National Championships RFPs
USA Triathlon is committed to providing new opportunities for Race Directors by opening the below events and 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 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 March 4 – May 1. All submissions must be submitted electronically through the ‘Apply Today’ link. 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 April 1 and May 22. USA Triathlon will be the final decision maker during the review period and Race Directors will be notified by June 5. Upon being notified, contracts will begin to be distributed on June 5. Events included in the 2027 National Championship calendar will be announced in July/August.
RFP process opens
March 4
RFP submission period closes
May 1
Review of Bid Submissions
Rolling from April 1 – May 22
USA Triathlon to conduct the review, which will include Race Director interviews
Selections Made
June 5 - Race Directors will be notified
Contractual Process Begins
June 5
2027 selections announced
July/August 2026
- Starting in 2027, select National Championship events will be awarded two-year hosting terms. This approach is intended to promote consistency, strengthen year-over-year attendance growth, elevate Championship status within host communities, increase local sponsorship opportunities, and allow for more strategic branding and promotional investments.
- National Championships to be awarded two-year bids beginning in 2027:
- Collegiate Club National Championships
- Long Course National Championships
- Ultra-Distance National Championships
- Youth and Junior National Championships
- The following events will be awarded one-year bids for 2027 only. Beginning in 2028, these events will transition to two-year bid cycles. This staggered approach supports a balanced bid calendar and helps ensure the National Championship schedule does not remain identical in consecutive years.
- National Championships to be awarded a one-year bid in 2027 (transitioning to two-year bids beginning in 2028)
- Winter Triathlon and Winter Duathlon National Championships
- Cross Triathlon and Cross Duathlon National Championships
- Youth and Junior Cross Nationals
- Military and First Responders National Championships
- The following 2027 events are not currently open for bid. If you are interested in learning more or would like to be considered for future hosting opportunities, please contact NationalEvents@usatriathlon.org.
- Gravel Triathlon and Gravel Duathlon National Championships
- Multisport National Championships Festival
Apply now! Bid deadline is May 1, 2026.
- Place Awards provided by USAT in the 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 guideline requirements by Host
- Complimentary expo booth at USA Triathlon Nationals
- Top 35% (vs. 20%) 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 the National Championship designation
- Customized Logo for the event
- National Championship social media posts
- USATriathlon.org Championships landing page
- Inclusion on the National Championship calendar on USATriathlon.org
- Inclusion in the Championships promotion email and annual marketing/promotions campaigns
- National Championship calendar announcement with link to event website
- Inclusion in USA Triathlon Magazine
- Inclusion in the USAT annual marketing and promotions campaigns
- Inclusion in the championship’s promotion email
- Dedicated geo-targeted emails promoting the event regionally
- Post Event Recap Article (RD to Provide Results)
- 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).
- Additional consideration may be given to an event that can also host an international event
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 predominantly on paved roads, trails, or sidewalks.
Date: Event must take place between the last weekend of March and the 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: Close to domestic airports if possible. 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.
Past History: consideration will be given to past participation numbers
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, 2026, if not already certified
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
- Adherence to Collegiate Club National Championships scoring and seeding rules
- All event logistics, operations, and associated financials are to be borne by the host, as are swim caps, race tattoos, race systems, rack stickers, branding, giveaway items, etc.
- Officials required, including necessary motorcycles, with costs covered by race management
- Provide a designated communications lead to communicate with USAT
- Prepare and share a promotional plan with USAT
- Provide USAT with videos, imagery, and key features of the race and event
- Provide the location and host the award ceremony
- Race benefits for USA Triathlon Gold and Platinum members (discounted race entry fees, VIP experience, etc.)
- Bids will be evaluated based on the 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 who 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 a post-race recap with images for distribution
- All post-race responsibilities must have been completed within 10 days post-event
Apply now! Bid deadline is May 1, 2026.
