Partnered National Championships RFPs
USA Triathlon is committed to providing new opportunities for Race Directors by opening the below National Championships for bid.
The chosen race management team for each National Championship will be responsible for overall management and execution of the event, planning, creating and fostering relationships, completing permits, recruitment of volunteers, and the financial commitment to produce an event that meets National Championship standards.
USA Triathlon will partner with the race management team to provide support in line with the details outlined within.
The RFP period will be open from August 20 – September 15.
All submissions must be submitted electronically through the links below or red buttons at the top of the page. Once the RFP period closes, submissions will be reviewed by USA Triathlon. USA Triathlon will reach out to Race Directors to conduct an interview and review bid submissions between September 15 and September 30. USA Triathlon will be the final decision maker during the review period and Race Directors will be notified by October 7. Upon being notified, contracts will begin to be distributed on September 26 and will be due back to USA Triathlon by October 10. Events included in the 2026 National Championship calendar will be announced in October. Winter Triathlon National Championships will follow an expedited process and timeline.
August 20: RFP process opens
August 20 - September 15: RFP submission period closes
September 15 - September 30: Review of bid submissions by USA Triathlon including Race Director interviews
October 7: Selections made and Race Directors notified
October 7: Contractual process begins
October 17: Contracts signed
October 2025: 2026 selections announced
Winter National Championships will follow an expedited timeline as outlined below:
August 20: RFP process opens
August 20 – September 8: RFP submission period and rolling review of submissions including Race Director interviews
September 10: Selection made and Race Director notified
September 10: Contractual process begins
September 17: Contract signed
September 2025: 2026 Winter National Championships selection announced
USA Triathlon will consider a second year with the same event pending an evaluation to include feedback from athletes and USAT. Host must re-apply for second year and beyond pending no contract is already in place.
Listed below are the National Championships which are up for bid in 2026, including specific criteria and requirements for each.
Please note: 2026 Youth and Junior Nationals and 2026 Gravel National Championships are not up for bid.
- Draft-Legal sprint triathlon: 750m swim (one to two laps), 20k bike (two to four loops), 5k run (no more than two laps)
- Capped at 75 male and 75 female collegiate athletes
- Draft-Legal mixed relay: 200-350m swim (one lap), 4-6k bike (one to two laps), .75 – 1.75k run (one lap)
- Olympic-Distance non-draft triathlon: 1500m swim (one to two laps), 40k bike (no more than three laps), 10k run (one to two laps).
Date: Event must take place between the last weekend of March and third week of April as preferred date options.
- Should not fall within 2 weeks of a similar triathlon National Championship or a similar triathlon World Championship
Event Venue: adequate space for swim start/exit, transition, finish line, athlete recovery area, spectator viewing, packet pick up, and expo.
Event Location: Ideal locations will be near drive markets and close to convenient domestic airports. Additionally, locations that will appeal based on city, travel ease from all US locations, as well as the course design and event layout will all be strongly considered to ensure the best athlete attendance and experience.
Weather: Threat of major weather events such as tornadoes, hurricanes, and other severe weather should be minimal.
The following plans must be in place for the event, including but not limited to: safety, course (swim, bike, run), traffic control, police, contingency planning, etc.
USA Triathlon sanctioned event and must have been sanctioned for at least one year
Race Director Certification: must be completed by Dec. 31, 2025 if not already certified
Courses
- Swim: Clean, scenic body of water with minimal-to-no-current with temperatures ranging between 60F and 85F, ideally. Water quality must be deemed safe for swimming based on water quality testing by testing agency or agency that governs the body of water.
- Bike: Safe course with roads that are in good condition, with minimal safety concerns. Courses should be fully closed with no vehicle traffic sharing lanes with athletes.
- Run: Safe course that should be predominately on paved roads, trails, or sidewalks.
Hotels: Should be able to service athletes plus staff, friends, family, spectators, and sponsors with competitive pricing.
