USA Triathlon has announced the details of the #TriWeek Virtual Challenge Presented by TOWER 26. This is an online run-bike event designed to connect and inspire multisport athletes of all skill levels.
The challenge starts on Monday, June 22, the first day of National Triathlon Week (which is June 22-28), and runs through Sunday, July 5.
USA Triathlon notes that its partners will offer an ‘unprecedented US$20,209 worth of prize giveaways for challenge participants.’ Registration opens on June 15.
The #TriWeek Virtual Challenge is presented by TOWER 26, a triathlon coaching organization that provides customized training for multisport enthusiasts of all levels across the globe.
TOWER 26 is offering a prize giveaway for one participant to receive a year’s worth of personalized one-on-one triathlon coaching with USA Triathlon-certified head coach and professional triathlete Jim Lubinski, along with one year of swim-specific training designed by TOWER 26 founder and leading open water swimming coach, Gerry Rodrigues, worth US$5,500.
In addition, one participant will receive a USA Triathlon-branded TrueForm Runner Trainer treadmill valued at US$4,795. Other prizes include: a Normatec Recovery System PULSE 2.0 valued at US$1,295, and a Wahoo Fitness KICKR Climb Indoor Grade Simulator valued at US$599.99.
#TriWeek Package registrants are also eligible to receive additional prizes from the following USA Triathlon partners: 2XU, AfterShokz, Hand & Stone Massage and Facial Spa, Newton Running, Rudy Project and USATStore.com. Prize recipients will be selected randomly from all #TriWeek Virtual Challenge registered athletes, and winners will be announced the week of July 6.
The virtual event, housed on the FitRankings platform, features competitive and non-competitive divisions. The cumulative format enables participants to tally their total miles completed in the bike and run over the course of two weeks, rather than completing a set distance in one workout.
In the competitive division, athletes will earn recognition for completing various distance ‘benchmarks’ as they go, and will be able to compare times and mileage with fellow participants on the leaderboard. In the non-competitive division, the goal for all participants is to complete a total of 40km on the bike and 10km on the run.
“While smaller races are starting to return in some areas of the country, we know many athletes still do not have a start line in their immediate future,” said Rocky Harris, USA Triathlon CEO. “We hope this virtual challenge helps keep our multisport community active and connected, while providing an option for athletes anywhere to challenge themselves on their own terms.
“We can’t wait to celebrate and support participants nationwide as they strive to reach their personal benchmark distances throughout the #TriWeek Virtual Challenge.”
The non-competitive division is free to join with the option to purchase a US$50 #TriWeek Package, which is required for the competitive division. The #TriWeek Package includes a USA Triathlon Annual Membership (US$50 value); finisher’s medal; and the chance to win exclusive prizes.
Participants who select the #TriWeek Package will become USA Triathlon Annual Members (current members will have 12 months added to their existing membership). USA Triathlon notes that its membership dollars are invested back into the multisport community to help athletes of all skill levels develop to their full potential, grow the sport through grassroots efforts, and provide tools and resources for coaches, race directors and clubs.
USA Triathlon Annual Members also receive access to the quarterly USA Triathlon Magazine and Multisport Zone e-newsletter, the opportunity to take part in USA Triathlon National Championships and be included in the USA Triathlon Annual Rankings, exclusive offers from USA Triathlon corporate partners and other unique benefits.
Registration for both divisions of the #TriWeek Virtual Challenge opens on Monday, June 15, at usatriathlon.org (competitive division) or mytimetotri.com (non-competitive division). Athletes may register anytime between June 15 and the end of the challenge on July 5.
Participants may upload their workouts to the #TriWeek Virtual Challenge platform at any time throughout the two-week event. Run and bike workouts can be synced to the platform automatically via most GPS-enabled workout devices, smartphone apps and smartwatches — including Garmin, Apple Watch, Fitbit, Misfit, Polar, Strava, Suunto, Google Fit, RunKeeper, Apple Health and MapMyFitness. Manual uploads are also available.
Workouts may be completed outdoors or indoors, while observing social distancing and all applicable local government mandates and guidelines regarding COVID-19. Spin bikes and stationary bikes, bike trainers and treadmills are all acceptable. (The Virtual Challenge does not include swimming, due to varied and limited access to swimming pools and open water facilities nationwide across the US).
The #TriWeek Virtual Challenge is USA Triathlon’s fourth virtual race. The organization hosted the Time to Tri Virtual Triathlon last November, followed by the #DreamingSeason Time to Tri Virtual Triathlon in February and the USA Duathlon Virtual Run-Bike-Run in April-May.