- Place Awards provided by USAT in the 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 guideline requirements by Host
- Complimentary expo booth at USA Triathlon Nationals
- Top 35% (vs. 20%) 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 the National Championship designation
- Customized Logo for the event
- National Championship social media posts
- USATriathlon.org Championships landing page
- Inclusion on the National Championship calendar on USATriathlon.org
- Inclusion in the Championships promotion email and annual marketing/promotions campaigns
- National Championship calendar announcement with link to event website
- Inclusion in USA Triathlon Magazine
- Inclusion in the USAT annual marketing and promotions campaigns
- Inclusion in the championship’s promotion email
- Dedicated geo-targeted emails promoting the event regionally
- Post Event Recap Article (RD to Provide Results)
Races and distances required:
- Sprint Distance Triathlon: 750m swim, 20k bike, 5k run
- Olympic-Distance Triathlon: 1500m swim, 40k bike, 10k run
- Additional consideration may be given to an event that can also host an international event
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 a testing agency or an 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 predominantly on paved roads, trails, or sidewalks
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: Close to domestic airports, if possible. Additionally, locations that will appeal based on city, travel ease from all US locations, and the course design and event layout will be strongly considered to ensure the best athlete attendance and experience.
Past History: consideration will be given to past participation numbersWeather: The 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 a testing agency or an 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 predominantly 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 the USA Triathlon National Championship: there are specific considerations and expectations for how USA Triathlon will be represented at the race, including 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
- All event logistics, operations, and associated financials of the event are to be borne by the host, as well as swim caps, race tattoos, race systems, rack stickers, branding, giveaway items, etc.
- Officials required, including necessary motorcycles, with costs covered by race management
- Provide a designated communications lead to communicate with USAT
- Prepare and share a promotional plan with USAT
- Provide USAT with videos, imagery, and key features of the race and event
- Provide the location and host the award ceremony
- Race benefits for USA Triathlon Gold and Platinum members (discounted race entry fees, VIP experience, etc.
- Bids will be evaluated based on the 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 who 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 a post-race recap with images for distribution
- All post-race responsibilities must have been completed within 10 days post-event
Apply now! Bid deadline is May 1, 2026.
- 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)
Races and distances required:
- Standard Distance Triathlon: 4 – 6k run, 8 – 10k bike, 8 – 10k ski OR Sprint Distance Triathlon: 2 – 3k run, 4 – 8k bike, 4 – 5k ski
- Standard Distance Duathlon: 4 – 6k run, 8 – 10k ski OR Sprint Distance Duathlon: 2 – 3k run, 4 – 5k ski
- Additional consideration will be given to those who can host both distances of triathlon and both distances of duathlon
Course: Snow must be well-maintained and well-groomed
Date: Event must take place in January, February, or March
Event Venue: Adequate space for the following: swim start/finish, transition area, finish line, athlete recovery area, spectator viewing, adequate parking, location for athlete briefing and awards, and race expo.
Event Location: Close to domestic airports, if possible. 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.
Past History: consideration will be given to past participation numbers
Weather: The 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, and an Open Category
- *Open Category: Available for transgender women and any other athlete who wishes to race in this category. Results for Open Category athletes may be recorded in the Open Category and will not be ranked within any other category. No rankings or National Championship titles are available for this category. This category does not entitle athletes to qualify for any other national or international competition.
Race Director Certification: must be completed by Dec. 31, 2026, if not already certified
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.
- All event logistics, operations, and associated financials of the event are to be borne by the host, as well as swim caps, race tattoos, race systems, rack stickers, branding, giveaway items, etc.
- Officials required with costs covered by race management
- Provide a designated communications lead to communicate with USAT
- Prepare and share a promotional plan with USAT
- Provide USAT with videos, imagery, and key features of the race and event
- Provide the location and host the award ceremony
- 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 a post-race recap with images for distribution
- All post-race responsibilities must have been completed within 10 days post-event
Apply now! Bid deadline is May 1, 2026.
- 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
- Top 35% (vs. 20%) 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)
Races and distances required:
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 a testing agency or an agency that governs the body of water.
- Bike: Safe course with roads that are in good condition, with minimal safety concerns. Due to the distance, courses are not required to be fully closed to vehicular traffic, but where possible, best efforts will be made to do so.
