What Is an Aquathlon?
Published by My Mind is Racing
An aquathlon is a two-discipline multisport race that pairs a swim with a run — and no bike. Athletes swim a set distance, move through a transition area, and then run to the finish. With no cycling leg and very little equipment, the aquathlon is one of the simplest ways to try multisport racing, and many athletes use it as a stepping stone toward triathlon.
Distances and format
Distances vary widely by event. A typical adult aquathlon pairs a 1 km open-water or pool swim with a 5 km run, while sprint, youth, and beginner races use shorter legs. Most events run swim-first: you complete the full swim, pass through transition, and finish on the run. Some events instead use a run-swim-run format, splitting the run into two legs on either side of the swim, so always check your event's race details before lining up.
Why it's a great entry to multisport
The biggest barrier to triathlon is the bike — buying one, maintaining it, and handling it safely in a crowded transition. The aquathlon removes that barrier entirely. All you need is swimwear, goggles, and a pair of running shoes, which makes it an affordable, low-pressure way to learn how multisport racing feels: pacing two disciplines, swimming in a crowd, and running on tired legs. Master those skills and the jump to triathlon becomes far less daunting.
Race day and the transition
On race morning you rack your running shoes and gear in the transition area, then start with the swim. Once you exit the water you run to your spot, swap goggles and swim cap for shoes, and head out on the run course. Because there is no bike to mount, the transition is quick and uncomplicated — a big reason aquathlons are friendlier to first-timers than triathlons. Expect heavy legs and an elevated heart rate for the first few minutes off the swim; easing into your run pace helps you settle.
Notable aquathlons
Aquathlons are held worldwide, from local club series to national and continental championships. A few upcoming events:
- 2026 Vancouver Aquathlon (Vancouver, British Columbia)
- Triathlon Ontario Aquathlon Provincial Championships (Milton, Ontario)
- Wolfpack Youth Super Sprint Aquathlon (San Jose, California)
- Europe Triathlon Aquathlon Championships Banyoles (Banyoles, Spain)
- BTS Aquathlon #1 (Albury, New South Wales)
- Bacnotan Aquathlon (Bacnotan, Philippines)
- Aquathlon Kuala Langat (Kuala Langat, Malaysia)
Related two-discipline formats
If the no-bike simplicity of the aquathlon appeals to you, two close cousins are worth knowing. A duathlon swaps the swim for a second run, pairing running and cycling in a run-bike-run sequence for athletes who prefer to stay on dry land. An aquabike keeps the swim but replaces the run with a bike leg, a popular choice for runners managing impact injuries. Together with the aquathlon, these two-discipline races make it easy to ease into multisport one discipline at a time.
Upcoming races
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Apr 23 – 25, 2027 at 3:00 AMSee full details
XTERRA OFF ROAD TRIATHLON
A unique sports adventure, the XTERRA combines dynamic swimming with mountain biking and mountain of road running. The mountain terrain, in South Hymettus above Varkiza and Vouliagmeni, consists of routes designed with a love of nature and sports, medium to high difficulty and in such a way that top professional athletes, complete the long distance in about two hours and 30 minutes. At the same time, of course, it is an ideal terrain for anyone to start the of road triathlon, as it enables the athlete who will not move at high speeds, to stay safe all the way. In general - as it occurs to Triathlon - swimming is 10% of the total race time, 65% for mountain biking, and 25% for running. It all started for XTERRA with the first race in 1996 in Maui, Hawaii, where the Triathlon was first tested in its mountainous at its most demanding version.
Event details and schedule
Event's Programme
Event's Price List
Hospitality Sponsors
New regulations of the Greek Triathlon Federation
FaceBook Page
Contact us: [email protected]
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Sat, Jul 25, 2026 at 8:00 AMSee full details
PACKET PICKUP / REGISTRATION INSTRUCTIONS
Registration is digital. There are no paper applications nor is cash accepted. Everyone must sign up online. Online registration closes at the start of the race. Please have the following items easily accesible to maintain the efficiency and speed of Packet Pickup:
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Required: Athletes may only pick up their own packets. Under no circumstances may an athlete pick up a packet for another person.
