Seventies-themed Race Series: USA Triathlon Retro Tri

New to the sport? Want to race without “racing?” There is a growing trend in endurance event to emphasize participation over results. Despite being USAT Sanctioned, the USA Triathlon Retro Tri Series aims to broaden awareness of triathlon and encourage active living. Some events are not even timed. Celebrating the early days of the sport, the Retro Series encourages participants to wear 1970’s themed attire. After a successful inaugural season in 2013, fifteen beginner-friendly events from across the US have been announced for 2014.

Last season saw over 700 athletes take part in the Retro Tri Series with events geared toward adult and youth competitors (13 years and older) alike. The races feature a 300-400 yard swim, 5-10 mile bike and 2-5 kilometer run. Seven of the 2013 events are again on the schedule for this year, and eight more have been added.

“Partnering with USA Triathlon for the 2013 Retro Tri Series was one of the best decisions I made as a race director,” said Angie Kandalaft, Owner of Chasing 3 Timing and Race Productions and organizer of the Rio Grande Retro Sprint in Albuquerque, N.M. “The race was upbeat and exciting, fun for all abilities and the athletes completely embraced the the theme and made it their own. From age-group elite competitors to first-timers, our race is an opportunity to simply enjoy participating.”

Visit USATriathlon.org for more information.

2014 USA Triathlon Retro Tri Series Schedule
April 26: Rio Grande Retro Sprint, Albuquerque, N.M.
May 3: E-Bomb Triathlon, Biloxi, Miss.
June 1: Tri-It-Out, Columbia, Md.
June 7: Moses Lake Triathlon, Moses Lake, Wash.
June 7: Muncie June Retro Triathlon Presented by CIO, Muncie, Ind.
June 21: Mighty Moss Retro Tri, Norwalk, Conn.
June 21: Fayetteville Retro Tri, Fayetteville, Ark.
June 22: OBX Tri Fest Retro Tri, Outer Banks, N.C.
July 12: New Manchester Retro Triathlon, Douglasville, Ga.
July 12: Big Spring Super Sprint & Kids Tri, Big Spring, Texas
July 20: Tri-Valley Retro-Active Event, Pleasanton, Calif.
Aug. 3: Race Omaha Retro Triathlon, Omaha, Neb.
Aug. 17: LPC Triathlon, Fletcher, N.C.
Aug. 30: FIU WOW Retro Series, North Miami, Fla.
Nov. 2: Old Dominion University (ODU) Triathlon, Norfolk, Va.