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Top Triathlons In California 2025

Think you're tough because you ran a 5K once?

Author

Garrett Edson
November 02, 2024

California's 2025 triathlon calendar is here to make that look like a casual stroll to the mailbox. From escaping Alcatraz (legally this time) to conquering the pristine waters of Lake Tahoe, the Golden State offers a smorgasbord of swim-bike-run adventures that will push your limits – and possibly your sanity. Whether you're a seasoned ironman or just someone who enjoys a good three-course workout, these events promise views worth every drop of sweat.

Iconic Events

Ironman 70.3 Santa Cruz | Credit: Ironman USA

  • Escape from Alcatraz Triathlon

    • Channel your inner escapee as you swim from the notorious prison island, bike through San Francisco's punishing hills, and run along the scenic coastline.

    • June 1, 2025 in San Francisco

    • https://www.escapealcatraztri.com/

  • Ironman 70.3 Santa Cruz

  • Ironman California

    • Take on the full 140.6 miles through Sacramento's delta region, featuring a downstream swim, flat-but-fast bike course, and a scenic run along the American River.

    • October 19th, 2025 in Sacramento

    • https://www.ironman.com/im-california

  • The Wildflower Triathlon

    • The legendary "Woodstock of Triathlon" returns to Lake San Antonio, where notorious hills, camping culture, and decades of triathlon history create an unforgettable festival-meets-race experience that's less about finish times and more about the journey (and the post-race stories).

    • May 2-4, 2025 in Paso Robles

    • https://www.wildflowerexperience.com/

Major City Events

Santa Barbra Triathlon | Credit: Race Grader

  • Santa Barbara Triathlon

  • Tri Santa Cruz

    • A local favorite featuring a kelp-forest swim, coastal cycling, and a run that passes the famous Santa Cruz Surfing Museum.

    • August 10, 2025 in Santa Cruz

    • https://www.trisantacruz.com/

  • San Diego International Triathlons

Scenic Locations

Lake Tahoe Triathlon | Credit: Adventure Sports

  • Lake Tahoe Triathlon

    • Test your lungs at 6,225 feet elevation while swimming in crystal-clear alpine waters and cycling through towering pines.

    • August TBD, 2025 in Tahoe City

    • https://laketahoetri.com/

  • Donner Lake Triathlon

    • Named after the infamous Donner Party, but don't worry - this race only eats up your energy reserves.

    • July 26-27, 2025 in Truckee

    • https://donnerlaketri.com/

  • Bass Lake Yosemite Triathlon

    • Race in the shadow of Half Dome with a swim in warm mountain waters and a bike course through Sierra National Forest.

    • May 31, 2025 in Bass Lake

    • https://www.basslaketri.com/

  • Indian Wells Triathlon

  • Morro Bay Triathlon

    • Experience an unforgettably beautiful California triathlon as you swim Morro Bay Harbor, cycle iconic Highway 1, and run beach to boardwalk beneath the towering Morro Rock.

    • November TBD, 2025 in Morro Bay

    • https://www.morrobaytri.com/

  • Cal Tri Series

  • LA Tri Series

    • Urban racing at its finest, featuring iconic Los Angeles landmarks and surprisingly challenging courses.

    • Multiple events throughout the year in San Dimas and Los Angeles

    • https://trievents.com/

  • Alpha Win Triathlon Series

    • This premium race series delivers "destination racing done right" with expertly organized events against California's most spectacular backdrops.

    • Multiple events throughout the year in various locations including, Lake San Antonio, Napa Valley, and Palm Springs.

    • https://alpha.win/

Unique Challenges

  • Bearathlon

  • Gravel X Triathlon

  • Mount Shasta Tinman Triathlon

    • Race in the shadow of an active volcano, where the mountain views almost make you forget the burning in your legs.

    • September TBD, 2025 in Mount Shasta

    • https://shastatinman.com/

Local Triathlons

Hermosa Beach Triathlon | Credit: Hermosa Beach Tri

  • Hermosa Beach Triathlon

    • Dive into this inclusive beachfront race where athletes of all abilities swim, bike, and run along one of SoCal's most vibrant beach communities.

    • August TBD, 2025 in Hermosa Beach

    • https://hermosabeachtri.com/

  • Zuma Beach Triathlon

    • Set to replace the iconic Malibu Triathlon, this new Fall 2025 event promises to continue the legacy of racing along Malibu's stunning coastline.

    • September 13-14, 2025 in Malibu

    • https://zumabeachtriathlon.org/

  • Long Beach Legacy Triathlon

    • Race through the heart of Long Beach's waterfront, where the Queen Mary provides a majestic backdrop for both solo athletes and relay teams.

    • July 20, 2025 in Long Beach

    • ​​https://legacylongbeach.com/

  • San Diego Triathlon Challenge

  • Marin Endurance Festival

    • Wind through the iconic landscapes of Marin County, where San Francisco Bay views and challenging hills collide to create a quintessentially Northern California racing experience.

    • April 12, 2025 in San Rafael

    • https://marintriathlon.com/triathlon

So you've survived our tour of California's most epic tri challenges, from prison breaks to mountain lakes, desert oasis to redwood forests. Whether you're ready to earn your stripes at a local sprint or brave enough to tackle Wildflower's notorious hills, 2025 is your year to discover why swimming, biking, and running are better together. Now stop scrolling and start training – those medals won't earn themselves!