- Run: Safe course that should be predominantly on paved roads, trails, or sidewalks.
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: Close to domestic airports if possible. 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.
Past History: consideration will be given to past participation numbers
Weather: The 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, water quality testing, 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, and an open category
- *Open Category: Available for transgender women and any other athlete who wishes to race in this category. Results for Open Category athletes may be recorded in the Open Category and will not be ranked within any other category. No rankings or National Championship titles are available for this category. This category does not entitle athletes to qualify for any other national or international competition.
Race Director Certification: must be completed by Dec. 31, 2026, if not already certified
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.
- All event logistics, operations, and associated financials of the event are to be borne by the host, as well as swim caps, race tattoos, race systems, rack stickers, branding, giveaway items, etc.
- Officials required, including necessary motorcycles, with costs covered by race management
- Provide a 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
- Provide the location and host the award ceremony
- 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 a post-race recap with images for distribution
- All post-race responsibilities must have been completed within 10 days post-event
Apply now! Bid deadline is May 1, 2026.
- 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
- Top 35% (vs. 20%) 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)
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
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 a testing agency or an agency that governs the body of water.
- Bike: Safe course with roads that are in good condition, with minimal safety concerns. Due to distance courses are not required to be fully closed to vehicular traffic but where possible, best efforts will be made to do so.
- Run: Safe course that should be predominately on paved roads, trails, or sidewalks.
Date: Should not fall within 2 weeks of a similar triathlon National Championship or a similar triathlon World Championship
Event Venue: Adequate space for the following: swim start/finish, transition area, finish line, athlete recovery area, spectator viewing, adequate parking, location for athlete briefing and awards, and race expo.
Event Location: Close to domestic airports, if possible. 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.
Past History: consideration will be given to past participation numbers
Weather: The 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, and an Open Category
- *Open Category: Available for transgender women and any other athlete who wishes to race in this category. Results for Open Category athletes may be recorded in the Open Category and will not be ranked within any other category. No rankings or National Championship titles are available for this category. This category does not entitle athletes to qualify for any other national or international competition.
Race Director Certification: must be completed by Dec. 31, 2026, if not already certified
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.
- All event logistics, operations, and associated financials of the event are to be borne by the host, as well as swim caps, race tattoos, race systems, rack stickers, branding, giveaway items, etc.
- Officials required, including necessary motorcycles, with costs covered by race management
- Provide a designated communications lead to communicate with USAT
- Prepare and share a promotional plan with USAT
- Provide USAT with videos, imagery, and key features of the race and event
- Provide the location and host the award ceremony
- Race benefits for USA Triathlon Gold and Platinum members (discounted race entry fees, VIP experience, etc.)
- Bids will be evaluated based on the 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 who 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 a post-race recap with images for distribution
- All post-race responsibilities must have been completed within 10 days post-event
Apply now! Bid deadline is May 1, 2026.
- 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
- Top 35% (vs. 20%) 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)
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
- *Note that additional consideration will be given to applicants who can include all of the above races. At a minimum, the event must include the Sprint Triathlon and Sprint Duathlon.
- **Additional consideration will be given to an event that can also host Youth and Junior Cross Nationals
- ***Additional consideration may be given to an event that can also host an international event
Date: Should not fall within 2 weeks of a similar triathlon National Championship or a similar triathlon World Championship
Event Venue: Adequate space for the following: swim start/finish, transition area, finish line, athlete recovery area, spectator viewing, adequate parking, location for athlete briefing and awards, and race expo
Event Location: Close to domestic airports, if possible. 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.
Past History: consideration will be given to past participation
Weather: The 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, and an Open Category
- *Open Category: Available for transgender women and any other athlete who wishes to race in this category. Results for Open Category athletes may be recorded in the Open Category and will not be ranked within any other category. No rankings or National Championship titles are available for this category. This category does not entitle athletes to qualify for any other national or international competition.
Race Director Certification: must be completed by Dec. 31, 2026, 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 a testing agency or an 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 predominantly 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.
