2025 USA Triathlon Sprint and Olympic Distance National Championships

You may qualify through any local USA Triathlon Sanctioned age group triathlon of any distance, including Cross and Gravel triathlons (excludes Winter Triathlon). These events include all non-championship events. To qualify, you must place in the top two places or top 15% of your age group (whichever is greater). Placing via this criteria qualifies you for both Sprint AND Olympic Distance National Championships.

Additionally, any athlete who previously qualified for the 2025 USA Triathlon Sprint and Olympic Distance National Championships through an event in 2025 will automatically qualify for 2026.

Note: USA Triathlon will round to the next whole number for qualification calculations.

State championships qualify the top 35% or top five (5) finishers in an age group (whichever is greater). You may only qualify for Olympic distance Nationals by placing in the Olympic distance State Championship race or Sprint Nationals by placing in the sprint distance State Championship race.

High School State Championships Exemption: All high school athletes who finish any of the State High School Championships will automatically qualify for the Sprint distance event (pending they are at least age 15 as of December 31, 2025.)

Any registered athlete in the 2024 USA Triathlon Age Group Sprint or Olympic distance races or 2024's Long Course Triathlon National Championships (triathlon only) has already qualified for 2025 USA Triathlon Sprint and Olympic Distance National Championships.

We have extended qualification to those that registered for the 2023 USA Triathlon Sprint and Olympic Distance National Championships that took place in Milwaukee as a welcome back!

Any athlete who competed as a member of Team USA in 2024 in any discipline will automatically qualify. Qualification cannot be met from participation more than one year prior.

In 2025, Clydesdale and Athena athletes will compete in their respective divisions for the championship races and will not start in age group waves. Clydesdale and Athena athletes will remain eligible for awards in their respective five-year age group and Team USA qualification, but will also be eligible for a separate set of awards placing just Clydesdale and Athena athletes per the identification noted during registration. Clydesdale and Athena athletes must also complete the weigh-in procedure, which will happen at Packet Pick-Up prior to racing to remain eligible.

Clydesdale and Athena athletes must still qualify for Sprint and Olympic Distance races per the qualification paths noted above.

The 2025 qualification period runs June 1, 2024 to July 30, 2025 If you hit one or more of the qualification marks below, you've qualified for 2025 USA Triathlon Olympic and Sprint Distance National Championships!

Note: The qualification period for 2026 runs June 1, 2025, to July 30, 2026. If you earn a qualifying mark on a day that's in both qualification periods (June 1, 2025 - July 30, 2025), you've qualified for both years' Nationals. 

Only individual-category participants qualify for Nationals. Elite, Relay, etc., categories will not. 

Qualification is based on an athlete's age-group finish only

• However, if an athlete wins an overall award and is subsequently removed from their event's age group, they will be placed back into the age group for qualifications and rankings purposes

Qualification Ages

Olympic Distance: 17 years of age by December 31, 2025 (can race at age 16)

Open Water Swim Competition: 15 years of age by December 31, 2025 (can race at age 14)

Current Minimum A

Sprint Distance: 15 years of age by December 31, 2025 (can race at age 14)

Qualification Process

If you have qualified through the above criteria, you will automatically receive the “You’ve Qualified” email from USA Triathlon. Your registration link is in that email. You may also log in to your Member Hub to see a notification with your registration link. That link will be valid until registration closes.
If you're expecting a qualification email but it hasn't yet arrived, check your email that's associated with your USA Triathlon account, including the spam/junk folder. If it still hasn't arrived, wait at least 20 days before contacting USA Triathlon as race directors have 15 days after an event to submit results. Also note that:

1. Athletes in your age group may have been removed for an overall award and placed back into their age group for qualification and rankings purposes.
2. If you competed in an elite, open or relay wave at an event, you cannot qualify through that event. The only category you can compete in to qualify is an age group category.
3. Events must be USA Triathlon Sanctioned in order to qualify for USA Triathlon Sprint and Olympic Distance National Championships.

Any athlete that finishes in the State Championship in which Sprint and Olympic Distance Nationals is held will earn an auto-qualification (the 2024 and 2025 Wisconsin State Championship, in this case).

The address for the 2025 USA Triathlon Nationals is 500 N Harbor Drive, Milwaukee, WI, 53202.