Branding for USA Triathlon National Championship: there are specific considerations and expectations of how USA Triathlon will be represented at the race, which includes signage, finish line, awards, backdrops, and other experiential elements. The look and feel when attending the event should stand out as a USA Triathlon National Championship. Production and cost responsibility will be that of the race management group but may also be dependent on bid submission and arrangement.
- Draft-Legal start lists will be managed by USA Triathlon in consultation with the Race Director
- Officials required, including necessary motorcycles
- Adherence to Collegiate Club National Championships scoring and seeding rules
- Provide designated communications lead to communicate to USAT
- Prepare and share a promotional plan with USAT
- Provide USAT with videos, imagery and key features of the race and event
- Race benefits for USA Triathlon Gold and Platinum members (discounted race entry fees, VIP experience, etc.)
- Bids will be evaluated based on thoroughness of submission, additional details included surrounding the event as to why the event should be selected, date, location, experience, courses, venue, financial backing and support, and more.
- All those that submit bids are subject to an interview regarding their submission.
- On-time bid submission
- Results sent to USA Triathlon within 12 hours of event completion
- Provide USAT with post-race recap with images for distribution
- All post-race responsibilities must have been completed with 10 days post-event
- Post-race survey to be distributed by host, including required questions from USA Triathlon
- Results of athlete survey to be shared with USA Triathlon
- Place Awards provided by USAT in required Nationals categories
- Connection/working group with other National Championships Race Directors
- Pre-event 'webinar' info call/kickoff
- Event Checklist Guide/Manual/Best Practices
- USAT on-call concierge
- USAT staff onsite
- National Championship mesh/banner/branding to supplement branding guidelines requirements by Host
- Complimentary expo booth at USA Triathlon Nationals
- Top 35% (vs. 15%) qualifies for USA Triathlon Nationals, which in turn should provide more incentive for athletes to race at the event
- Opportunity to grow your participation due to National Championship designation
- National Championship social media posts
- USATriathlon.org Championships landing page
- Inclusion on National Championship calendar on USATriathlon.org
- Inclusion in Championships promotion email and annual marketing/promotions campaigns
- National Championship calendar announcement with link to event website
- Be a part of the select group of races calling themselves USA Triathlon National Championships
- Inclusion in USA Triathlon Magazine
- Customized Logo for event
- Inclusion in USAT annual marketing and promotions campaigns
- Inclusion in championships promotion email
- Inclusion in USAT annual member engagement email campaign
- Dedicated geo-targeted emails promoting the event regionally
- Post Event Recap Article (RD to Provide Results)
Bid deadline is September 15, 2025
The USA Triathlon Military and First Responders National Championships honor the service and sacrifice of members of the U.S. Armed Forces as well as police, fire and EMS personnel in the multisport community.
Races and distances required:
- Sprint Distance Triathlon: 750m swim, 20k bike, 5k run
- Olympic-Distance Triathlon: 1500m swim, 40k bike, 10k run
Date: Should not fall within 2 weeks of a similar triathlon National Championship or a similar triathlon World Championship
Event Venue: adequate space for swim start/exit, transition, finish line, athlete recovery area, spectator viewing, packet pick up, and expo.
Event Location: Ideal locations will be near drive markets and close to convenient domestic airports. Additionally, locations that will appeal based on city, travel ease from all US locations, as well as the course design and event layout will all be strongly considered to ensure the best athlete attendance and experience.
Weather: Threat of major weather events such as tornadoes, hurricanes, and other severe weather should be minimal.
The following plans must be in place for the event, including but not limited to: safety, course (swim, bike, run), traffic control, police, contingency planning, etc.
USA Triathlon sanctioned event and must have been sanctioned for at least one year
Race Director Certification: must be completed by Dec. 31, 2025 if not already certified
Courses
- Swim: Clean, scenic body of water with minimal-to-no-current with temperatures ranging between 60F and 85F, ideally. Water quality must be deemed safe for swimming based on water quality testing by testing agency or agency that governs the body of water.
