Longmont Triathlon Weekend: A Triathlon for Everyone

The Longmont Triathlon has been a long standing annual event in the now City of Longmont.
In 1981, the first Longmont Triathlon started with 56 participants.
The event was held as 3 separate events. The run was a 10K that started at 9am, the 25 mile bike race started at noon and the 1000 meter swim began at 3pm – truly an all day event! There were no transition times, but the times for all three individual events were added together to determine the winner. Overall winners that year were Patti McNitt and Dennis Wilson, both in the 20-29 age category. The cost for the race, which included a 50/50 t-shirt and refreshments, was $12. The oldest age group offered was 40 and over.
This format continued for one more year with the bike changing from 25 miles to 19 in the second year. In subsequent years, the race was combined so all events were consecutive. In addition, the course has seen numerous changes most dictated by road construction and the growth of Longmont on the East side of town.
In 2004, the event grew to include the youth of the area with their own event. Now in it’s 12th year, the Kids Only Triathlon offers a great event for hundreds of youth ages 5-17yrs old.
In 2011, the Try-a-Tri was added to the weekend schedule. The Try-a-Tri offers those wanting to give Triathlon a go an opportunity to participate in a shorter distance event . This event offers a 200 yd swim, a 4.5 mile bike and 1.2 mile run. This is a great event that allows adults of every ability level to give Triathlon a try.
In 2014, the Longmont Triathlon almost didn’t happen. With scheduling conflicts, construction and complaints from the east Longmont neighborhoods, the triathlon was almost shut down. But when the local triathlon community got wind, they went before the Longmont City Council and lobbied for the event to be saved. With a 7-0 vote, the Longmont City Council unanimously supported continuing the tradition.
Save the Longmont Triathlon
Putting on an event like this is a HUGE labor of love for all involved. Sara Taylor has been race director of the Kids Only Triathlon since it’s beginning in 2004. In 2015, she took on the Adult and Try-a-Tri as well. She and her staff work tirelessly to put on these great events.
If you haven’t been a part of the Longmont Triathlon in the past, here’s your opportunity. Sign up to participate or sign up to volunteer.
Online Registration
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Help keep a great tradition going.
The Longmont Triathlon is becoming a historic event in Longmont and, with a 7-0 vote in 2014, the Longmont City Council unanimously supported continuing the tradition.