Chicago Triathlon: all you need to know

The Chicago Triathlon, a cornerstone of the American multisport scene, has a rich history that mirrors the growth of triathlon itself. 

Since its inception in 1983, the Chicago Triathlon has become one of the largest short-course triathlon in the United States, attracting thousands of participants each year to the shores of Lake Michigan. 

Now owned by Supertri, Chicago Triathlon offers a variety of distances, making it accessible to everyone from first-time triathletes to seasoned professionals.

In 2025, the event will run on Saturday 23 August and Sunday 24 August. 

A storied history

The idea for a triathlon in Chicago was born in the early 1980s, a time when the sport was just beginning to capture the public’s imagination. 

Jan Caille, a local triathlete, was instrumental in bringing the event to life. 

In partnership with the United States Triathlon Series (USTS), the inaugural Chicago Triathlon took place on 7 August 1983. 

Despite the challenges of securing permits, which were not granted until the day before the race, the event was a success, with 760 participants. 

The first male and female winners, Scott Tinley and Julie Ann Olson, each won $1,000.

The race quickly grew in popularity. By 1984, the number of participants had more than doubled, and the Chicago Triathlon earned the title of “World’s Largest Triathlon.” 

Over the years, the event has been sponsored by a variety of companies, including Bud Light, Mrs. T’s Pierogis, and Accenture. 

In 2006, it became part of the Life Time Fitness Series, and in 2014, Transamerica took over as the title sponsor. 

Most recently, Supertri acquired the race in early 2023, making it a stop on their professional racing circuit. 

This move has brought a new level of excitement to the event, with age-group athletes now having the opportunity to watch professional triathletes compete on a draft-legal course.

The course

The Chicago Triathlon is known for its stunning course, which showcases the city’s beautiful skyline and lakefront. 

The race offers several distances, including the International (Olympic), sprint, and super-sprint, as well as a kids’ Triathlon.

The swim

The swim portion of the race takes place in Monroe Harbor, with the city’s skyscrapers providing the backdrop. 

The water temperature in Lake Michigan can vary, but it is typically wetsuit-legal. 

The rolling start, which was introduced to improve safety and reduce congestion, allows athletes to begin the race in small groups.

The bike

The bike course takes athletes along a completely closed Lake Shore Drive, offering unparalleled views of the city and the lake. 

The course is famously flat and fast, with the only elevation gain coming from short ramps and bridges. 

A section on Lower Wacker Drive, an underground road, provides a welcome respite from the wind. 

The final portion of the bike course takes place on the McCormick Place Busway, an open-air road that runs below ground level.

The run

The run routes through the heart of Chicago’s downtown, passing the city’s most famous landmarks, including Buckingham Fountain, the Shedd Aquarium, the Field Museum, and Soldier Field. 

The race finishes on Columbus Drive, in the middle of Grant Park, amid skyscrapers and cheering spectators.

Which distances can you race?

The triathlon distances on offer in Chicago range from mid-length to short courses. 

• International (Olympic) distance: This is the longest individual distance offered. It consists of a 1.5km (0.93mi) swim, a 40km (24.8-mi) bike ride, and a 10km (6.2mi) run.
• Sprint distance: A shorter but still challenging option, the sprint distance includes a 750m (0.47mi) swim, a 24km (15-mi) bike ride, and a 5km (3.1mi) run.
• Supersprint: This is a great option for beginners or those looking for a fast and fun race. The supersprint consists of a 375m (0.23mi) swim, a 10km (6.2mi) bike ride, and a 2.5km (1.5mi) run.
• Kids’ triathlon: The Chicago Triathlon is a family-friendly event, with two distances for young athletes:

• Kids Jr. (ages 7-10): 100m swim, 3.5km (2.2mi) bike, and a 1km (0.62mi) run
• Kids Sr. (ages 11-14): 200m swim, 7km (4.4mi) bike, and a 2km (1.24mi) run.

In addition to these individual races, you can also participate in the Triple Challenge, which involves completing all three distances (International, Sprint, and SuperSprint) for the fastest cumulative time. The average finishing time is 5:22:38.

There are also relay options for the Sprint and International distances, where a team of 2-3 people can complete the race together.

How much does it cost to enter?

The entry fees are as follows:

• Supersprint: $170 individual / $240 per relay team
• Sprint: $260 individual / $395 per relay team
• International: $320 individual / $460 per relay team 
• Triple Challenge: $495 individual only
• Junior kids: $145 individual / $195 per relay team
• Senior kids: $145 individual / $195 per relay team

All entries include a medal, t-shirt, timing, post-race food and the expo experience. VIP packages are also available. 

What is the race schedule?

Saturday 23 August

• 7:00am: Kids junior
• 8:00am: Kids senior
• 10:00am: Supersprint

Sunday 24 August

• 6:00am: International
• 8:00am: Sprint
• 10:00am: Triple Challenge 

Do you have to qualify?

For most racers, there are no performance-based qualification requirements to enter the Chicago Triathlon.

Registration is open to the public on a first-come, first-served basis. 

As it stands, there are few spots left for International, Sprint and Supersprint. Availability looks good for the children’s races but the Triple Challenge is sold out.  

Here’s what you need to know about entering:

• Open registration: sign up on the official Chicago Triathlon website when registration opens.
• Be quick: Due to its immense popularity, the race, particularly the Triple Challenge and certain individual distances, can sell out very quickly. It is highly recommended to register as early as possible once registration is announced.
• First-timers’ program: The event actively encourages newcomers with a dedicated “First-Timers’ Program,” which includes educational sessions and special support on race weekend to ensure a positive and less intimidating experience.
• Corporate and charity entries: Another way to secure a spot is by participating in the Corporate Challenge or joining a charity team. These options often have fundraising commitments but can provide a guaranteed entry.

In short, for amateur athletes, the only entry requirement is registering before all the spots are filled.

For Professional Athletes

The professional race at the Chicago Triathlon is part of the Supertri series, which is a closed professional league.

• Elite Contracts: Professionals do not go through the general registration. They are typically elite athletes who hold professional licenses from their home country’s triathlon federation (like USA Triathlon).
• Invitation/Recruitment: Athletes are recruited and contracted to race in the Supertri League, often as part of specific teams. This is a highly selective process based on world rankings, previous performances in elite-level races, and the needs of the league and its franchised teams.

So, unless you are a licensed professional triathlete competing on the elite global circuit, you will be looking at the open registration process available to all age-group competitors.

If you’re looking for more destination triathlons, read our list of the best triathlons to do before you die.