The following award categories will be presented at the 2025 USA Triathlon Sprint and Olympic Distance National Championships:

Adult Races

• 10 places deep (female/male/non-binary)
  • Olympic-distance Triathlon (non-draft): Ages 17-19, 20-24, 25-29, etc. through 90-94 or older
  • Sprint-distance Triathlon (non-draft): Ages 15-19, 20-24, 25-29, etc. through 90-94 or older

• 3 places deep (female/male/non-binary)
  • Overall Olympic-distance Triathlon (non-draft)
  • Overall Sprint-distance Triathlon (non-draft)
  • Olympic Masters (Male ages 40 – 59 / Female ages 40 – 54)
  • Olympic Grandmasters (Male age 60+ / Female age 55+)
  • Sprint Masters (Male ages 40 – 59 / Female ages 40 – 54)
  • Sprint Grandmasters (Male age 60+ / Female age55+)
  • Open Water Swim Competition: Overalls, 15-39, 40-59, 60+
  • Open Water Swim Competition (Adaptive – 1st Place Overall Only): ATD1 Overall, ATD1 Wheelchair, ATD1 Ambulatory, ATD1 Visually Impaired, ATD2, ATD3, ATD4, ATTMI
  • Clydesdales in Olympic and Sprint Nationals: Ages 39 and younger, 40-59, 60+
  • Athenas in Olympic and Sprint Nationals: Ages 39 and younger, 40-54, 55+

Clydesdale and Athenas will race in their own designated wave and will be eligible for their respective age group awards. Those who have identified as a Clydesdale or Athena during registration are ALSO eligible for a separate set of Clydesdale and Athena awards.

ATD1

• 3 places deep (female/male/non-binary)
  • Overall
  • Wheelchair
  • Ambulatory
  • Visually Impaired

ATD2

• 3 places deep (female/male/non-binary)
  • Overall

ATD3

• 3 places deep (female/male/non-binary)
  • Overall

ATTMI

• 3 places deep (female/male/non-binary)
  • Overall

• ATD1: Athletes with physical or visual impairments
• ATD2: Athletes who are neuro-diverse or have cognitive impairments
• ATD3: Athletes who require adaptations to be able to race a multisport event due to (but not limited to) TBI, PTSD, chronic diseases, congenital conditions, neurological conditions, etc.
• ATD4: Athletes who race as a "Duo" with one athlete pushing, propelling, and/or pulling another athlete through the race distance.
• ATTMI: Athletes who require an adaption to race a multisport event due to a medically verified, significant, and temporary injury

Each championship race will offer a Clydesdale and Athena division. Clydesdales (males 220 lbs or greater) and Athenas (165 lbs or greater) must indicate their desire to be recognized as such during the registration process for each race.

All Clydesdale and Athena athletes are required to weigh in at Packet Pick Up to be eligible for awards. Scales will be located within Packet Pick Up with an official on location to record the athlete's weight. Athletes should be wearing essential race gear for weigh-in and cannot hold items like nutrition or water.

Athletes MUST meet or exceed the minimum weight upon weigh-in. Athletes who fail to meet the minimum weight OR who fail to weigh-in will not be eligible for Clydesdale or Athena awards.

USA Triathlon takes clean sport and anti-doping very seriously. In accordance with U.S. Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) regulations, athletes may be drug tested at this event. Should drug testing occur, there are strict protocols that must be followed and will be coordinated by the on-site USADA representative as well as a USA Triathlon staff member.

• More information on USADA
• List of banned and prohibited substances

In the event of extreme weather, natural disaster, community disaster or other unforeseen emergencies, our action steps will be as follows:

• USA Triathlon, in concert with local officials, will make the final decision based on safety of the athletes, spectators, vendors, volunteers and others affiliated with the event.
• USAT may, based on the conditions of the course, shorten the distances or cancel the event altogether.
• Because costs of the event have already been paid out to cover various levels of production expenses, there will be NO REFUNDS, transferred entry fees or future complimentary entry fees.

In the event of an emergency or the need of USA Triathlon to communicate important information on event-day, please stay tuned to USA Triathlon's social media accounts on Facebook, Instagram, your email, the USA Triathlon Events App, and venue PA announcements.

All athletes, spectators, family, and friends are encouraged to download the USA Triathlon Events App. Users can follow the progress of athletes as they race through each of USA Triathlon’s Owned National Championships. Download today.

