The Best Fall and Winter 140.6 Races

Written by
Susan Grant Legacki
Whether injuries have kept you sidelined for most of the triathlon racing season or you simply have a bone to pick with the 140.6 distance, it's easy to assume that once the summer is over you're out of luck. But there are several 140.6 options in the warmer parts of North America that—with a little planning and possibly a bit of travel-—will help you check that box before the end of the year.
IRONMAN Maryland
Saturday, September 28, 2019 in Cambridge, Maryland
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Much like its 70.3 counterpart, IRONMAN 70.3 Eagleman, IRONMAN Maryland offers athletes a chance to ride through the Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge—home to hundreds of animal species and endangered plants. Expect warm and windy conditions and a flat, fast course in and around this historic colonial town on the eastern seaboard.
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IRONMAN Chattanooga
Sunday, September 29, 2019 in Chattanooga, Tennessee
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IRONMAN Chattanooga's unique point-to-point swim in the Tennessee River will set you up nicely for a breathtakingly beautiful ride through North Georgia. Once you're out on the run, you'll cross over several bridges as you weave through downtown Chattanooga.
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IRONMAN Louisville
Sunday, October 13, 2019 in Louisville, Kentucky
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Not only is Louisville a great, inexpensive race for 140.6 enthusiasts, it's perfect for first time long-distance triathletes. Mass starts can be intimidating, but IRONMAN Louisville has a rolling start based on how early you lineup. This means not as much kicking and slapping as you begin the grueling 2.4-mile swim.

Of course, that's not the only draw for this event. The race was voted No. 8 for overall satisfaction in the 2016 Athletes' Choice Awards and the finish line sits right at "4th St. Live!" in the city's historic downtown, ensuring you'll finish your race with a bang. Plus, why celebrate with a post-race beer when famous Kentucky bourbon is within reach.
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Great Floridian 140.6
Saturday, October 19, 2019 in Clermont, Florida
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Located near the Olympic Training Center, this 140.6-distance race is the second oldest iron-distance race in the continental United States and is a bucket list race for many triathletes. Featuring a swim in Lake Minneola, a short climb up Sugarloaf Mountain and three loops around the South Lake Trail, you can expect lots of local cheering (and possibly even an alligator sighting or two) as you make your way to the finish.
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HITS Championship Palm Springs
Saturday, October 26, 2019 in Palm Springs, California
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The perfect end to any season, the HITS Championship is the crown jewel of the entire HITS Triathlon Series.

Expect mild temperatures, a flat, fast course and a slew of other athletes competing in several different distances over the entire championship weekend. It's an ideal race for the entire family to take part in.
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IRONMAN Florida
Saturday, November 2, 2019 in Panama City Beach, Florida
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There's a reason this course has seen many IRONMAN records: it's completely flat from start to finish. Expect a calm swim in the Gulf of Mexico and be prepared to push the pace as you wind through St. Andrew's State Park on your way to the finish line.
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IRONMAN Arizona
Sunday, November 24, 2019 in Tempe, Arizona
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Another famous IRONMAN known for being extremely "first-timer" friendly, IRONMAN Arizona is also known for selling out in record time. The course is mostly flat and offers a huge amount of crowd support—even along the somewhat lonely bike stretches along the Beeline Highway.
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IRONMAN Cozumel
Sunday, November 24, 2019 in Cozumel, Mexico
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Scheduled over Thanksgiving weekend, IRONMAN Cozumel is another solid pick for a family trip without requiring too many of your vacation days.

The course offers a gorgeous swim with waters so clear you'll spend most of your time in the water counting clownfish. The rest of the course is pancake flat (and notoriously windy), allowing the super-cyclists out there a chance to really shine.
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About the Author

More by Susan» Susan Grant Legacki Active.com Contributor
Susan Grant Legacki is the founding editor of LAVA Magazine, and currently serves as the magazine's features and online editor. Prior to joining LAVA, she worked as a Senior Editor at Inside Triathlon and Triathlete Magazine. She is an Ironman finisher, Boston-qualifying marathoner, certified Pilates instructor—and a fitness and nutrition enthusiast. You can read more about her on Susanegrant.com and follow her on Twitter at @susanglegacki.