All participants must be at least 14 years of age to participate in the New York City Triathlon produced by Life Time. This applies to all distances offered (International Individual Tri, International Tri Relay, Duathlon).
Participants within these divisions are primarily focused on speed, each of whom are eligible for competitive awards within their specific group. Competitive categories include:
Professionals
The New York City Triathlon produced by Life Time hosts an exhibition race for professional triathletes. In 2021, the prize purse was reinstated and has been increased for the 2023 race! To qualify, athletes must own a current, industry-designated “Professional” triathlete racing card from their home country. More info on the Pro competition.
Premier
Formerly known as the “Elite Amateur” division, these are extremely fast, non-professional athletes competing in the International distance. Premier athletes start early in the wave order, and are subdivided by gender, each of whom must meet (and submit proof of) qualifying times for eligibility:
The Premier category features men and women waves. Other special implications include:
Age Groups
All individuals are automatically placed in this category, unless choosing a different division during the registration process. Age groups are subdivided by gender and five-year age increments (e.g. 20-24, 25-29, 30-34, etc.) ranging from 19 & Under to 80+. It is important to note that Age Groups are assigned based on athlete age as of December 31 of race year (thus no changes during the calendar year). Award medals given to winners in the Individual International Tri distance only.
Clydesdale / Athena
Generally heavier participants may opt-into this division. Clydesdales and Athenas can register through general entry, through VIP, through Official Teams or race on behalf of one of our Charity Partners. These athletes are subdivided by gender, each of whom must meet these minimum weight requirements, and may be required to weigh-in prior to competition:
First Responders
This division is open to all active duty safety personnel (Fire, Police, EMS, Military, Government Agencies, etc.). Proof of status must be presented at Packet Pickup. First Responders are subdivided by gender and the Overall male/female finisher will receive an award.
Paratriathletes
The New York City Triathlon produced by Life Time welcomes athletes of all abilities, and is one of the world’s most PC friendly courses. The Hudson River swim is fast since you swim with the current. The West Side Highway bike is a paved one loop course. The run is across 96th Street with a loop of paved Central Park. Paratriathletes are subdivided by gender and divisions. Click here to learn about participation options at this year’s event. *Course and competition details subject to change.
Relay Teams
Teams of 2 or 3 athletes will divide and conquer the International Tri distance together. Only overall awards will be given to the first place teams in each of the following categories:
• Men
• Women
• Mixed (co-ed)
• Paratri Male
• Paratri Female
• Paratri Mixed (co-ed)
• Mixed Paratri/Able-bodied (minimum 2 legs completed by para athlete)
Participants in these divisions are primarily focused on the experience at hand, either racking together in Transition or starting alongside others not typically associated with their peer group. Recreational divisions are not eligible for competitive awards, and capacities may be limited at specific events. Recreational categories include:
First Timers
This new, non-competitive division allows those participating in their first outdoor triathlon to start alongside fellow first-timers, free of intimidation from others. First-Timers will be grouped together in Transition, with periodic support from event staff, coaches and officials. This group will start towards the end of their respective distances.
Friends & Family
This new, non-competitive division provides an opportunity for friends and family to enjoy the day together. Note: To help ensure athletes are both racked (in Transition) and start within proximity of peers, we encourage friends/family to register at the same time, as the start order is chronological by registration timestamp. Friends & Family participants will receive periodic support from event staff, coaches and officials. The Friends and Family group will start toward the end of their respective distances.
Relay Teams
Participants have the option to enter varying distances as a relay team, consisting of 2–3 individuals. Teams may elect which person will complete each specific discipline. Team members share a single timing chip, which is passed from one team member to another in transition. While not all relay teams are competitive by nature, the top 3 performing teams are eligible for competitive awards. Relay teams are subdivided into these groups:
ALL team members must be in Transition at 5:15 a.m. on race day. This means that the biker and runner of the relay team must arrive to Transition prior to 5:15 a.m. If an athlete arrives after 5:15 a.m., you will not be able to enter and compete in that leg of the race. We understand this makes for a very long day, but it is something that we must do to ensure the safety of our athletes. Remember to bring the paper, take a nap, call your mom or cheer on your fellow athletes! Relay Teams can register through general entry, through Champions Club, through Official Teams or race on behalf of one of our Charity Partners.
Make New York YOUR Club’s Championship!
The Triathlon Club Championship is a great way to bring your club together and earn some serious bragging rights. There is no additional cost to enter the Triathlon Club Championship. Athletes must select their club affiliation when registering for the New York City Triathlon. If you don’t see your club listed on the drop down, make sure to write it in!
Points are awarded to clubs in the following manner:
Please note: Relay teams are not included in point totals
Questions? Contact Athlete Services at info@nyctri.com.