvy bikes are all great options – assuming you know which roads remain open to the public. Don’t forget about the free Transamerica Chicago Trolleys that circle Grant Park.

• Learn your athlete’s estimated time to reach specific parts of the course, especially at spectator-friendly spots.

• Know what your athlete will be wearing, to easily spot them on the fly.

• Bring a snack, money for coffee, apply sunscreen and wear comfy shoes!

• Regardless of where you spectate, remember that triathlon is an individual sport.

Unlike the marathon, where handing-off a jacket is common, triathletes can be penalized for outside assistance. This creates unfair advantages in our sport.

Where to Watch

Regardless of the event’s size, the Chicago Tri happens to be one of the most spectator-friendly races on earth, beginning with the unique swim course set in Monroe Harbor.

SWIM: The Swim Course spans the entire lakefront path. Families can kiss each other goodbye as athletes jump in the water, then be no further than 25 yards from them through the duration.

BIKE: The Bike Course is a bit tougher to spectate, considering the inaccessibility of Lake Shore Drive. Sprint athletes can easily be spotted at the Bike In/Out area at the Randolph Circle Drive, and on the North Avenue pedestrian bridge. For International athletes, the best vantage point is atop the 11th Street Pedestrian bridge, overlooking the McCormick Place Busway. Athletes will fly underneath twice, within 5-10 minutes, before venturing on the lakefront Run Course.

RUN: The best spot to view runners is in the Museum Campus, specifically in back of the Field Museum. This is a great spot to photograph your athletes, capturing both the skyline and converging groups of runners in the background. This area is eloquently referred to as the “spaghetti bowl” and is an easy walk back to the Finish Line, only a few hundred yards away on Columbus.

Unique Competitions

While the Chicago Triathlon may be the world’s largest, what makes it special is the amount of boutique programs and special competitions.

Popular programs include: Wave

The sold out program integrates 100 Divvy bikes to Saturday’s SuperSprint race. Although the program was built for new athletes looking to dabble in the sport, nearly half of this year’s participants are speedy veterans looking to test their own mettle.

Triple Challenge

175 participants will compete in the unique 59 mile Triple Challenge, which sold out in record time. Participants will race all three distances throughout the weekend, starting with Saturday’s SuperSprint race.

First-Timers’ Program

In only its third year, the Live Grit First-Timers’ Program has grown to 450 participants. Priority registration for the 2018 edition will be unveiled at the Multisport and Fitness Expo.

100 Club Challenge

The revamped First-Responders’ Competition continues to grow each year. The 100 Club is expected to host 250 active or retired responders while generating $25,000 for the 100 Club of Chicago.

Visit www.ChicagoTriathlon.com to find out more info. about these unique competitions.

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Official Program August 27, 2017

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35 Years of the Chicago Triathlon

What is now known as one of the world’s largest triathlons all started as an idea from an injured Chicago athlete.

By: Holly Petrovich

While you’re swimming in Lake Michigan and riding along Lake Shore Drive at this year’s Transamerica Chicago Triathlon, you may ask yourself, how did this all start?

Well, it almost didn’t. In early 1982, Jan Caille and a group of his friends had the idea to bring a triathlon to Chicago, but they hit some bumps along the way.

Behind the Scenes

Let’s start from the beginning: Caille, who grew up in Chicago, was a triathlete himself, and when he broke his leg in 1982, he was frustrated but still wanted to be involved.

So, bringing the sport to his city was his answer.

Coincidentally, the United States Triathlon Series was also looking at Chicago for its fifth series location at the same time. A USTS production manager called Caille, the two agreed on a partnership, and it would be smooth swimming from there … or so they thought.

Because Caille was well-connected with various companies throughout Chicago through his job at an advertising agency, he was able to quickly get in contact with the mayor, who, at the time was Jane Byrne. Byrne was all for the race, and after meeting with the Chicago Park District for course approvals, Caille and his team were on their way.