- All event logistics, operations, and associated financials of the event are to be borne by the host, as well as swim caps, race tattoos, race systems, rack stickers, branding, giveaway items, etc.
- Officials required with costs covered by race management
- Provide a designated communications lead to communicate with USAT
- Prepare and share a promotional plan with USAT
- Provide USAT with videos, imagery and key features of the race and event
- Provide the location and host the award ceremony
- Race benefits for USA Triathlon Gold and Platinum members (discounted race entry fees, VIP experience, etc.)
- Bids will be evaluated based on the 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 who 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 a post-race recap with images for distribution
- All post-race responsibilities must have been completed within 10 days post-event
Apply now! Bid deadline is May 1, 2026.
- Place Awards provided by USAT in the required Nationals categories
- Athlete qualification for World Championships (as applicable)
- 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 guideline requirements by Host
- Complimentary expo booth at USA Triathlon Nationals
- Top 35% (vs. 20%) 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 the National Championship designation
- National Championship social media posts
- USATriathlon.org Championships landing page
- Inclusion on the National Championship calendar on USATriathlon.org
- Inclusion in the 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 the USA Triathlon National Championships
- Inclusion in USA Triathlon Magazine
- Customized Logo for the event
- Inclusion in the USAT annual marketing and promotions campaigns
- Inclusion in the championships promotion email
- Dedicated geo-targeted emails promoting the event regionally
- Post Event Recap Article (RD to Provide Results)
Races and distances required (distances may slightly vary):
- Sprint Triathlon: 500 – 750m swim, 10-15 km bike, 5km run (ages 16 – 19)
- Super Sprint Triathlon: 200 – 400m swim, 4 – 8km bike, 1 – 3km run (ages 10 – 15)
- *Note that additional consideration will be given to applicants who can include a Sprint Duathlon and/or Super Sprint Duathlon. At a minimum, the event must include the Sprint Triathlon and Super Sprint Triathlon.
- *Additional consideration will be given to an event that can also host Cross Triathlon and Cross Duathlon National Championships.
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 a testing agency or an 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 predominantly on off-road trails.
Date: Should ideally not fall within 2 weeks of a similar triathlon National Championship or a similar triathlon World Championship
Event Venue: Adequate space for the following: swim start/finish, transition area, finish line, athlete recovery area, spectator viewing, adequate parking, location for athlete briefing and awards, and race expo.
Event Location: Close to domestic airports, if possible. 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.
Past History: consideration will be given to past participation numbers
Weather: The 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, water quality testing, etc
USA Triathlon sanctioned event and must have been sanctioned for at least one year
Race Director Certification: must be completed by Dec. 31, 2026, if not already certified
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.
- All event logistics, operations, and associated financials of the event are to be borne by the host, as well as swim caps, race tattoos, race systems, rack stickers, branding, giveaway items, etc.
- Officials required with costs covered by race management
- Provide a designated communications lead to communicate with USAT
- Prepare and share a promotional plan with USAT
- Provide USAT with videos, imagery, and key features of the race and event
- Provide the location and host the award ceremony
- Race benefits for USA Triathlon Gold and Platinum members (discounted race entry fees, VIP experience, etc.)
- Bids will be evaluated based on the 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 who 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 a post-race recap with images for distribution
- All post-race responsibilities must have been completed within 10 days post-event
Apply now! Bid deadline is May 1, 2026.
- 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)
Races and distances required (distances may slightly vary):
- Junior Development Draft-Legal (two races that must be independent of one another): 750m swim, 20k bike, 5k run
- Youth Development Draft-Legal (two races that must be independent of one another): 375m swim, 10k bike, 2.5k run
- Youth and Junior Development Mixed Relay: 200 – 250m swim, 5k bike, .8 – 1.4k run
- Youth Age Group Ages 13 – 18: 300m swim, 10k bike, 2.5k run
- Youth Age Group Ages 11 – 12 and ATD: 200m swim, 10k bike, 2k run
- Youth Age Group Ages 7 – 10: 100m swim, 5k bike, 1k run
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. Draft-Legal bike courses must be either a 5k or 10k loop, with a preference for a 5k loop.
