Race Start Time and Location:
Rockaway Beach, here we come! Is always exciting for us to host our first triathlon in 2026, the 7th Annual Cross Bay Triathlon/Duathlon on May 17, at the iconic Rockaway Beach in Queens! If you are new to our sport, this will be your first triathlon ever! If you have been taking swimming lessons in the Winter, this could be a great time to see how much you have learned and improved! With a gorgeous ocean view and smooth, concrete boardwalk, it makes for a great running and biking course. As this is an open water event in the Atlantic, the swim can sometimes be challenging with big waves, strong currents and cold water temperatures. Wet suits are allowed and highly encouraged since, seasonally, the water temperature is typically around high 50s to low 60s. Lifeguards & NYPD Water Patrol will be on duty to ensure a safe and successful swim for all triathletes.
Here is what you can expect on race day: Race start is 7:30AM sharp at the transition area by the B95th Street Rockaway Beach Amphitheater. Triathletes will head to the beach for their swim start by the B91st Street beach ramp. Duathletes will start their first run on the boardwalk at B95th Street, right in front of the Rockaway Beach Amphitheater.
At the end of the 400 meter swim, Triathletes will head back to the Transition through the B95th Street beach ramp. Duathletes will turn around at B125th Street, where the water and aid station will be, and make their way back to the Transition. Both Triathletes and Duathletes will begin the 12 mile bike portion of the race.
The bike segment is all on the boardwalk from B95th Street to B27th Street, and back to the Transition area. Riding 2 loops totaled of 12 miles, 6 miles per loop. The course is flat and smooth, but usually windy coming back up from B27th Street so be prepared for some tough riding!
The final segment of the race is a 3 mile run for both Triathletes and Duathletes. You will start from the Transition area at the B95th Street and turn around at B125th Street (near the end of the boardwalk), and making your way back to the finish by the Transition area, running through the finish flags.
Remember to read our Race FAQs if you haven’t done so.
Cross Bay Triathlon distance:
Swim distance is 400 meters.
Bike distance is 12 miles (2 loops).
Run distance is 3 miles.
Cross Bay Duathlon distance:
Run distance is 3 miles.
Bike distance is 12 miles (2 loops).
Run distance is 3 miles.
Volunteers:
You are needed from 5:00 am to 11 am. Our races start at 7:30am unless stated the otherwise. Once you arrived, report to our Race Director Victor. He will go over your race duty as well as where you need to be. Don’t leave until the race is finished. You have to sign out to earn your race credit for your next race.
The Cross Bay Triathlon/Duathlon is not USAT certified or sanctioned. USAT racing license isn’t required to compete in our race.