As part of the Time to Tri initiative, USA Triathlon and IRONMAN are hosting informational sessions at Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon Series expos across the United States for the second consecutive year. The experience, paired with free training resources and exclusive first-timer offers, helps Time to Tri reach single-sport athletes who may consider a triathlon as their next racing goal.
Launched by USA Triathlon and IRONMAN in 2018, Time to Tri is an industry-wide initiative to increase triathlon participation across the US by the end of 2020. Through its online hub at mytimetotri.com, the initiative supports new triathletes with free training plans, step-by-step advice on how to get started, motivational tools and other resources.
In addition to the online platform, USA Triathlon and IRONMAN are engaging in proactive outreach to identify new and aspiring triathletes – with the running community as a primary target audience.
“We know more triathletes come from a running background than any other sport,” said Chuck Menke, USA Triathlon Chief Marketing Officer. “But aspiring triathletes are often missing the basic resources and advice to help get them started. Through Time to Tri, we’re setting up newbies for early success and an enjoyable first experience which, in turn, grows our multisport community nationwide.”
At each of the 15 US Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon expo stops this year, visitors are connected with local coaches, race directors and clubs who can answer questions and provide guidance. Runners are also shown where to connect with triathlon clubs and facilities in their area, upcoming short-course race opportunities and other resources to begin the journey to their first triathlon finish line.
Expo visitors can take a tour of the beginner-focused resources at mytimetotri.com, where they can select their skill levels in the swim, bike and run to receive a free, customized sprint triathlon training plan. Participants also have the chance to enter a sweepstakes to win a Quintana Roo road bike.
(Following IRONMAN’s acquisition of Competitor Group Holdings in 2017, and with it the Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon Series, the run series has formed part of the IRONMAN and Wanda Sports portfolio.)
The Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon Series is the world’s largest running series, taking part in more than 30 destination events around the world every year. Established in 1998, the series is focused on the simple idea of making running fun. Races feature live bands, cheer teams and entertaining water stations, creating a party atmosphere for participants and spectators alike.
Race weekend kicks off with a free Health & Fitness Expo showcasing the latest in running gear, sports apparel, health and nutritional information and more. Events culminate with an entertaining finish-line festival featuring some of the biggest names in music,.
Already this year, Time to Tri has had a presence at pre-race Health & Fitness Expos for Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon Series events in Phoenix, New Orleans, Washington, D.C., San Francisco, Nashville, San Diego, Seattle, Chicago and Virginia Beach. The next stop will be the Humana Rock ‘n’ Roll Philadelphia Half Marathon on September 15, followed by five more stops across the US from September-December.
In addition to the Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon Series Health & Fitness expos, members of the nationwide triathlon community have hosted 27 Time to Tri informational sessions and clinics in 2019 to date. These introduce aspiring triathletes to the basics of the sport. Additional sessions and clinics across the country are currently being planned for the fall and winter seasons, and will be added to the online schedule at mytimetotri.com once finalized.
Time to Tri Expo Booth Stops | 2019 Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon Series
Jan 20 — Humana Rock ‘n’ Roll Arizona Marathon & Half Marathon
Feb 10 — Humana Rock ‘n’ Roll New Orleans Marathon & Half Marathon
Mar 9 — United Airlines Rock ‘n’ Roll Washington D.C. Marathon & Half Marathon
Apr 7 — United Airlines Rock ‘n’ Roll San Francisco Half Marathon
Apr 27 — St. Jude Rock ‘n’ Roll Nashville Marathon & Half Marathon
Jun 2 — Rock ‘n’ Roll San Diego Marathon & Half Marathon
Jun 9 — St. Jude Rock ‘n’ Roll Seattle Marathon & Half Marathon
Jul 21 — Humana Rock ‘n’ Roll Chicago Marathon & Half Marathon
Sep 1 — Rock ‘n’ Roll Virginia Beach Half Marathon
Sep 15 — Humana Rock ‘n’ Roll Philadelphia Half Marathon
Oct 6 — Michelob ULTRA Rock ‘n’ Roll San Jose Half Marathon
Oct 20 — Rock ‘n’ Roll Denver Half Marathon
Nov 3 — Humana Rock ‘n’ Roll Savannah Marathon & Half Marathon
Nov 17 — Humana Rock ‘n’ Roll Las Vegas Marathon & Half Marathon
Dec 8 — Humana Rock ‘n’ Roll San Antonio Marathon & Half Marathon