- Bike: Safe course with roads that are in good condition, with minimal safety concerns. Courses should be fully closed with no vehicle traffic sharing lanes with athletes.
- Run: Safe course that should be predominately on paved roads, trails, or sidewalks.
Hotels: Should be able to service athletes plus staff, friends, family, spectators, and sponsors with competitive pricing.
Branding for USA Triathlon National Championship: there are specific considerations and expectations of how USA Triathlon will be represented at the race, which includes signage, finish line, awards, backdrops, and other experiential elements. The look and feel when attending the event should stand out as a USA Triathlon National Championship. Production and cost responsibility will be that of the race management group but may also be dependent on bid submission and arrangement.
- Officials required, including necessary motorcycles
- Provide designated communications lead to communicate to USAT
- Prepare and share a promotional plan with USAT
- Provide USAT with videos, imagery and key features of the race and event
- Race benefits for USA Triathlon Gold and Platinum members (discounted race entry fees, VIP experience, etc.)
- Bids will be evaluated based on thoroughness of submission, additional details included surrounding the event as to why the event should be selected, date, location, experience, courses, venue, financial backing and support, and more.
- All those that submit bids are subject to an interview regarding their submission
- On-time bid submission
- Results sent to USA Triathlon within 12 hours of event completion
- Provide USAT with post-race recap with images for distribution
- All post-race responsibilities must have been completed with 10 days post-event
- Post-race survey to be distributed by host, including required questions from USA Triathlon
- Results of athlete survey to be shared with USA Triathlon
- Place Awards provided by USAT in required Nationals categories
- Connection/working group with other National Championships Race Directors
- Pre-event 'webinar' info call/kickoff
- Event Checklist Guide/Manual/Best Practices
- USAT on-call concierge
- USAT staff onsite
- National Championship mesh/banner/branding to supplement branding guidelines requirements by Host
- Complimentary expo booth at USA Triathlon Nationals
- Top 35% (vs. 15%) qualify for USA Triathlon Nationals, which in turn should provide more incentive for athletes to race at the event
- Opportunity to grow your participation due to National Championship designation
- National Championship social media posts
- USATriathlon.org Championships landing page
- Inclusion on National Championship calendar on USATriathlon.org
- Inclusion in Championships promotion email and annual marketing/promotions campaigns
- National Championship calendar announcement with link to event website
- Be a part of the select group of races calling themselves USA Triathlon National Championships
- Inclusion in USA Triathlon Magazine
- Customized Logo for event
- Inclusion in USAT annual marketing and promotions campaigns
- Inclusion in championships promotion email
- Inclusion in USAT annual member engagement email campaign
- Dedicated geo-targeted emails promoting the event regionally
- Post Event Recap Article (RD to Provide Results)
Deadline is September 15, 2025.
Races and distances required:
- Standard Distance Triathlon: 4 – 6k run, 8 – 10k bike, 8 – 10k ski
- Sprint Distance Triathlon: 2 – 3k run, 4 – 8k bike, 4 – 5k ski
- Standard Distance Duathlon: 4 – 6k run, 8 – 10k ski
- Sprint Distance Duathlon: 2 – 3k run, 4 – 5k ski
Date: Event must take place in January, February, or March
Event Venue: adequate space for start, transition, finish line, spectator viewing, packet pick up, and expo.
Event Location: Ideal locations will be near drive markets and close to convenient domestic airports. Additionally, locations that will appeal based on city, travel ease from all US locations, as well as the course design and event layout will all be strongly considered to ensure the best athlete attendance and experience.
Weather: Threat of major weather events such as avalanches, snowstorms and blizzards should be minimal.
The following plans must be in place for the event, including but not limited to: safety, course (swim, bike, run), traffic control, police, contingency planning, etc.
