Triathlon Returns to New York City with the 2026 Big Apple Triathlon

After years of uncertainty, triathlon is set to return to one of the world’s most iconic sporting stages. The Big Apple Triathlon, presented by Alpha Win Racing, will take place on October 10th, 2026, marking a renewed chapter for multisport in New York City. For a sport that once held a firm foothold in Manhattan, the event represents a meaningful revival.

A Legacy Interrupted

For more than two decades, triathlon had a defining presence in New York. Beginning in the early 2000s, the city became home to one of the sport’s most recognizable races. A Hudson River swim, a bike along the West Side Highway, and a run through Central Park combined to create a bucket-list experience that drew thousands of participants each year.

At its peak, the race stood as a cornerstone of the North American calendar. But maintaining the event in a city as complex as New York proved increasingly difficult. From 2017 onward, a series of challenges began to erode consistency. Extreme weather, water quality concerns, and pandemic-related disruptions all took their toll. By early 2024, the race was officially sidelined.

A Long-Awaited and Exciting Return

The arrival of the Big Apple Triathlon signals a deliberate effort to bring the sport back to New York.

“I felt there was a real need for a triathlon in the greatest city in the world,” said race organizer Tommy Struzzieri. “So many athletes have been asking for the opportunity to race here again.”

“There is nothing like New York City,” Struzzieri continued. “When you combine the course with the energy and atmosphere of New York, it creates an experience that is very different from any other race.”

The event will feature sprint and Olympic distance races alongside Aquabike and relay divisions, opening participation to a wide spectrum of athletes. Para athletes, triathlon clubs, and first-time triathletes are all part of the event’s design, supported by resources aimed at easing entry into the sport.

The long-term ambition also extends beyond a single successful race day.

“The goal is to hold this event annually for many years to come,” Struzzieri said. “Once we demonstrate that triathlon can thrive again in New York City, the possibilities for the future are tremendous.”

Registration for the Big Apple Triathlon is now open.