Then, the mayoral election of 1983 came along, and the waves rippled. Byrne lost to Harold Washington, who Caille had no relationship with, and although all permits were in place, with 500 registered for the race in 30 days, it was cancelled.

Luckily, unhappy registered athlete Stewart Weltman saved the day, and used his connections at the Chicago Park District to help set up several meetings with the Mayor’s Office of Special Events.

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Official Program August 27, 2017 “About 10 days before the race, we connected with a woman who basically was the head of the office,” Caille says. “She was interested yet unknowledgeable, but she and her daughter were track athletes, and thought if running and the lakefront was involved, she’d approve it.”

In 1988, the Chicago Sun-Times became the title sponsor, and in 1992, the race was an Ironman qualifier and part of the Ironman ProTour series. Then, in 1994, Mrs. T’s Pierogis took over and was the title sponsor for the next eight years.

Although official permits weren’t granted until the day before the race, the first annual USTS Chicago Triathlon was held on August 7, 1983, and had 760 participants.

In 2003, when Accenture became the sponsor, registration for the Chicago Triathlon closed earlier than ever, and this happened again in 2005. By then, the race capacity was 7,500. Accenture also introduced Interactive Messaging Services to provide real-time race updates to racer’s loved ones via land lines, and live webcam views of the finish line. Elite Age Group Competition Divisions were brought to the Accenture Chicago Triathlon in 2005.

From the Start Line

Professional USTS triathlete from San Diego Scott Tinley was ecstatic about the opportunity to race a triathlon in a major metropolitan area, which was basically the first of its kind.

“All other metro triathlons were 15 to 20 miles away from the downtown areas, so to have an event smack dab in the middle of a highly populated area, and running and riding on Lake Shore Drive, was awesome,” Tinley says.

Tinley, 25 at the time, ended up winning the race with a time of 2:20:30, and returned the following three years. His favorite part of the race was the swim, because as a triathlete from California, it was a totally different experience.

The Chicago Triathlon joined the Life Time Fitness Series in 2006, and 2008 was the race’s last year under Accenture, when an elite field of Beijing Olympians competed because Chicago was a finalist for the 2016 Summer Olympics.

In 2010, Life Time Fitness acquired the race from CAPRI events, and in 2012 it was renamed the Life Time Tri Chicago. Finally, in 2014, Transamerica took over and remains its title sponsor today.

“I was used to doing my thing on Mission Bay in San Diego, but then in Chicago, you look up and see the Sears Tower,” Tinley adds. “It was not a culture shock, but an awakening of potentials in the sport, and I felt legit.”

For a first-year race, Tinley was impressed with the level of media attention and professionalism; after crossing the finish line, he was being interviewed by reporters from the Chicago Tribune, Chicago Sun-Times and the Mayor’s Office, and made him feel like a real professional athlete.

The female winner of the first race was Julie Ann Olson from Minneapolis, and both Olson and Tinley were awarded $1,000.

The Next 34 Years

While the first Chicago Triathlon was definitely a memorable one, the race has grown and evolved throughout the decades to what it is today. In fact, in 2007, it was recognized as the “World’s Largest Triathlon” with over 8,000 participants, and the record participation was in 2009 with 9,299 athletes on Sunday alone.

In 35 years, changes are inevitable, and the name of the race was frequently being adjusted; after the first year, Bud Light became the first company to host the event, and immediately participation was doubled. It remained a part of the USTS until 1987, when it joined the Tri-America Series.

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After Life Time bought the event, Caille stayed on board for another three years, having seen the evolution of the race for 30 years.

“It was an amazing experience and I’m incredibly grateful to Chicago and to the people I worked with,” he says. “When you think of how many people’s lives it has affected and changed over 30 years, it’s amazing.”

Course changes were also a common theme in the early years of the race; the original swim went between the Adler Planetarium and the Shedd Aquarium, which is also where the transition was located. In 1991, the aquarium added its whale exhibit, which forced the transition to move to Grand Avenue. Then, due to construction, it was moved again to a parking lot near Navy Pier, and now it is along the Lake Front Path.

