For the handful of multi-sport zealots looking for the ultimate Chicago Triathlon experience, we offer the Triple Challenge — one of race weekend’s most in-demand special competitions.
Officially launched in 2007, the Triple Challenge offers a small number of triathletes the opportunity to register and compete in three events in a single weekend — for a total of 59 miles that includes:
- Swim: 1.63 miles
- Bike: 46.3 miles
- Run: 10.85 miles
Participants race three separate event distances during the weekend, starting with the Chicago Triathlon SuperSprint on Saturday at Foster Beach. On Sunday, Triple participants will start in the first International distance wave (6:00 a.m. estimated start time, subject to change), followed by the final Sprint distance wave (9:45 a.m. estimated start time, subject to change).
NOTE: it is strongly recommended that athletes can comfortably finish the International distance race within 3 hours, ensuring adequate time to exit the Finish Line, return to the Swim Start and prepare for their final (Sprint) race.
Program Details
- The Triple Challenge sells out year after year, limited to the first 175 participants.
- Participants who attempt to register for all three races separately WILL NOT be eligible for the Triple Challenge competition. Further, those who attempt to register for both the Sprint and International races (separately) will be unable to race both events, as wave start times are specially set for this group. Only registered Triple Challenge athletes are able to complete this event.
- Triple Challenge participants will utilize one race number for the entire weekend, yet receive multiple race bibs and helmet/bike stickers (all with the same number).
- Triple Challenge participants begin in the same waves both Saturday and Sunday. Triple challenge athletes rack together in transition (and utilize the same transition rack for both races on Sunday).
- Each Triple Challenge participant will receive:
- A Chicago Triathlon T-shirt, two swim caps, race bib number, helmet number, bike number, color-coded wrist band, and timing envelope/chip/strap and race bag.
- Those who officially start and finish all three events will earn a commemorative “Triple Challenge” finisher’s jacket.
- Awards will be given to the overall fastest three Triple Challenge participants (male and female).
- Triple Challenge participants are not eligible for individual age group awards within the SuperSprint, Sprint, or International events.
- Be sure you affix the correct chip/strap to your ankle for the appropriate event, or you may not receive the correct times for one or more of the three events.
- Cumulative time is tabulated from all three events, with the top three females and males earning Triple Challenge awards.
Weekend Logistics
In order to successfully complete the Triple Challenge, participants must abide by several NEW special logistical requirements, including:
Packet Pick-Up | Friday, August 27, 2021
- Triple Challenge participants MUST retrieve their race packets on Friday at the Multisport & Fitness Expo. Triple athletes have a private kiosk at the Expo, supported by a dedicated weekend concierge team!
- Mandatory Athlete Briefing: Like all Sunday participants, all Triple Challenge participants must first attend a mandatory Athlete Briefing (on Friday) at the Expo prior to picking up their packets.
SuperSprint | Saturday, August 28, 2021
- Please be aware the first race is Saturday’s SuperSprint Tri, located at Foster Beach, approximately 7 miles north of downtown Chicago. There is no early racking option for this event. Plan travel accordingly as there will be no shuttle service on Saturday. All athletes for this race are responsible for their own transportation.
- Early Bike Racking: Following the SuperSprint race, Triple Challenge athletes have the option (and are encouraged) to rack their bikes in the Chicago Triathlon Transition area on Saturday between 2:00 and 6:00 PM. All Triple Challenge participants are racked in the same area. Otherwise, Transition opens Sunday at 4:00 AM.
International & Sprint Race | Sunday, August 29, 2021
- Special Gear Transport for Sprint Swim: Triple Challenge participants will be allowed back into Transition between International and Sprint races. However, we encourage Triple Challenge participants to use our swim valet service in Transition. Life Time will provide the special swim valet bags at the expo. Any gear including wetsuits, goggles, swim caps, and anything else they will need for the Sprint distance swim should be placed inside. Our Triples Swim Valet staff will transport the bag to the special Triples Swim Valet area of Swim Start.
- Post International Finish: Once finishing their International race, Triples will exit through the runner refresh area and proceed to the Triple Challenge area at the Swim Start. Triples will retrieve their swim equipment, pack their run gear (shoes, socks, glasses, cap, race bib, etc.) in a separate gear check bag and proceed back to the Swim Start to begin their final race.
- Post Sprint Swim: Upon exiting the water for the last time, Triples will proceed to Transition to complete the rest of the Sprint race. Triple Challenge athletes using the swim valet service need two sets of run gear. Both should be placed with their bike in Transition.
- Post Sprint Finish: Done! As the Triples successfully complete their final race, they will congregate at a new Triple Challenge Tent setup in the Finish Area. Those who successfully complete the challenge will receive a Triple Challenge finishers’ jacket!
Triples Using Transition
- By Sunday morning before entering transition, you will need to have decided which of the following options you will use on race day:
- Option 1: Go back into transition between the two races to leave your running gear and collect your swim gear.
- You will be allowed to access transition on Sunday between the races, however you will have to enter and exit via the north-east Sprint athlete entrance, not bike out or run in.
- This will involve a 2 mile walk from International race finish to transition then on to Sprint swim start.
- Please take this time into account when planning your race day since you will have to be at Sprint swim start at the scheduled time.
- Complete the Sprint race.
- Visit us at the Triple Challenge finish area tent to collect your finisher’s jacket and enjoy some refreshments and camaraderie.
- Option 2: Utilize our included “swim valet” service if you do not wish to return to transition between the International and Sprint races. Important swim valet details:
- Use of the swim valet service will necessitate you having two sets of running gear in transition, placed there during the 4:00-5:45am check-in timeframe.
- How swim valet works:
- When finishing the International swim, proceed to transition normally.
- In transition, place the swim items you want for the Sprint swim (wetsuit, goggles and swim cap only) in the special swim valet bag that will be provided to you.
- Leave this bag at your rack and head out on the International bike course.
- We will transport your swim valet bags from transition to the gear check area at swim start.
- Once you complete the International race, proceed to the swim start gear check area and retrieve your swim valet bag.
- Check in your first set of running gear at the regular swim start gear check station, for pickup after the Sprint race at the finish area gear check location.
- Complete the Sprint swim, and leave your swim gear in transition.
- Complete the Sprint race.
- Visit us at the Triple Challenge finish area tent to collect your finisher’s jacket and enjoy some refreshments and camaraderie.
- Option 1: Go back into transition between the two races to leave your running gear and collect your swim gear.
*Times and details subject to change pending city approval