- Run: Safe course that should be predominantly on paved roads, trails, or sidewalks.
Date: Event must take place on the 3rd or 4th weekend of July or the 1st weekend of August. The exact date shall take into consideration the Junior National Series qualifying event schedule as well as USA Triathlon Nationals.
Event Venue: Adequate space for the following: swim start/finish, transition area, finish line, athlete recovery area, spectator viewing, adequate parking, location for athlete briefing and awards, and race expo.
Event Location: Close to domestic airports, if possible. 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.
Past History: consideration will be given to past participation numbers
Weather: The 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, water quality testing, etc
USA Triathlon sanctioned event and must have been sanctioned for at least one year
Race Director Certification: must be completed by Dec. 31, 2026, if not already certified
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 and Mixed Relay start lists will be managed by USA Triathlon in consultation with the Race Director
- All event logistics, operations, and associated financials of the event are to be borne by the host, as well as swim caps, race tattoos, race systems, rack stickers, branding, giveaway items, etc.
- Officials required, including necessary motorcycles, with costs covered by race management
- Provide a designated communications lead to communicate with USAT
- Prepare and share a promotional plan with USAT
- Provide USAT with videos, imagery, and key features of the race and event
- Provide the location and host the award ceremony
- Race benefits for USA Triathlon Gold and Platinum members (discounted race entry fees, VIP experience, etc.)
- Bids will be evaluated based on the 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 who 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 a post-race recap with images for distribution
- All post-race responsibilities must have been completed within 10 days post-event
- Exposure and long-term reputation for the local organizing community as well as the community
- Official logo, which the host can use in approved ways
- National promotion and media coverage prior to, during and after the event, including amplification through 40+ institutions
- Event Checklist Guide/Manual/Best Practices
- USAT on-call concierge
- Event calendar announcement with link to event website
- Operations support from USA Triathlon and/or the Collegiate Triathlon Coaches Association
The RFP period will be open from February 4 - March 6.
All submissions must be submitted electronically through the ‘Apply Today’ link. 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 on a rolling basis from the time the RFP period opens until March 13. USA Triathlon will be the final decision maker during the review period and Race Directors will be notified by March 18. Upon being notified, contracts will be distributed on/by March 18 and will be due back to USA Triathlon by April 10.
Timeline for 2026 Women’s Collegiate Triathlon Regional Championship Selection
- February 4: RFP submission period opens
- March 6: RFP submission period closes
- Rolling – March 13: Review of bid submissions by USA Triathlon including Race Director interviews
- March 18: Selections made and Race Directors notified
- March 18: Contractual process begins
- April 10: Contracts signed
- April / May: 2026 Women’s Collegiate Triathlon Regional Championship selections announced
USA Triathlon will consider a second year with the same event pending an evaluation to include feedback. Host must re-apply for second year and beyond pending no contract is already in place.
Races and distances required:
- Draft-Legal Sprint Triathlon: 750m swim, 20k bike, 5k run
- Must have the ability to host three independent races with a maximum of 75 athletes per race
Courses
- Must be a full and complete road closure
- Swim (750 Meters): The first turn buoy should be a minimum of 250 meters from the beach or start area. Clean, scenic body of water, with temperatures ranging between 60F and 80F; no issues with unsafe swim conditions due to high surf or water quality concerns. The start of the swim must be via a beach start, dive start, or in-water start.
- Bike (20km): Safe course with roads for the bike that are entirely closed to traffic and can accommodate the athletes comfortably. Road conditions are good with minimal safety concerns. The course should be available for a course preview the day prior to the event, if possible. A looped course is required for the bike. The bike course should be a 2, 3, or 4 loop course. There should be specific areas designated for spectator crossing to assure the safety of all participants. A bike-through transition is not required and if lap out rule is not in effect, then the course must be safe for athletes lapping others and it shall not be a flow-through transition.
- Run (5k): The run should be safe and a looped course if possible. If it is a looped course, it should not be more than two loops. There should be water stations at the start of the run course and at the turnaround on the run course.
