Triathlon
Places to Go
Outside of the running and cycling routes, triathletes can get an open water swim in at the Boulder Reservoir north of town.
The reservoir is where most of Boulder's triathlons start. There is a designated, though small, swimming area always open, but there are Tuesday and Thursday morning open water swim sessions where you can better stretch out your legs and get a good workout in.
Other places to swim:
- The Scott Carpenter Pool (1505 30th Street) is the city's only 50-meter pool. It is an outdoor pool and due to the Boulder climate, the pool is generally only open from May to September.
- Spruce Pool (2102 Spruce) has early-morning lap swim and 25-yard lanes available all afternoon.
- Another open water option is Union Reservoir in nearby Longmont.
Races to Remember
Boulder's rich triathlon roots have attracted the attention of Ironman in a big way.
Ironman 70.3 Boulder in August is one of the more popular races of Ironman's 70.3 series. The swim takes place in Boulder Reservoir, the bike ride through North Boulder and Larimer Counties (with 1,200 feet of climbing) and a flat run on dirt roads around the reservoir.
The race is such a hit—and the town is so triathlon-friendly—that Ironman is coming back for more. In 2014, the 70.3 race will move to June and a 140.6-mile race—Ironman Boulder—will debut August 3, 2014.
Other races include:
- The Boulder Peak Triathlon in July features an excruciating climb up Old Stage Road...and a subsequent descent you will never forget. The Olympic-distance race starts at Boulder Reservoir.
- The Boulder Sprint Triathlon in June has a 750-meter meter swim in Boulder Reservoir, a 17.2-mile bike ride and a 5K run.
- The Boulder Sunrise Triathlon (early June) and the Boulder Sunset Triathlon (late August) can be great bookends to your tri season.
Stores to Check Out
The go-to triathlon shop in Boulder is Colorado Multisport (2480 Canyon). The store focuses on cycling and swimming (no running shoes) and the shop is highly regarded among serious triathletes.
One Last Tip
If an aquathlon is more your thing, Without Limits puts on the weekly Stroke & Stride series throughout the summer. On 10 dates during the summer months (mostly Thursdays), races are organized at Boulder Reservoir that features either a 750 or 1,500-meter swim followed by a 5K run. More than 250 athletes take part every week.