USA Triathlon sanctioned event and must have been sanctioned for at least one year
Must include normal age group divisions, plus Clydesdale, Athena, Non-Binary
Race Director Certification: must be completed by Dec. 31, 2025 if not already certified
Course
- Snow must be well-maintained and well-groomed
Hotels: Should be able to service athletes plus staff, friends, family, spectators, and sponsors with competitive pricing.
Branding for USA Triathlon National Championship: there are specific considerations and expectations of how USA Triathlon will be represented at the race, which includes signage, finish line, awards, backdrops, and other experiential elements. The look and feel when attending the event should stand out as a USA Triathlon National Championship. Production and cost responsibility will be that of the race management group but may also be dependent on bid submission and arrangement.
- Officials required, including necessary motorcycles
- Provide designated communications lead to communicate to USAT
- Prepare and share a promotional plan with USAT
- Provide USAT with videos, imagery and key features of the race and event
- Race benefits for USA Triathlon Gold and Platinum members (discounted race entry fees, VIP experience, etc.)
- Bids will be evaluated based on thoroughness of submission, additional details included surrounding the event as to why the event should be selected, date, location, experience, courses, venue, financial backing and support, and more.
- All those that submit bids are subject to an interview regarding their submission.
- On-time bid submission
- Results sent to USA Triathlon within 12 hours of event completion
- Provide USAT with post-race recap with images for distribution
- All post-race responsibilities must have been completed with 10 days post-event
- Post-race survey to be distributed by host, including required questions from USA Triathlon
- Results of athlete survey to be shared with USA Triathlon
- Place Awards provided by USAT in required Nationals categories
- Athlete qualification for World Championships
- Connection/working group with other National Championships Race Directors
- Pre-event 'webinar' info call/kickoff
- Event Checklist Guide/Manual/Best Practices
- USAT on-call concierge
- USAT staff onsite
- National Championship mesh/banner/branding to supplement branding guidelines requirements by Host
- Complimentary expo booth at USA Triathlon Nationals
- Opportunity to grow your participation due to National Championship designation
- National Championship social media posts
- USATriathlon.org Championships landing page
- Inclusion on National Championship calendar on USATriathlon.org
- Inclusion in Championships promotion email and annual marketing/promotions campaigns
- National Championship calendar announcement with link to event website
- Be a part of the select group of races calling themselves USA Triathlon National Championships
- Inclusion in USA Triathlon Magazine
- Customized Logo for event
- Inclusion in USAT annual marketing and promotions campaigns
- Inclusion in championships promotion email
- Inclusion in USAT annual member engagement email campaign
- Dedicated geo-targeted emails promoting the event regionally
- Post Event Recap Article (RD to Provide Results)
Deadline is September 8, 2025
Races and distances required:
- Triathlon: 1.2-mile swim, 56-mile bike, 13.1-mile run
- Duathlon: 5k-run, 56-mile bike, 13.1-mile run
- Aquabike: 1.2-mile swim, 56-mile bike
Date: Should not fall within 2 weeks of a similar triathlon National Championship or a similar triathlon World Championship
Event Venue: adequate space for swim start/exit, transition, finish line, athlete recovery area, spectator viewing, packet pick up, and expo.
Event Location: Ideal locations will be near drive markets and close to convenient domestic airports. Additionally, locations that will appeal based on city, travel ease from all US locations, as well as the course design and event layout will all be strongly considered to ensure the best athlete attendance and experience.
Weather: Threat of major weather events such as tornadoes, hurricanes, and other severe weather should be minimal.
The following plans must be in place for the event, including but not limited to: safety, course (swim, bike, run), traffic control, police, contingency planning, etc.
USA Triathlon sanctioned event and must have been sanctioned for at least one year
Must include normal age group divisions, plus Clydesdale, Athena, Non-Binary
Race Director Certification: must be completed by Dec. 31, 2025 if not already certified
Course
- Swim: Clean, scenic body of water with minimal-to-no-current with temperatures ranging between 60F and 85F, ideally. Water quality must be deemed safe for swimming based on water quality testing by testing agency or agency that governs the body of water.