- Transition: Structured in a way that all athletes travel the same distance during the race. A split transition area is not acceptable.
Date: Event must take place on the last weekend of October
Event Venue: Adequate space for the following: swim start/finish, transition area, finish line, athlete recovery area, spectator viewing, adequate parking, location for athlete briefing and awards, and race expo.
Event Location: Close to domestic airports if possible. 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.
Course Previews:
- Bike: course should be available for a course preview the day prior to the event, if possible, and can be an escorted preview.
- Swim: course should be available during a designated window the day prior to the event for athletes to familiarize themselves with the course and to include safety assets on the water.
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, water quality testing, etc.
USA Triathlon sanctioned event and must be sanctioned no less than 180 days prior to race-day.
Race Director
- Certification: must be a Certified Race Director and if not, become certified no less than 60 days prior to the event date
- Three years of triathlon-specific event experience with greater priority extended to those with draft legal history preferred
- Positive sanctioning record with USAT
- All previous USAT sanctioned races must have been sanction compliant.
- Race director is in good standing with USA Triathlon
Hotels: adequate housing at the best possible price, including multiple price points. Service 150 athletes plus staff, friends, family, spectators, and sponsors. Dorms, home stays, campgrounds, etc., are alternative housing options. Housing procurement at discounted pricing is important as a means of minimizing the cost of the hotel room block for teams. Hotels should be located within 5-10 miles (20 minutes maximum by car) of the race venue.
Entry Fees: must be at a cost-effective price for all teams attending and not exceed $175 per athlete
Branding: there are specific considerations and expectations which includes signage, finish line, awards, backdrops, finish tape, and other experiential elements. The look and feel when attending the event should stand out as a Women’s Collegiate Regional Triathlon Championships. Production and cost responsibility will be that of the race management group.
- 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, support, and more.
- All those that submit bids are subject to an interview regarding their submission.
- On-time bid submission
- All event logistics, operations, and associated financials of the event to be borne by the host, as well as swim caps, race tattoos, race systems, rack stickers, awards, branding, giveaway items, etc.
- Adherence to scoring rules and seeding rules including requirement to do a mock score via timing company
- Start lists will be managed in consultation with USA Triathlon and the Collegiate Triathlon Coaches Association
- Officials required, including necessary motorcycles, with costs covered by race management
- Provide location and host award ceremony
- Provide designated communications lead to USAT
- Provide USAT with videos, imagery and key features of the race and event
- All individual results and team results should be completed no more than one hour after the last finisher, and must be 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
- Exposure and long-term reputation for the local organizing community as well as the community
- Official logo, which the host can use in approved ways
- National promotion and media coverage prior to, during and after the event, including amplification through 40+ institutions
- Event Checklist Guide/Manual/Best Practices
- USAT on-call concierge
- Event calendar announcement with link to event website
- Operations support from USA Triathlon and/or the Collegiate Triathlon Coaches Association
The RFP period will be open from February 4 – April 10.
All submissions must be submitted electronically through the ‘Apply Today’ link. 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 on a rolling basis from the time the RFP period opens until April 17. USA Triathlon will be the final decision maker during the review period and Race Directors will be notified by April 17. Upon being notified, contracts will be distributed on April 17 and will be due back to USA Triathlon by May 1.
Timeline for 2027 Women’s Collegiate Triathlon National Championship Selection
- February 4: RFP submission period opens
- April 10: RFP submission period closes
- Rolling – April 17: Review of bid submissions by USA Triathlon, including Race Director interviews
- April 17: Selections made and Race Directors notified
- April 17: Contractual process begins
- May 8: Contracts signed
- Summer/Fall 2026: 2027 Women’s Collegiate Triathlon National Championship selections announced
USA Triathlon will consider a second year with the same event pending an evaluation to include feedback. Host must re-apply for second year and beyond pending no contract is already in place.