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Required: Proof of ID
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Required for Annual Members Only: USAT Membership ID
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Optional: Email Confirmation Bar Code per registrant (Printed or Digital) to scan
WHERE AND WHEN
The race will take place Saturday July 25th, 2026 - 8:00 a.m. sharp.
All events start and finish at Laurel Lake Club House 201 SW Lakeshore Dr. Millville NJ 08332.
10% discount for all Law Enforcement Officers, enter coupon code: lawenforce26 when registering.
Field limited to the first 300 entrants, sign up early!
SWAG
T-Shirts
Finisher Medals
ITINERARY
Saturday
6:30 am - 7:45 am - Check-in, Packet Pickup, and Race-Day Registration online only if available (prices increased)
7:45 am - Pre-race briefing at Transition Area, after the briefing we will require ALL SWIMMERS to cross over the Swim timing mat before we can start the race
8:00 am - Races start (waves based on # of entrants)
Super Sprint Triathlon will start shortly after the last wave
DISTANCES
The swim is in a clean freshwater lake, the bike is 2 loops on rural roads, the run is around the lake in rural neighborhood & trail.
Sprint Bike = 2 Loops
Super Sprint Bike = 1 Loop
Sprint Run = 3.5 Miles
Super Sprint Run = 1 Mile
Triathlon Distances
1/4 mile Swim, 13.6 mile Bike, & 3.5 mile Run
Duathlon Distances
2 mile Run, 13.6 mile Bike, & 3.5 mile Run
Aquabike Distances
1/4 mile Swim & 13.6 mile Bike
Super Sprint Triathlon Distances
200 yard Swim, 6.8 mile Bike, 1 mile Run
Aquathlon Distances
1/4 mile Swim & 3.5 mile Run
AWARDS
No double-dipping or duplicate awards, awards may vary based on event, category, attendance, etc.
Triathlon Awards & Divisions (Sprint & Super Sprint)
Overall: Top 3 Male & Female Overall Individuals
Age Group*: Top 3 Male & Female Individuals in the Age Group Division
14 & Under, 15-19, 20-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59 60-64, 65-69, 70-74, 75 & Over
Clydesdale* & Athena*: Top 3 Male(220+ lbs) & Female(165+ lbs) Individuals in the Clydesdale/Athena Division
Adaptive*: Top 1 Male & Female Individual in the Adaptive Open Division (Physically Challenged/Intellectually Disabled)
- You can either compete in the Age Group, Clydesdale, Athena, or Adaptive Open division.
Non-Binary: Top 1 Non-Binary Individual
Relay Teams: Top 1 Male Relay, Female Relay, Mixed Gender Relay, & Adaptive Relay (At least one relay member is Physically Challenged/Intellectually Disabled)
Duathlon Awards & Divisions
Overall: Top 3 Male & Female Overall Individuals
Age Group*: Top 3 Male & Female Individuals in the Age Group Division
14 & Under, 15-19, 20-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59 60-64, 65-69, 70-74, 75 & Over**
** If there are less than 50 registrants as of June 22, age groups will be in 10-year increments
Clydesdale* & Athena*: Top 3 Male(220+ lbs) & Female(165+ lbs) Individuals in the Clydesdale/Athena Division
Adaptive*: Top 1 Male & Female Individual in the Adaptive Open Division (Physically Challenged/Intellectually Disabled)
- You can either compete in the Age Group, Clydesdale, Athena, or Adaptive Open division.