“We shuffled around downtown Chicago a lot… one year, we didn’t have a place to do the swim, but someone suggested Monroe Harbor,” Caille recalls. “So, all the boats have to be moved so the area can be cleaned for the swim start and finish, and the harbor people are inconvenienced, but they’ve always been supportive.”

Problems and construction with Lakeshore Drive also resulted in some course adjustments, along with changing start times to ensure the road was cleared by 1 p.m.

“This city continues to embrace the multisport lifestyle, and we attribute the continued success of the Chicago Triathlon to three things: the history of this event, the city’s lakefront as a training venue (especially Ohio St Beach), and the reinvented course experience (back in 2014),” Scott Hutmacher says, current Brand Manager of Life Time Tri. Despite all the changes, seven-time winner Michellie Jones says the race has always had the same vibe.

“I haven’t raced in a while, but it’s still one of my favorite races,” Jones says. “You never know what you’re going to get; they call it the Windy City for a reason, because you never know what the water and the weather will be like. On paper it looks like it’s not a bad course, but it is quite challenging with the environmental factors.”

Jones is originally from Australia, and came to the United States in 1991, when she competed, and started her winning streak at the Chicago Triathlon.

“The course just suited my style of racing, and I always thought it was this really cool race,” Jones adds. “Being able to hold a triathlon with so many athletes in such a big city is unbelievable.”

Hutmacher’s history with the Chicago Triathlon actually began in 2002, when he raced the event with his brother.

“I vividly remember marching down the start chute with 100 other strangers. Lake Michigan sat in front of us, the Chicago skyline behinds us, and thousands of spectators surrounded us,” he reflects.

“That was one of the most stunning, yet most terrifying moments in my life.”

Now, Hutmacher revels in the history and camaraderie of the event each year.

“On Race Day, I always make it a point to spend time at the swim start. I love to interact with our athletes, especially the first-timers - acknowledging those same fears, reinforcing their readiness and celebrating what’s soon to come,” Hutmacher adds.

“There’s nothing like watching someone literally jump into the abyss, work through an epic challenge, then come out a better person on the other end.”

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Official Program August 27, 2017

New Triathlon Innovations

Continuing its commitment to grow the sport of triathlon, the Life Time Tri Series, produced by Life Time®, Healthy Way of Life, introduces new athlete-friendly innovations and format changes to make the sport simpler, more accessible and more exciting for new and veteran athletes.

Among the pioneering changes to the eight-race Life Time Tri Series will be the inaugural Life Time Tri New York City Championship, which will be held at the 2018 2XU New York City Triathlon. The Life Time Tri Championship will reward the fastest age group athletes, as well as those who race in multiple Life Time Tri events, with a VIP race experience in one of the most sought after endurance events set in one of the most iconic cities in the world. Combined, these enhancements are set to improve on an already best-in-class race experience and underscore Life Time Tri’s status as America’s premier, short-course triathlon series.

Triathlon Made Better

To make triathlons friendly and accessible to new triathletes and enhance the experience of seasoned athletes, the Life Time Tri Series will offer a range of initiatives designed to help take away some of the headaches and barriers to race travel, preparation and participation. Unlike anything currently available in short course triathlon, the enhancements (launching now through 2018) will include:

A Simpler Experience

• No Hidden Fees: Finally, all-inclusive race registration pricing, which includes insurance and race registration fees – and no requirement for a USA Triathlon membership.

• Coach Support: Expert coaches provide free, online training programs upon registration, as well as face to face race insights at every event.

• New Officiating: No more surprises. Life Time Tri will utilize IRONMAN® and ITU rules assessment, including implementing penalty tents.

First-Timer Accessibility

• Education and Training Programs: Free educational programs in every race market, from Tri101 webinars to first-timer programs (select markets), plus free to feebased physical training programs, from training guides, to open water swim clinics, to one-on-one coaching.

