Triathlon is one of the world's fastest growing sports, with over one million people participanting each year.
With our state's winding country roads and crystal clear lakes, it's no wonder Connecticut hosts more than 60 triathlons, and close to a hundred other races each year from May through November.
Several of them are right in our neck of the woods and chances are you know someone who is attempting a multi-sport race this season.
Connecticut's outdoor Triathlon/Duathlon season begins locally this weekend with a brand new event sponsored by the Waterbury YMCA. The Downtown Duathlon, a bike and run event as well as a 5K, sets off on Saturday May 3 at 8 a.m. Registration and information can be obtained by clicking here.
Later in the season, racers from all over the state and beyond will begin to converge here in the area for the uber popular Rev3 Triathlon that is held every year at Quassy Amusement Park.
This year's Rev 3 Half Iron Man Tri will be on May 31. The Pat Griskus Olympic Distance Tri and Duathlon, also at Quassy, will be held on June 14 beginning at 7 a.m. and the shorter sprint distance Triathlon on July 9.
These races, which begin at Quassy Amusement Park, set off into Lake Quassapaug and then traverse through miles of streets in Woodbury and beyond. Woodbury's Board of Selectmen have already approved road use in town for these events, so be on the lookout for bikes and runners, on the road during these races.
Other local area triathlons also include the Hopkins Vineyard Triathlon at Lake Waramaug on July 19, the Litchfield Hills Triathlon on July 20 in New Hartford, the Sandy Beach Triathlon August 1 in Bantam.
For an extensive list of races, check out the Hartford Extended Area Triathlete website. The list includes Connecticut marathons, half marathons, 5K, 10K, obstacle races and kids races to ensure an active summer!
For those willing to try the sport, or those looking for a group vibe, the Waterbury YMCA hosts a Triathlon Club each year and gives members, newbies and veterans alike, the support they need to train for these races.
In addition to swim techniques in the YMCA pool, the Triathlon Club hosts open water swims on Lake Quassapaug, spinning classes, and group bike rides and group runs. For information on the Y Tri Club, click here.
Photo courtesy: Hopkins Vineyard Triathlon