The New York City Triathlon will take place on October 10th, with more than 2,000 participants expected from 30 states in the US and 13 countries. Known as the “Big Apple Triathlon”, the event will lead athletes to swim in the Hudson River, cycle along the West Side Highway, and finish with a run through Central Park, offering a unique experience showcasing iconic city landscapes of New York.
This marks the return of the triathlon to New York City since 2023. In 2023, heavy rain affected the event and led to the cancellation of the swimming segment due to poor water conditions in the Hudson River. In 2024, the previous organizer, Supertri, failed to coordinate with the city government to find a suitable date for the competition, resulting in the event being completely canceled. After a three-year hiatus, the urban triathlon will make a comeback in New York this year.
The competition includes two categories: Sprint and Olympic distances. The Sprint category comprises a 1,500-meter swim, 12.4 miles (approximately 20 kilometers) bike ride, and a 2.5-mile (about 4 kilometers) run; while the Olympic distance includes a 1,500-meter swim, 24.8 miles (around 40 kilometers) bike ride, and a 6.2-mile (about 10 kilometers) run. Official information reveals that the event also offers relay and Aquabike categories and welcomes participants with disabilities for the Para-triathlon.
In addition to the competition itself, many athletes’ stories have been drawing attention this year. One such individual is Grégoire Berthon, a Para-triathlon athlete from France. Berthon was already a high-level triathlete before a serious skiing accident in 2022 left him in a coma for a month. Following seven months of hospitalization and rehabilitation, during which he had to relearn basic skills like speaking, reading, sitting up, and walking, he returned to Para-triathlon, joined the French national team, and achieved fifth place in the PTS4 category at the 2024 Paris Paralympics. In New York, he will once again challenge himself by participating in this urban triathlon for the first time, adding a new dimension to his sporting career.
For first-time participants, diving into the Hudson River is undeniably one of the most anticipated and challenging parts of the event. The organizers, Alpha Win, have stated that the competition will be conducted in accordance with the regulations of the USA Triathlon and will assess the suitability of the swimming segment based on water conditions and safety standards.
After nearly 40 years of environmental control and restoration efforts, the water quality of the Hudson River has significantly improved, with its shores gradually becoming an important recreational and sporting space for New Yorkers. For the participants, starting from the Hudson River, riding along the West Side Highway, and finishing the final running leg in Central Park will not only test their physical endurance but also provide a unique event experience as they traverse the cityscape of New York.