Women in triathlon: Breaking barriers and growing the sport

Triathlon has long been seen as a male-dominated sport, but women are increasingly making their mark, not just as athletes but as race directors, organizers, and key decision-makers shaping the future of the sport.

One such female is Jennifer Lau, Vice President at Action Sports Events at IMG, the company that owns the challenging Escape from Alcatraz Triathlon. Lau brings the kind of insight to the industry that is helping to evolve the role of women in triathlon. Lau has over 25 years experience in the sports and entertainment business, specializing in event production and brand partnerships.

As an increasing number of women join the sport on course and behind the scenes, there is a visible impact on age group and professional racing tours like Professional Triathletes Organization (PTO)’s T100 World Tour, and how the sport is working to attract more female participants. Lau plays an important role in improving the opportunities and race experience for women.

The rise of women in triathlon

When IMG first took over the Escape from Alcatraz Triathlon in 2004, female participation was a mere 12 to 13 per cent of the athlete field. Today, that number has more than doubled, reaching 25 to 30 per cent, with peak years surpassing 37 per cent. This increase reflects a broader trend in endurance sports as more women discover the physical and mental benefits of triathlon, whether for personal challenge, fitness, or competitive growth.

“We’re finding more and more female athletes continuously signing up for this race,” said Lau. “Many are transitioning from single-sport backgrounds—runners, swimmers, cyclists, and embracing triathlon as their next challenge.”

Why More Women Are Entering the Sport

Several key factors have contributed to this shift, explained Lau. There has been greater visibility of women in endurance sports, thanks to media coverage and professional female triathletes inspiring newcomers.

The race experience has improved, with organizers paying closer attention to female-specific needs, from training plans to race-day logistics. A better understanding of training volume, making it easier for working professionals, mothers, and beginners to fit triathlon into their lives. It also brings a growing sense of community, where women find encouragement and support through local clubs, online groups, and mentorship programs.

Women in Leadership: Changing the Face of Race Organization

Beyond the athlete field, more women are stepping into leadership roles within triathlon, helping to shape the sport’s future. From event management and marketing to race operations and sponsorship negotiations, female professionals are ensuring that events like Escape from Alcatraz Triathlon offer an inclusive and supportive environment for all participants.

“Having women in leadership allows us to be more attuned to the unique needs of female athletes,” said Lau. “From customer service to race logistics, we can create better experiences that make triathlon more accessible and enjoyable for everyone.”

One example is the growth in female race directors and event managers, many of whom are former triathletes themselves. Their firsthand experience helps ensure races are designed with all participants in mind, addressing everything from race-day support to equal prize money and sponsorship opportunities for female pros.

How PTO and the T100 Are Amplifying Triathlon

For decades, Ironman has been the dominant name in long-distance triathlon, but the PTO is shaking things up with its new T100 World Tour. The global race series was designed to showcase elite triathletes and bring greater visibility to the sport.

By partnering with events like Escape from Alcatraz Triathlon, the T100 World Tour provides a unique opportunity for age group athletes to race alongside the pros, bringing new media exposure, sponsorships, and excitement to the sport.

“Triathletes are a small but incredibly dedicated community. What the T100 is doing is amplifying the sport, giving it the visibility it deserves,” explained Lau. “The more eyes we get on the sport, the more we can inspire the next generation of athletes, especially women.”

This increased visibility could also help bridge the gender gap in professional triathlon, ensuring female triathletes receive equal opportunities, sponsorship deals, and prize money as their male counterparts.

What’s Next? Encouraging More Women to Try Triathlon

With female participation numbers steadily rising, the next step is ensuring continued growth by supporting women at every level of the sport. With more beginner-friendly races and training programs tailored to new athletes the sport can feel less intimidating and easier to access. Highlighting female role models in triathlon to inspire and mentor newcomers reinforces women’s legitimacy and importance in the sport. Ensuring accessibility, from affordable gear options to family-friendly race structures, can broaden the scope of potential participants.

As endurance sports continue to evolve, it is clear that women are not just part of the future of triathlon, they are helping shape it and deliver it into the future for continued success.