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• Scholarships: Life Time Tri will donate 12 slots at every 2018 Life Time Tri Series race through an opt-in scholarship program to make triathlon accessible for those that may not be able to afford it. Individuals may elect to nominate others, or themselves, by submitting a short, “why triathlon matters to me,” essay.

• Beginner-Friendly Experiences: First timers may elect to start together, in non-competitive waves. Special bib identifiers will help drum-up support from crowds and race volunteers.

• More Indoor Tris: The ultimate, intimidation-free way to get a taste of tri, hosted at 80 Life Time destinations this year.

More Convenience

• Choose Your Start: Athletes will be able to select their own race experience, choosing from their own start time, competitive nature or even alongside friends and family.

• Flexible Packet Pick Up: Select events will allow athletes to pick up their packets on race morning.

Additional fees apply.

• Transition Access: Select events will allow for flexible transition access, meaning more sleep for those racing later (or an earlier afternoon nap).

More Excitement

• Real-Time Finish Recognition: New technology, powered by Athlinks, will recognize those who set a PR, or who finish their first triathlon – right there in the finish chute!

• Experimental Race Formats: Select events will offer unique, limited iterations of the classic swim-bike-run formats, including Chicago’s Triple Challenge and Mixed Relays in San Diego.

• A New Series Championship: As Life Time Tri events are now coast-to-coast, a competitive national structure is ready to be unveiled: 2018 Life Time Tri New York City Championship

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Official Program August 27, 2017

JULY 1, 2018

To qualify for the championship, International distance athletes must either place in the top three of their age group or competitive class, or cross a Life Time Tri finish line placing in the top half of their age group, in at least two separate regions during the qualifying race season, which concludes at the 2018 Life Time Tri CapTex Triathlon. Future Life Time Tri Championship seasons will follow a similar calendar. Non-qualifying age group athletes will still be able to race the iconic 2XU New York City Triathlon in 2018 through lottery and charity slots.

Life Time will roll out the red carpet for all qualifiers in the 2018 Life Time Tri Championship event.

Participants will a variety of perks, including: • Complimentary Bike Shipping to/from New York City (first 50) • Access to a $50,000 prize purse • VIP Finish Line tickets, incredible Swag bags and much more Those who qualify at this year’s Chicago Triathlon will be able to register for the 2018 Championship on-site, within the Awards Ceremony. For more full details, please visit LifeTimeTri.com

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2018 LIFE TIME TRI CHAMPIONSHIP QUALIFYING RACE SEASON INCLUDES: Saturday, July 8, 2017 Life Time Tri Minneapolis Minneapolis, MN

Sunday, September 24, 2017 Escape to Miami Triathlon Miami, FL

Sunday, July 16, 2017 2XU New York City Triathlon New York, New York

Sunday, October 15, 2017 Life Time Tri San Diego San Diego, CA

Saturday, August 27, 2017 Transamerica Chicago Triathlon Chicago, IL

Sunday, April 15, 2018 South Beach Triathlon Miami, FL

Sunday, September 17, 2017 Life Time Tri Tempe Tempe, AZ

Monday, May 28, 2018 Life Time Tri CapTex Austin, TX

SEP. 24, 2017 Don’t miss Chicago’s historic half atop scenic Lake Shore Drive. Complimentary shuttle transit included for the first 5,000, plus a HUGE finisher medal worthy of Chicago’s big shoulders.

CHICAGOHALFMARATHON.COM

Championship

Hudson or Bust.

The inaugural 2018 Life Time Tri Championship, hosted within the 2XU New York City Triathlon, recognizes and rewards the fastest amateur athletes across the Life Time Tri Series. Qualifying into this world-class event includes big perks: free bike shipping, a $50K prize purse and a VIP race experience within the heart of the world’s most iconic city. Learn more: LifeTimeTri.com

July 1, 2018 LifeTimeTri.com #LTTChamp Remaining 2017-2018 Qualifying Events Chicago 8.27.17 Escape 9.24.17 South Beach 4.15.18 Tempe 9.17.17 San Diego 10.15.17 CapTex 5.28.18