Interested in exhibiting as a brand? Reach out to partnerships@usatriathlon.org for more information.

Gatorade is the Official Sports Beverage of USA Triathlon and will be available on the course for all athletes. Check out Gatorade.

Going The Distance: Fueling Endurance Performance (PDF)

Information created by the Gatorade Sports Science Institute. For hydration and fueling tips/best practices review

Gatorade Endurance Fact Sheet

Results from past Olympic-Distance National Championships

Results from past Sprint National Championships

At this USA Triathlon National Championship, rules violations will be enforced on-course. All penalties will be notified and served while the athlete is competing. Additionally, all athletes are required to complete all prescribed courses in their entirety.

This race will follow the 2024 Rules of Multisport.

USA Triathlon Sportsmanship Creed

As a competitor at USA Triathlon events, you have a responsibility to demonstrate the highest standards of sportsmanship per the USA Triathlon Multisport Competition Rules (2.1 General Conduct a., c. d., f., and g. and 2.2 Race Conduct b.) Unsportsmanlike Conduct) and as such, should always show respect for the sport, your fellow athletes, race staff, officials, volunteers, and spectators. Each individual athlete shares this responsibility, which includes refraining from the use of improper language and conduct detrimental to the community at large. This rule will be strictly enforced, and disrespectful language or conduct will not be tolerated.

For more information on USA Triathlon rules and sportsmanship, please reference the USA Triathlon Competitive Rules.

At USA Triathlon National Championship and World Triathlon Qualifying Age-Group Races, wetsuits are forbidden if the temperature is 76.2 degrees Fahrenheit or above. Wetsuits are mandatory if the temperature is 60.6 degrees or below.

If you have further questions, reach out to rulesandofficials@usatriathlon.org. See the full rules set.

Expected water temperature should be between 64 to 71 degrees fahrenheit. Water temperature will be posted closer to race day.

Swim caps: all athletes are required to wear the swim cap given to them at packet pickup. Swim caps will be made of silicone.

Latex allergies: If you have a latex allergy, please let USAT staff know and you will be provided with a non-latex swim cap.

USA Triathlon Nationals will be the qualification event for 2026's World Championships in Draft-Legal Sprint and Standard-Distance Triathlon.

Age-Up Rule

To determine eligibility for Team USA qualification, results will be considered based on the participant's age as of December 31 of the Worlds competition year. Therefore, all aged-up results for Team USA qualification at U.S Nationals will be according to the athletes' ages as of December 31, 2026.

Example: If John Doe is going to be 49 years old by Dec. 31, 2025, he will age-up up into the 50-54 age group for the 2026 World Championships since he will be 50 years old by Dec. 31, 2026. Thus, for Team USA qualifying purposes, his time at U.S Nationals will be compared to the men currently in the 50-54 age group.

How to Qualify

• Sprint Triathlon: Top 8 per AG rolling down to 20th place. Please note the Age Group National Championships Sprint Triathlon is NON-DRAFT but the corresponding World Championships Sprint Triathlon is Draft-Legal.
• Olympic-Distance (Standard) Triathlon: Top 18 per AG rolling down to 30th place.

Timing chips must be returned after each race - they are NOT disposable. Your chip must be returned at the completion of your race at the finish line. If you forget to return your chip, you can return it by mail. Lost chips result in a $95 replacement fee. Mail lost chips to:

Sportstats USA

112 54th St. SW

Grand Rapids, MI 49548

Enhance your race weekend with VIP access to the USA Triathlon Foundation VIP area. Enjoy the convenience, hospitality and dedicated viewing areas offered to Foundation VIP guests and get a front-row seat at the finish line. A weekend pass gets you two days of access (Saturday-Sunday).

• Register Here

The USA Triathlon Foundation VIP benefits the Foundation's mission to encourage youth participation, inspire pathways to access and inclusion, and ignite Olympic and Paralympic dreams. To learn more about the Foundation and get involved, please visit usatriathlon.org/foundation.

Volunteers are critical to a safe a successful event! If you, a friend, a family member, or your organization can spare time to volunteer at one or multiple shifts, your time is greatly appreciated. There are flexible shifts available with numerous opportunities to participate, including supporting course aid stations, registration, finish line and more. All volunteers will be provided with a meal and shirt for their time.

Volunteer Sign-up Coming Soon!

