Santa Barbara Triathlon

August 23, 2020 · Santa Barbara, CA

Distance: 1 mile swim, 10 mile run, 34 mile bike

Long Course Triathlon & Aquabike 8/22. Sprint Triathlon & Duathlon 8/23.

Not just another pretty race!

The Santa Barbara Triathlon delivers unique distances, an event site to die for and a vibe that is both fun and friendly. We have an unparalleled variety of course options to choose from, and every participant gets a T-shirt, finisher medal, lunch and more. Established in 1981, ours is one of the longest-running independently owned triathlons in the world. And it’s no wonder: Stunning scenery, flawless operations and an oceanfront transition area and finish line ensure a sellout event every year.

Participants can select from either our famous long course (including aquabike and team divisions) or one of our sprint courses. Sprint course options include a women’s-only event, parent/child team event (compete side-by-side with your child), the traditional co-ed format, and our new duathlon. We even offer a “just for fun” division for people who want to start at the same time as their friend or family member, rather than their assigned age group. We have something for everyone!

Stick around after the event for children’s beach activities, a fabulous sports expo and convenient on-site dining.

Click here for registration information

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Review

Great event! I did the long course (1 mile swim, 34 mile bike, 10 mile run) which is a great distance to push yourself beyond an Olympic as you’re working up to a half-Ironman. Pre-race email communications kept everyone informed about what they needed to do and what to expect. The expo the day before the race had a god vendor presence, and the swag bag was generous given the high registration fee for this event. One big bonus that distinguishes this race from others is the opportunity to raise money for a charitable partner; SB Triathlon picks a different one every year (voted on by participants); in 2012, it was the Scholarship Foundation of Santa Barbara. I was set up with a fundraising page and collected enough money in donations to win a couple of prizes (SB tri racing hat & socks). Parking on the day of the race is challenging; if you’re coming in from out of town, try to book a hotel far in advance that’s within walking distance to the transition/ starting area. The course itself is just gorgeous. The water was around 60-62 degrees but a fairly calm and a great swim at Cabrillo Beach. The bike course offers spectacular views and some really challenging hill climbs. On the downside, it’s not entirely closed to traffic and some of the drivers were less than courteous. At one point I had to come to a complete stop while waiting to make a left turn, not ideal for a race. The run course parallels the beach then climbs uphill, and it seems like a longtime before you get to the turn around. One of the tougher courses I’ve done but very rewarding to get through it. Post-race: Results were posted quickly and photos were available within just a few days.
I will definitely do this race again.

Review

This race goes over two days. With both Long distance and sprint course and relays. Picked up my bib the day of the race easily. The organization seemed pretty good. Not really that many vendors. The swim was in a calm area with no waves and right off the shore. Really nice. The bike was on some pretty bumpy, slippy roads (it was misty), but the scenery was way cool. I really enjoyed the bike. There was one climb that was so tough right at the end, but I like a challenge. The run was not flat, but it was just a gentle climb up a hill (then down on the way back.) Overall I really, really like this course. The only thing I did not like about it was that the distance was weird 1.0 mile swim, 34 mile bike, and 10 mile run. What is that an large Olympic or Small HIM? Either way, I will be back for this one many years to come. Very fun race. One big warning: Get there early to park. The SB police wrote a ton of tickets that day.