- Bike: Safe course with roads that are in good condition, with minimal safety concerns. Courses should be fully closed with no vehicle traffic sharing lanes with athletes.
- Run: Safe course that should be predominately on paved roads, trails, or sidewalks.
Hotels: Should be able to service athletes plus staff, friends, family, spectators, and sponsors with competitive pricing.
Branding for USA Triathlon National Championship: there are specific considerations and expectations of how USA Triathlon will be represented at the race, which includes signage, finish line, awards, backdrops, and other experiential elements. The look and feel when attending the event should stand out as a USA Triathlon National Championship. Production and cost responsibility will be that of the race management group but may also be dependent on bid submission and arrangement.
- Officials required, including necessary motorcycles
- Provide designated communications lead to communicate to USAT
- Prepare and share a promotional plan with USAT
- Provide USAT with videos, imagery and key features of the race and event
- Race benefits for USA Triathlon Gold and Platinum members (discounted race entry fees, VIP experience, etc.)
- Bids will be evaluated based on thoroughness of submission, additional details included surrounding the event as to why the event should be selected, date, location, experience, courses, venue, financial backing and support, and more.
- All those that submit bids are subject to an interview regarding their submission.
- On-time bid submission
- Results sent to USA Triathlon within 12 hours of event completion
- Provide USAT with post-race recap with images for distribution
- All post-race responsibilities must have been completed with 10 days post-event
- Post-race survey to be distributed by host, including required questions from USA Triathlon
- Results of athlete survey to be shared with USA Triathlon
- Place Awards provided by USAT in required Nationals categories
- Athlete qualification for World Championships
- Connection/working group with other National Championships Race Directors
- Pre-event 'webinar' info call/kickoff
- Event Checklist Guide/Manual/Best Practices
- USAT on-call concierge
- USAT staff onsite
- National Championship mesh/banner/branding to supplement branding guidelines requirements by Host
- Complimentary expo booth at USA Triathlon Nationals
- Opportunity to grow your participation due to National Championship designation
- National Championship social media posts
- USATriathlon.org Championships landing page
- Inclusion on National Championship calendar on USATriathlon.org
- Inclusion in Championships promotion email and annual marketing/promotions campaigns
- National Championship calendar announcement with link to event website
- Be a part of the select group of races calling themselves USA Triathlon National Championships
- Inclusion in USA Triathlon Magazine
- Customized Logo for event
- Inclusion in USAT annual marketing and promotions campaigns
- Inclusion in championships promotion email
- Inclusion in USAT annual member engagement email campaign
- Dedicated geo-targeted emails promoting the event regionally
- Post Event Recap Article (RD to Provide Results)
Deadline is September 15, 2025
Races and distances required (distances may slightly vary):
- Triathlon: 2.4-mile swim, 112-mile bike, 26.2-mile run
Option races to be included (preference will be given to bids that are above to also accommodate the below):
- Duathlon: 6 – 10-mile run, 112-mile bike, 15-25 mile run
- Aquabike: 2.4-mile swim, 112-mile bike
Date: Should not fall within 2 weeks of a similar triathlon National Championship or a similar triathlon World Championship
Event Venue: adequate space for swim start/exit, transition, finish line, athlete recovery area, spectator viewing, packet pick up, and expo.
Event Location: Ideal locations will be near drive markets and close to convenient domestic airports. Additionally, locations that will appeal based on city, travel ease from all US locations, as well as the course design and event layout will all be strongly considered to ensure the best athlete attendance and experience.
Weather: Threat of major weather events such as tornadoes, hurricanes, and other severe weather should be minimal.
The following plans must be in place for the event, including but not limited to: safety, course (swim, bike, run), traffic control, police, contingency planning, etc.