Races and distances required:
- Draft-Legal Sprint Triathlon: 750m swim, 20k bike, 5k run
- Must have three independent races with a maximum of 75 athletes per race for Collegiate Women
- Must host an additional independent draft-legal race which will include World Championship qualification slots
Courses
- Swim Course (750 Meters): The first turn buoy should be a minimum of 250 meters from the beach or start area. Clean, scenic body of water, with temperatures ranging between 60F and 80F; no issues with unsafe swim conditions due to high surf or water quality concerns. The start of the swim must be via a beach start, dive start, or in-water start.
- Bike (20km): Safe course with roads for the bike that are entirely closed to traffic and can accommodate the athletes comfortably. Road conditions are good with minimal safety concerns. A looped course is required for the bike. The bike course should be a 2, 3, or 4 loop course. There should be specific areas designated for spectator crossing to assure the safety of all participants.
- Run (5k): The run should be safe and a looped course if possible. If it is a looped course, it should not be more than two loops. There should be water stations at the start of the run course and at the turnaround on the run course.
- Transition: The transition area must be a flow through transition meaning spacing for transition AND bikes to flow through during the event. A split transition area is not acceptable.
Date: Event must take place on one of the first three weekends of November
Event Venue: Adequate space for the following: swim start/finish, transition area, finish line, athlete recovery area, spectator viewing, adequate parking, location for athlete briefing and awards, and race expo.
Event Location: Close to domestic airports if possible. 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.
Course Previews:
- Bike: course should be available for a course preview the day prior to the event, if possible, and can be an escorted preview.
- Swim: course should be available during a designated window the day prior to the event for athletes to familiarize themselves with the course and to include safety assets on the water.
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, water quality testing, etc.
USA Triathlon sanctioned event and must be sanctioned no less than 180 days prior to race-day.
Race Director
- Certification: must be a Certified Race Director and if not, become certified no less than 60 days prior to the event date
- Three years of triathlon-specific event experience with greater priority extended to those with draft legal history preferred
- Positive sanctioning record with USAT
- All previous USAT sanctioned races must have been sanction compliant.
- Race director is in good standing with USA Triathlon
- Must sanction event no less than 180 days prior to race-day.
Hotels: adequate housing at the best possible price, including multiple price points. Service 150 athletes plus staff, friends, family, spectators, and sponsors. Dorms, home stays, campgrounds, etc., are alternative housing options. Housing procurement at discounted pricing is important as a means of minimizing the cost of the hotel room block for teams. Hotels should be located within 5-10 miles (20 minutes maximum by car) of the race venue.
Entry Fees: must be at a cost-effective price for all teams attending and must not exceed $250
Branding: there are specific considerations and expectations which includes signage, finish line, awards, backdrops, finish tape, and other experiential elements. The look and feel when attending the event should stand out as a Women’s Collegiate Triathlon National Championships. Production and cost responsibility will be that of the race management group.
- 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, support, and more.
- All those that submit bids are subject to an interview regarding their submission.
- On-time bid submission
- All event logistics, operations, and associated financials of the event to be borne by the host, as well as swim caps, race tattoos, race systems, rack stickers, awards, branding, giveaway items, etc.
- Event Streaming / Live Feed: preference will be given to events with the ability to do so
- Adherence to scoring rules and seeding rules including requirement to do a mock score via timing company
- Start lists will be managed in consultation with USA Triathlon and the Collegiate Triathlon Coaches Association
- Officials required, including necessary motorcycles, with costs covered by race management
- Provide location and host award ceremony
- Provide designated communications lead to USAT
- Provide USAT with videos, imagery and key features of the race and event
- All individual results and team results should be completed no more than one hour after the last finisher, and must be 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
The 2027 event is not up for bid. If you are interested in learning more or have interest in future years of the event, please email NationalEvents@usatrathlon.org.
The 2027 event is not up for bid. If you are interested in learning more or have interest in future years of the event, please email USA Triathlon.
The 2027 event is not up for bid. If you are interested in learning more or have interest in future years of the event, please email NationalEvents@usatrathlon.org.
The 2027 event is not up for bid. If you are interested in learning more or have interest in future years of the event, please email USA Triathlon.