The Trideltathon is a well-known student-hosted triathlon in Knoxville, Tennessee. It is described as the oldest running pool triathlon in the United States. If you have heard the name and want to know what it involves, this guide explains the format, the course and what first-time racers should expect.
The details below come from public race pages. Dates, rules and distances can change, so always check the official race page before you sign up.
What Is the Trideltathon?
The Trideltathon is an annual triathlon held at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. It is a “pool triathlon”, which means the swim part takes place in a pool instead of open water.
Race pages describe it as the oldest running pool triathlon in the country. It is organized with RaceDay Events, a race management company, and it raises money for a charity, East Tennessee Children’s Hospital.
What Is a Pool Triathlon?
A triathlon has three parts, done one after the other: swimming, cycling and running. In a pool triathlon, the swim is done in a pool lane. This is easier for beginners than open water, because there are no waves, no currents and no deep dark water.
The Trideltathon Course
According to race information, the distances are:
| Swim | 400 meters in the Student Aquatic Center pool |
| Bike | 6 miles, in two laps around campus |
| Run | 3 miles through campus |
The Swim
Past race descriptions say the swim is done in a heated pool, with a “time trial” start. Swimmers begin one at a time, every few seconds, with the fastest swimmers going first. Each swimmer goes up one lane, down the next, and so on, until 400 meters are done.
The Bike
The bike section is two laps of the campus. Race pages describe a few rolling hills and a flatter section along a riverside road.
The Run
The run goes through campus, past the football stadium and the basketball arena. It is described as fairly hilly, with water stops on the way.
Who Can Take Part?
The race has an individual category and a relay category. In a relay, three people share the work: one swims, one bikes and one runs.
A race page from 2020 listed individual entries for ages 10 and up, and relay entries for ages 7 and up. Age rules can change from year to year, so check the current rules.
Is the Trideltathon an Official Triathlon?
Race pages say the event is not sanctioned by USA Triathlon. That means it is run as a local event, not as an official national-governing-body race. For a beginner, this is not a problem, but it matters for athletes who want rankings or qualifying times.
When Is It Held?
Past editions have been held in April. The 2020 race was cancelled because the university moved to online classes, and entries were transferred, refunded or kept as a charity donation.
We cannot confirm the date of the next race. Please check the official race page for current dates and prices. You can see the event details on RunSignup.
Tips for First-Time Racers
- Practice each part, and also practice doing them back to back.
- Know your swim time. Because swimmers start one at a time, you will be placed according to your expected swim speed. Be honest about your time.
- Preview the course. The bike and run are partly hilly, so train on hills if you can.
- Check your bike before race day: tires, brakes and gears.
- Pack your transition bag the night before: towel, shoes, helmet, water and a snack.
- Do not try new food or gear on race day.
If this is your first triathlon, our guide on how to train for a sprint triathlon offers a simple eight-week plan.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Trideltathon?
It is an annual pool triathlon at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, with a swim, a bike ride and a run. It benefits East Tennessee Children’s Hospital.
How long is the Trideltathon?
The described distances are a 400-meter swim, a 6-mile bike ride and a 3-mile run.
Is the swim in open water?
No. It takes place in a pool at the Student Aquatic Center.
Can I race as part of a team?
Yes. The race has a relay category in which team members share the three parts.
Is it good for beginners?
The short distances and pool swim make it a friendly first triathlon. Still, prepare for the hills on the bike and run.
Conclusion
The Trideltathon is a short, beginner-friendly triathlon with a pool swim, a campus bike loop and a hilly 3-mile run, and it supports a children’s hospital.
Check the official race page for the latest dates, rules and prices, then practice all three parts so you can enjoy the day.