USA Triathlon events could not be executed without the support of our volunteers, so thank you in advance for the part you will play in helping our athletes chase their goals/dreams and achieve competitive excellence. If you have any questions or run in to any issues when registering as a volunteer, please reach out to volunteer1@usatriathlon.org.

The 750m Open Water Swim Competition, presented by Synergy Wetsuits, will allow athletes to gain access to a competitive race either as a tune up for Saturday and Sunday races or for those not racing to be involved in the overall event weekend. The timed competition will see athletes receiving a swim cap along with awards for top placing athletes.

Wetsuit Rentals: Experience hassle-free wetsuit rentals with Synergy Wetsuits' 30-day rental program, offering athletes the chance to feel the Synergy Difference before and during the event without the commitment of a purchase. Click here for more information.

Bike Rentals: Rent your bike from Unlimited Biking for the 2025 USA Triathlon Sprint and Olympic Distance National Championships. Click here for more information.

For the first time ever, Paratriathlon Nationals is headed to Milwaukee to be held in conjunction with USA Triathlon Sprint and Olympic-Distance National Championships!

Any athlete that wishes to compete in the National Championship division at Paratriathlon Nationals must be officially classified and placed in a USA Paratriathlon Category as outlined in USA Triathlon’s Competitive Rules. If an athlete does not classify or does not qualify via the time standards, they may race in the Adaptive Triathlon Division 1 (ATD1).

Once you have met the qualifying time for your sport class as outlined below, please email Chris Palmquist (cspalmquist@gmail.com) with your race results, race distance, and race dates to be authorized to register for the 2025 Paratriathlon National Championships in the championship division.

The USA Paratriathlon Nationals Qualifier Series is the premiere national-level racing circuit for up-and-coming paratriathletes in the United States. The aim of the series is to provide increased domestic competitive opportunities for the nation’s emerging paratriathletes. The Paratriathlon National Qualifier Race Series provides paratriathletes and ATD1 athletes opportunities to race sprint distance races following USAT and World Triathlon paratriathlon competition rules. These races also offer a chance to qualify for the 2025 and 2026 USAT Paratriathlon National Championships with slightly more generous time standards than at other USAT-sanctioned races.

Post-race, athletes accumulating points in a minimum of two series races and Nationals will receive series rankings. Top-ranked athletes will be awarded a sponsor-provided prize (details forthcoming) and recognized in our newsletter, website, and social media channels.

To work toward your series standings and qualifying for Paratriathlon National Championships, sign up for your races now!

More information about the USA Paratriathlon Nationals Qualifier Series can be found here.

Check out the 2025 race schedule!

• Athlete must be eligible under all applicable rules of World Triathlon (www.triathlon.org), the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency (www.usada.org), and USA Triathlon.
• Athlete must be an annual member in good standing of USA Triathlon.
• Paratriathlon Category Classification: Each athlete must be Officially Classified and placed in a USA Paratriathlon Category as outlined in USA Triathlon’s Competitive Rules.

• PTWC - Wheelchair users. Athletes must use a recumbent handcycle on the bike course and a racing wheelchair on the run segment
• PTS2 - Severe Impairments. In both bike and run segments, amputee athletes may use approved prosthesis or other supportive devices.
• PTS3 – Significant Impairments. In both bike and run segments, the athlete may use approved prosthesis or other supportive devices.
• PTS4 – Moderate Impairments. In both bike and run segments, the athlete may use approved prosthesis or other supportive devices.
• PTS5 – Mild Impairments. In both bike and run segments, the athlete may use approved prosthesis or other supportive device.
• PTVI - Total or Partial visual Impairment (IBSA/IPC defined sub-classes B1, B2, and B3): Includes athletes who are totally blind, from no light perception in either eye, to some light perception (B1) and partially sighted athletes (B2, B3). One guide is mandatory throughout the race. Must ride a tandem during the bike segment.

Find more information on 2025 qualifying standards here.

*If an athlete has not been classified and unsure what sport class they fit into, please email Paratriathlon@usatriathlon.org with the medical diagnosis form available on our website and we will make an educated guess as to which sport class the athlete fits until a classification assessment can take place

**All final determinations on sport class and qualification will be determined at the national classification opportunity in the days leading into the event. Please note there is a chance that if an athlete changes sport classes from the educated guess they will need to show proof of a qualification race in the new sport class within the specified qualification time.