USA Triathlon, the US national governing body, has announced that Des Moines, IA, will host the 2027 and 2028 USA Triathlon Nationals. Organised in partnership with Catch Des Moines, the local sports and tourism commission, the event represents the largest and longest-running national championship for the organisation.
This marks the first time the city has been selected for the championships. The event includes three days of competition featuring the Sprint and Olympic Distance National Championships, Paratriathlon National Championships, Draft-Legal Triathlon National Championships, and Mixed Relay National Championships.
The 2027 USA Triathlon Nationals is scheduled for August 6–8, 2027, followed by the 2028 event on August 4–6, 2028. The championships gather together many of the country’s leading short-course amateur triathletes to compete for age group national titles and qualification for the World Triathlon Age Group Triathlon World Championships.
Victoria Brumfield, CEO of USA Triathlon, said “We are thrilled to enter a long-term partnership with Catch Des Moines to bring USA Triathlon Nationals and the Paratriathlon National Championships to Des Moines in 2027 and 2028. This partnership has been built on strong relationships with local leaders in Des Moines, who are committed to welcoming the triathlon community for three amazing days of triathlon racing.”
Brumfield added “This venue offers a unique combination of spectator-friendly racing and beautiful natural surroundings that will create an exceptional experience for our athletes and their families. We look forward to showcasing everything Des Moines has to offer on a national stage.”
The event will utilise Grays Lake Park, a 167-acre urban hub featuring a 100-acre lake. The transition area will be located near the water’s edge, with the bike course taking athletes through the surrounding countryside.
The run course is set to cross the Kruidenier Trail Pedestrian Bridge in the city centre. Athletes will finish at the Lauridsen Amphitheater in Water Works Park, a space spanning nearly 1,500 acres which will also host the event expo, packet pickup, and post-race activities.
Trina Flack, President & CEO of Catch Des Moines, said “This announcement is a testament to the reputation our community has built over decades. Our long-term partnership with USA Triathlon celebrates our rich triathlon history while positioning our city at the center of the sport.”
Jen Schulte, Assistant City Manager at City of Des Moines, added “We are proud to welcome the USA Triathlon National Championships to the City of Des Moines. This event is a premier competition and over the next two years it will introduce thousands of elite athletes to everything our vibrant city has to offer.”
The 2027 schedule begins on Friday, August 6, with a 750m open water swim and the Draft-Legal Triathlon, consisting of a 750m swim, 20km bike, and 5km run.
On Saturday, August 7, the Olympic Distance National Championships will take place, featuring a 1,500m swim, 40km bike, and 10km run. This is followed by the Mixed Triathlon Relay, where teams of four each complete a 225m swim, 5km bike, and 1km run.
Sunday, August 8, will feature the Sprint National Championships and the Paratriathlon National Championships on a 750m swim, 20km bike, and 5km run course. Athletes in the paratriathlon event will be eligible for prize money through the Jarrett-Sepulveda Prize Purse, which aims to elevate elite para competition according to the organisation.
www.usatriathlon.org
www.catchdesmoines.com
