Supertri League returns to Chicago after record-breaking debut

A unique-format race appealing to age group athletes who want their racing fast and with plenty of fanfare, Supertri League returns to the Windy City on the league’s first stop.

Last year, the weekend proved successful at enticing newcomers last year as well, particularly with the creative Divvy Bike event. Athlete’s race using Chicago’s public bike share system on the bike leg, opening up triathlon to participants who don’t even own a bike. It’s a playful and inventive approach to drawing newcomers to the sport, adding an element of fun and entertainment while levelling the playing field with everyone riding the same rig.

Fast with plenty of fanfare

The Supertri League course format involves repeating the swim, bike and run legs continuously for three rounds, giving fans an up-close-and-personal experience of the action in the centre of the city. The format also appeals to would-be triathletes interested in testing the waters for the first time. Seasoned age group athletes can use the intense racing style to test their top speed, while the elite races bring another level of excitement as they whizz by spectators through the streets of downtown Chicago.

This year’s showdown will run alongside the Chicago Triathlon on August 23. Its debut event last year drew a quarter of its participants from first-timers, delivering on Supertri’s goal of enticing newcomers to the sport with its accessible, short-format racing.

Record-setting media attention

It was also one of the most widely viewed  triathlon events of the year, with live broadcast in 144 countries, 277 million global TV views, 23 million radio impressions, and a total media reach of 444 million through online and print. The race drew over 15,000 spectators to the downtown core and along the Lake Michigan shore.

CEO and co-founder of Supertri, Michael D’Hulst expects the same buzz at this year’s event.

“Chicago truly embraced Supertri last year,” he said. “From the athletes to the fans, to the incredible work done through our charity partners, this city showed us what triathlon can mean to a community. We can’t wait to be back.”

The organization is gunning to transform the Chicago Triathlon by Supertri into the world’s largest triathlon, building off of the 7,5000 athletes that took part last year. Besides the main act and the Divvy Bike event, the weekend will host a supersprint race, relays and kid’s triathlons.

The full 2025 Supertri League schedule has yet to be announced. Last year it included stops in Boston, London, Touluse and Neom.