USA Triathlon sanctioned event and must have been sanctioned for at least one year
Must include normal age group divisions, plus Clydesdale, Athena, Non-Binary
Race Director Certification: must be completed by Dec. 31, 2025 if not already certified
Course
- Swim: Clean, scenic body of water with minimal-to-no-current with temperatures ranging between 60F and 85F, ideally. Water quality must be deemed safe for swimming based on water quality testing by testing agency or agency that governs the body of water.
- Bike: Safe course with roads that are in good condition, with minimal safety concerns. Courses should be fully closed with no vehicle traffic sharing lanes with athletes.
- Run: Safe course that should be predominately on paved roads, trails, or sidewalks.
Hotels: Should be able to service athletes plus staff, friends, family, spectators, and sponsors with competitive pricing.
Branding for USA Triathlon National Championship: there are specific considerations and expectations of how USA Triathlon will be represented at the race, which includes signage, finish line, awards, backdrops, and other experiential elements. The look and feel when attending the event should stand out as a USA Triathlon National Championship. Production and cost responsibility will be that of the race management group but may also be dependent on bid submission and arrangement.
- Officials required, including necessary motorcycles
- Provide designated communications lead to communicate to USAT
- Prepare and share a promotional plan with USAT
- Provide USAT with videos, imagery and key features of the race and event
- Race benefits for USA Triathlon Gold and Platinum members (discounted race entry fees, VIP experience, etc.)
- Bids will be evaluated based on thoroughness of submission, additional details included surrounding the event as to why the event should be selected, date, location, experience, courses, venue, financial backing and support, and more.
- All those that submit bids are subject to an interview regarding their submission.
- On-time bid submission
- Results sent to USA Triathlon within 12 hours of event completion
- Provide USAT with post-race recap with images for distribution
- All post-race responsibilities must have been completed with 10 days post-event
- Post-race survey to be distributed by host, including required questions from USA Triathlon
- Results of athlete survey to be shared with USA Triathlon
- Place Awards provided by USAT in required Nationals categories
- Athlete qualification for World Championships
- Connection/working group with other National Championships Race Directors
- Pre-event 'webinar' info call/kickoff
- Event Checklist Guide/Manual/Best Practices
- USAT on-call concierge
- USAT staff onsite
- National Championship mesh/banner/branding to supplement branding guidelines requirements by Host
- Complimentary expo booth at USA Triathlon Nationals
- Opportunity to grow your participation due to National Championship designation
- National Championship social media posts
- USATriathlon.org Championships landing page
- Inclusion on National Championship calendar on USATriathlon.org
- Inclusion in Championships promotion email and annual marketing/promotions campaigns
- National Championship calendar announcement with link to event website
- Be a part of the select group of races calling themselves USA Triathlon National Championships
- Inclusion in USA Triathlon Magazine
- Customized Logo for event
- Inclusion in USAT annual marketing and promotions campaigns
- Inclusion in championships promotion email
- Inclusion in USAT annual member engagement email campaign
- Dedicated geo-targeted emails promoting the event regionally
- Post Event Recap Article (RD to Provide Results)
Deadline is September 15, 2025
Races and distances required (distances may slightly vary):
- Standard Triathlon: 1500-meter swim, 25-30 km bike, 10 km run
- Sprint Triathlon: 750-meter swim, 10-15 km bike, 5km run
- Standard Duathlon: 5k-run, 25-30 km bike, 10 km run
- Sprint Duathlon: 2.5k run, 10-15km bike, 5k run
Date: Should not fall within 2 weeks of a similar triathlon National Championship or a similar triathlon World Championship
Event Venue: adequate space for swim start/exit, transition, finish line, athlete recovery area, spectator viewing, packet pick up, and expo.
Event Location: Ideal locations will be near drive markets and close to convenient domestic airports. Additionally, locations that will appeal based on city, travel ease from all US locations, as well as the course design and event layout will all be strongly considered to ensure the best athlete attendance and experience.