Non-Binary: Top 1 Non-Binary Individual
Relay Teams: Top 1 Male Relay, Female Relay, Mixed Gender Relay, & Adaptive Relay (At least one relay member is Physically Challenged/Intellectually Disabled)
Aquabike Awards
Overall: Top 3 Male & Female Overall Individual
Age Group: Top 3 Male & Female Individuals in the Age Group Division
14 & Under, 15-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, 70-79, 80 & Over**
** If there are less than 35 registrants as of June 22, there will only be overall awards
Aquathlon Awards
Overall: Top 3 Male & Female Overall Individual
Age Group: Top 3 Male & Female Individuals in the Age Group Division
14 & Under, 15-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, 70-79, 80 & Over**
** If there are less than 35 registrants as of June 22, there will only be overall awards
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
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Refreshments will be provided at the end of the race
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Split results will be available on website on race day
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Race scored by DQ Events
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Event promoters have the right to alter or cancel events for any reason
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All races will be held rain or shine under guidance of local safety protocol
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Transfers, Deferrals, and Refunds are only allowed through Runsignup as specified, no exceptions
USAT INFORMATION
All multisport participants must have an active USAT Membership that has not expired before the conclusion of each registered event and must follow all USAT rules and guidelines. If you are not already a member, when registering for each individual event you will be prompted to become a member and pay the respective membership fee.
Memberships range from single-event memberships to multi-year memberships; click here for more information.
Common Rules and Information
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ALL athletes are required to show photo ID. NO ID, NO RACE, NO EXCEPTIONS!
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Youth (17 and under) athletes without an ID must be accompanied by a parent/guardian with a photo ID
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Annual members are required to bring their membership card every time they compete in a USAT Sanctioned event.
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You can download and print out a temporary membership card: https://membership.usatriathlon.org/Member/ViewMemberCard
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Athletes may only pick up their own packets. Under no circumstances may an athlete pick up a packet for another person.
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No drafting: a maximum of 15 seconds will be allowed to complete a pass through the draft zone of another athlete
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Headphones are prohibited
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No riding in transition at any time
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Helmets/Chin straps must be worn securely fastened at all times while in possession of your bike. This means before, during, and after the event. This also means from the time you remove your bike from the rack at the start of the bike leg, until after you have placed your bike on the rack at the finish of the bike leg.
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Verbal or physical abuse of others is not acceptable or tolerated. Participants shall refrain from unsportsmanlike conduct at all times while at the event and during competition, including the use of abusive language; violent acts; intentional misconduct; or any intimidating behavior directed toward, including but not limited to participants, officials, event staff, volunteers and spectators.
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Sat, Jul 25, 2026 at 7:00 AM
The 28th Anniversary of this aquathlon a 300 meter Swim, 3 mile Run, & another 300 meter Swim. The purpose is to promote a fun fitness event introducing participants to multi-sport.
The event will be capped at 50 participants.
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Sat, Jul 25, 2026 at 8:00 AMSee full details
This annual event is perfect for both the casual athlete and the seasoned racer with a beautiful, flat and fast course that will allow you to really see how fast you can go.
Saturday, July 25, 2026, 8:00 a.m.
Sprint Distance 500 m Swim, 20k (12.2 mi.) Bike, 5k Run
Kids Splash 'n Dash - New this year for youth ages 5-16 (age as of 12/31/2026, life vests permitted). Registration cost is $20
Ages 5-10 years - swim 100 meters and run one mile
Ages 11-16 - swim 200 meters and run 1 mile
Kids Fun Run around Ravine Lake (FREE)
Team Tri-Businesses are encouraged to form a team and compete in the sprint distance for a travelling Corporate Crank trophy, team members must be employees or employee family members.
Helmets are required and swim caps are also required.
FREE KIDS' FUN RUN - The fun run is free and open to kids ages 12 and under and will start after the races. No preregistration is necessary just a parental waiver for the fun run and all participants will receive a treat courtesy of Putters & Scoops.
Online Sprint Triathlon registration price goes up at noon 7/24 to $85 for individuals and $125 for teams (Splash and Dash pricing is $20). If you cannot pick up your packet Friday night, pick up is available between 6:30-7:30 a.m. Saturday, July 25. All racers must get body markings Saturday a.m.
EVENT SCHEDULE
Packet pickup is Friday 5-7 p.m. and Saturday 6:30-7:30 a.m. at the shelter behind Putters 'n Scoops. All racers will also need to get race markings Saturday morning before 7:30 a.m.
Transition opens at 6:30 a.m. Saturday and will close at 7:45 a.m. for the pre-race meeting.
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7:45 a.m. - Pre-race meeting
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8:00 a.m. –Triathlon Swim starts
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9:00 a.m. - Splash and Dash swim starts, 5-10 year olds first, followed by 11-16 years.
