If you’re looking for a late-summer triathlon with a scenic course, energetic community support and a finish line celebration you’ll actually want to stick around for, put TRI Clear Lake on your race calendar. Hosted by the Clear Lake Area Chamber of Commerce and sanctioned by USA Triathlon, TRI Clear Lake welcomes beginners tackling their first triathlon, experienced athletes chasing a personal best and everyone in between. Each year, athletes from across the Midwest travel to Clear Lake, Iowa, to swim, bike and run through one of Iowa’s most picturesque lake communities.
Why race TRI Clear Lake?
TRI Clear Lake combines a fast course with the kind of small-town hospitality that’s hard to find at larger races. Race day begins with a swim at City Beach before athletes head onto a flat, fast bike course along South Shore Drive. The run follows the shoreline on North Shore Drive, passing the Surf Ballroom before returning to a lakeside finish in City Park. Along the way, athletes are cheered on by volunteers, spectators and a community that embraces race weekend. Whether the goal is to finish a first sprint triathlon or qualify for a championship race, TRI Clear Lake offers a memorable experience from start to finish.
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Since Nationals are held in Des Moines, Iowa, in 2027, athletes who race TRI Clear Lake in 2026 automatically qualify. The road to the national stage starts here.
Race distances
Sprint distance
This distance is suited for first-time triathletes or athletes looking for a fast race.
- 500-meter swim
- 12.4-mile bike
- 3.1-mile run
Olympic distance
This distance offers a challenging course for experienced athletes or those looking to take the next step.
- 1,500-meter swim
- 24.8-mile bike
- 6.2-mile run
Relay teams
Not ready to tackle all three disciplines alone? Athletes can enter as a 2- or 3-person relay team and share the experience.
Whether swimming is not a strength, recovery from an injury is underway or racing with friends is the priority, relay teams let each athlete focus on what they do best. One teammate can swim, another can bike and another can run, or the race can be split between two athletes.
Relay teams offer a way to experience race day together and serve as an introduction to the sport of triathlon.
The course
Swim
The race begins with a swim from City Beach in Clear Lake’s spring-fed waters.
Bike
The flat, out-and-back bike course follows South Shore Drive, making it suitable for athletes looking to maintain speed while taking in lake views.
Run
The run travels along North Shore Drive, offering continuous views of the lake before passing the Surf Ballroom and finishing in City Park, where friends, family and spectators await.
More than a race
Many athletes arrive early or stay an extra day to experience what Clear Lake has to offer. Time can be spent at the beach, enjoying a meal at a local restaurant, visiting the Surf Ballroom, renting a kayak or paddleboard or unwinding with friends after crossing the finish line. Race weekend can easily become a weekend getaway.
USA Triathlon state championship
TRI Clear Lake has served as the USA Triathlon Iowa State Championship multiple times, recognizing the race experience, event production, volunteers and community support. When designated as the state championship, athletes automatically qualify for future USA Triathlon National Championships.
Register for the next TRI Clear Lake
The next TRI Clear Lake takes place on Saturday, August 29, 2026.
This race has been named the USA Triathlon Iowa State Championship, giving qualifying athletes the opportunity to earn a spot at the 2027 USA Triathlon National Championships in Des Moines, Iowa.
Planning race weekend
Find places to stay, restaurants and more attractions, activities and events to explore while in town.
Those supporting an athlete can review the TRI Clear Lake Spectator Guide for information on cheering from the sidelines.
Organizers look forward to welcoming athletes to the starting line.