Weather: Threat of major weather events such as tornadoes, hurricanes, and other severe weather should be minimal.
The following plans must be in place for the event, including but not limited to: safety, course (swim, bike, run), traffic control, police, contingency planning, etc.
USA Triathlon sanctioned event and must have been sanctioned for at least one year
Must include normal age group divisions, plus Clydesdale, Athena, Non-Binary
Race Director Certification: must be completed by Dec. 31, 2025 if not already certified
Course
- Swim: Clean, scenic body of water with minimal-to-no-current with temperatures ranging between 60F and 85F, ideally. Water quality must be deemed safe for swimming based on water quality testing by testing agency or agency that governs the body of water.
- Bike: Safe, off-road course with ideally and predominantly double track, although single track is still acceptable. It should incorporate a variety of terrain,
- Run: Safe course that should be predominately on off-road trails.
Hotels: Should be able to service athletes plus staff, friends, family, spectators, and sponsors with competitive pricing.
Branding for USA Triathlon National Championship: there are specific considerations and expectations of how USA Triathlon will be represented at the race, which includes signage, finish line, awards, backdrops, and other experiential elements. The look and feel when attending the event should stand out as a USA Triathlon National Championship. Production and cost responsibility will be that of the race management group but may also be dependent on bid submission and arrangement.
- Officials required, including necessary motorcycles
- Provide designated communications lead to communicate to USAT
- Prepare and share a promotional plan with USAT
- Provide USAT with videos, imagery and key features of the race and event
- Race benefits for USA Triathlon Gold and Platinum members (discounted race entry fees, VIP experience, etc.)
- Bids will be evaluated based on thoroughness of submission, additional details included surrounding the event as to why the event should be selected, date, location, experience, courses, venue, financial backing and support, and more.
- All those that submit bids are subject to an interview regarding their submission.
- On-time bid submission
- Results sent to USA Triathlon within 12 hours of event completion
- Provide USAT with post-race recap with images for distribution
- All post-race responsibilities must have been completed with 10 days post-event
- Post-race survey to be distributed by host, including required questions from USA Triathlon
- Results of athlete survey to be shared with USA Triathlon
- Place Awards provided by USAT in required Nationals categories
- Athlete qualification for World Championships
- Connection/working group with other National Championships Race Directors
- Pre-event 'webinar' info call/kickoff
- Event Checklist Guide/Manual/Best Practices
- USAT on-call concierge
- USAT staff onsite
- National Championship mesh/banner/branding to supplement branding guidelines requirements by Host
- Complimentary expo booth at USA Triathlon Nationals
- Opportunity to grow your participation due to National Championship designation
- National Championship social media posts
- USATriathlon.org Championships landing page
- Inclusion on National Championship calendar on USATriathlon.org
- Inclusion in Championships promotion email and annual marketing/promotions campaigns
- National Championship calendar announcement with link to event website
- Be a part of the select group of races calling themselves USA Triathlon National Championships
- Inclusion in USA Triathlon Magazine
- Customized Logo for event
- Inclusion in USAT annual marketing and promotions campaigns
- Inclusion in championships promotion email
- Inclusion in USAT annual member engagement email campaign
- Dedicated geo-targeted emails promoting the event regionally
- Post Event Recap Article (RD to Provide Results)
Deadline is September 15, 2025
Races and distances required (distances may slightly vary):
- Sprint Triathlon (ages 16 – 17): 500m – 750m swim, 12 – 16k bike, and 4 – 5k run
- Super Sprint Triathlon (ages 14 – 15): 200 – 450m swim, 6 – 8k bike, and 1 – 3k run
- Super Super Sprint Triathlon (ages 10 – 13): 100m swim, 2 – 4k bike, and .5 – 1.5k run
Additional recommended races and distances (may vary slightly) – note that these are not required races:
- Super Super Sprint Duathlon (ages 10 – 13): .5k run, 2 – 4k bike, 1k run
- Super Sprint Duathlon (ages 14 – 15): 1 – 1.5k run, 6 – 8k bike, 2 – 3k run
- Sprint Duathlon (ages 16 – 17): 2.5k run, 10-15km bike, 5k run
Date: Should not fall within 2 weeks of a similar triathlon National Championship or a similar triathlon World Championship
Event Venue: adequate space for swim start/exit, transition, finish line, athlete recovery area, spectator viewing, packet pick up, and expo.