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9:30 a.m. (approximate) – Kids’ Fun Run (see volunteers under shelter for waiver forms)
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10:00 am - Awards – under picnic shelter
**T-shirt sizes are not guaranteed for registrants after July 14 due to ordering deadlines.
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Sat, Jul 25, 2026 at 8:00 AMSee full details
Join us at Kidd Springs Aquatic Center Saturday, July 25th for a fun morning of splashing & dashing! The event is open for kids ages 6-15yrs.
The event cost is only $10, and all participants must be USA Triathlon members - AND we have a limited number of FREE Youth annual USAT memberships! If you are not already a youth member, please reach out to [email protected] to get your code! Hurry before these free memberships run out!
SCHEDULE:
7:00 AM Check-In begins
7:30 AM Transition area opens
Come to the table at the entrance of the pool to check in, pick up bag and race bib. After checke-in, head to transition to get body marked, set up, and ready!
7:45 AM Transition area closes and race meeting in pool area
8:00 AM Youth Junior Start (6-10 yrs.)
~8:10 AM Youth Senior start (11-15 yrs.)
What is a Splash and Dash?
A Splash and Dash is a fun and fast-growing sport that combines running and swimming. The run can take place on a trail, a road, or a path. Similarly, the swim can take place in any body of water – a pool, a reservoir, or an ocean. This USA Triathlon (USAT) Splash & Dash Youth Aquathlon Series will feature a swim(pool)/run combination.
Why Participate?
Get a chance to try out the multisport lifestyle. It will really help you to “get your feet wet!” Meet friends and other youth athletes who are interested, and also engage in the multisport lifestyle! Less equipment is required compared to that of a triathlon since a Splash and Dash (aquathlon) does not require a bike.
What is USAT?
USAT or USA Triathlon is the national governing body for the multi-sport disciplines of triathlon, duathlon, aquathlon, and winter triathlon in the United States.
What are the Youth distances?
USAT youth events are for ages 6 -15 years. There are two categories, Youth Junior and Youth Senior. See below for age groups and distances for events.
Youth Jr. Age 6-10 100M Swim – 1K Run
Youth Sr. Age 11-15 200M Swim – 2K Run
In USAT events, Racing Age is determined by the participants age on December 31st of the current year.
The City of Dallas Splash & Dash series events are all USAT sanctioned events and the following rules apply:
All youth participating in the Splash & Dash events must obtain a USAT membership, and can be purchased below or WITH registration. If you need a free membership, you will need to contact [email protected]
USAT YOUTH MEMBERSHIP: To obtain the USAT Youth membership, visit the USAT MEMBERSHIP HUB (https://member.usatriathlon.org/login). You will need to create an account and then follow the prompts. It is important to choose the YOUTH membership option, and the membership will be in the name of the child, not the parent.
The event cost is only $10 and all participants must be USA Triathlon members - AND we have a limited amount of FREE Youth annual USAT memberships! If you are not already a youth member, please reach out to [email protected] to get your code!
Frequently Asked Questions
How far is a typical aquathlon?
A standard adult aquathlon pairs a 1 km swim with a 5 km run, though distances vary by event, and sprint, youth, and beginner races use shorter legs.
What is the difference between an aquathlon and a triathlon?
An aquathlon has two disciplines, swimming and running, with no cycling leg, while a triathlon adds a bike segment between the swim and the run.
Do you need a wetsuit or special gear for an aquathlon?
Gear is minimal: swimwear, goggles, and running shoes. Open-water events may allow or require a wetsuit depending on water temperature, but pool-based races usually do not.
What order are the disciplines in an aquathlon?
Most aquathlons go swim first and then run, but some use a run-swim-run format with running legs on either side of the swim, so check your event's race details.
Is an aquathlon good for beginners?
Yes. With no bike to buy or handle in transition, an aquathlon is one of the most accessible multisport formats and a popular stepping stone toward triathlon.
How do I find an aquathlon near me?
Use our event listing filtered by the Aquathlon tag to see upcoming races by location and date.