Event Location: Ideal locations will be near drive markets and close to convenient domestic airports. Additionally, locations that will appeal based on city, travel ease from all US locations, as well as the course design and event layout will all be strongly considered to ensure the best athlete attendance and experience.
Weather: Threat of major weather events such as tornadoes, hurricanes, and other severe weather should be minimal.
The following plans must be in place for the event, including but not limited to: safety, course (swim, bike, run), traffic control, police, contingency planning, etc.
USA Triathlon sanctioned event and must have been sanctioned for at least one year
Must include at least ages 10-17
Race Director Certification: must be completed by Dec. 31, 2025 if not already certified
Course
- Swim: Clean, scenic body of water with minimal-to-no-current with temperatures ranging between 60F and 85F, ideally. Water quality must be deemed safe for swimming based on water quality testing by testing agency or agency that governs the body of water.
- Bike: Safe, off-road course with ideally and predominantly double track, although single track is still acceptable. It should incorporate a variety of terrain,
- Run: Safe course that should be predominately on off-road trails.
Hotels: Should be able to service athletes plus staff, friends, family, spectators, and sponsors with competitive pricing.
Branding for USA Triathlon National Championship: there are specific considerations and expectations of how USA Triathlon will be represented at the race, which includes signage, finish line, awards, backdrops, and other experiential elements. The look and feel when attending the event should stand out as a USA Triathlon National Championship. Production and cost responsibility will be that of the race management group but may also be dependent on bid submission and arrangement.
- Officials required
- Provide designated communications lead to communicate to USAT
- Prepare and share a promotional plan with USAT
- Provide USAT with videos, imagery and key features of the race and event
- Race benefits for USA Triathlon Gold and Platinum members (discounted race entry fees, VIP experience, etc.)
- Bids will be evaluated based on thoroughness of submission, additional details included surrounding the event as to why the event should be selected, date, location, experience, courses, venue, financial backing and support, and more.
- All those that submit bids are subject to an interview regarding their submission.
- On-time bid submission
- Results sent to USA Triathlon within 12 hours of event completion
- Provide USAT with post-race recap with images for distribution
- All post-race responsibilities must have been completed with 10 days post-event
- Post-race survey to be distributed by host, including required questions from USA Triathlon
- Results of athlete survey to be shared with USA Triathlon
- Place Awards provided by USAT in required Nationals categories
- Connection/working group with other National Championships Race Directors
- Pre-event 'webinar' info call/kickoff
- Event Checklist Guide/Manual/Best Practices
- USAT on-call concierge
- USAT staff onsite
- National Championship mesh/banner/branding to supplement branding guidelines requirements by Host
- Complimentary expo booth at USA Triathlon Nationals
- Opportunity to grow your participation due to National Championship designation
- National Championship social media posts
- USATriathlon.org Championships landing page
- Inclusion on National Championship calendar on USATriathlon.org
- Inclusion in Championships promotion email and annual marketing/promotions campaigns
- National Championship calendar announcement with link to event website
- Be a part of the select group of races calling themselves USA Triathlon National Championships
- Inclusion in USA Triathlon Magazine
- Customized Logo for event
- Inclusion in USAT annual marketing and promotions campaigns
- Inclusion in championships promotion email
- Inclusion in USAT annual member engagement email campaign
- Dedicated geo-targeted emails promoting the event regionally
- Post Event Recap Article (RD to Provide Results)
Deadline is September 15, 2025