Events
Race Website
Additional race information can be found at http://racinginreston.org.
Place
Reston, VA US 20191
Description
Attention Athletes: Reston Triathlon Transitions to Duathlon Format
Updated August 29, 2024
For the safety of our athletes, we need to convert this year’s Reston Triathlon to a duathlon format. Due to cyanobacteria (also known as blue-green algae) in Lake Audubon, the lake designated for the swim course, we cannot facilitate the original race. While this change wasn’t anticipated, we’re fully committed to turning this challenge into an opportunity. Our team is working tirelessly to create an exceptional duathlon experience that prioritizes everyone’s health and safety while offering an exciting, competitive event. This adapted format will showcase the resilience and adaptability of our athletic community. We’re excited to see you push your limits in this new challenge!
Since 1984, the Reston Triathlon has been a staple in our community. It opens with a 1500-meter open water swim in Lake Audubon, followed by a 25-mile bike ride and a 10K run on local paths. The Olympic distance event has challenged athletes from around the country and has affectionately been called the Reston Triathlon World Championship.
During the pandemic, the previous board worked tirelessly to keep the tradition alive. Unfortunately, in 2021, they announced they could no longer financially or logically sustain the Reston Triathlon. CORE Foundation, working closely with the previous board, is thrilled to revive the event and continue the legacy. The Reston Triathlon made its comeback debut on September 10, 2023, and is held annually on the Sunday after Labor Day.
CORE Foundation is grateful for the loyal athletes and local community. They received overwhelming support while pursuing the opportunity to restore this community event.
To join our list of wonderful partners, please email jdryzga@corefoundation.org.
RACE UPDATE - FAQS
What is the status of Lake Audubon?
Reston Association (RA) has been monitoring the presence of cyanobacteria (also known as blue-green algae) in Lake Audubon. RA watershed staff, RA’s water quality contractor, and George Mason University faculty have confirmed that the cyanobacteria present are potentially harmful, having the ability to produce toxic substances. While the lake’s ecosystem is doing well, the potential exists for harmful algal toxins to impact swimmers. Dr. Rosalina Christova, Assistant Professor at GMU, identified the dominant cyano as Limnothrix, a genus that produces toxins. Also present is Dolichospermum (formerly Anabaena), which has heterocytes and may produce toxins. There was also quite a bloom of Ceratium hirundinella, a very photogenic dinoflagellate, in the plankton sample.
What happens to the swim course?
The swim course has been replaced by a 4K run, which you can find on Course Maps. The bike course will change by one mile, increasing the distance from 40k to 41k. The bike map will change slightly and be available on Course Maps by September 3.
What happens to Transition 1 (T1) and Transition 2 (T2)?
The race will now include only one transition area at South Lakes High School. The previous T2 is now the only transition area, located in the parking lot between the school, tennis courts, and track.
Does packet pickup change?
Saturday’s packet pickup will now be at South Lakes High School (NEW LOCATION) from 10 am – 3 pm. We will have course reviews at 11 am and 2 pm. Friday’s packet pickup will remain at the Lake Audubon Pool parking lot from 4-8 pm.
What if I registered for the Familiarization Swim?
The Familiarization Open Water Swim scheduled for Saturday, September 7, has been CANCELED. For those who already signed up, please consider donating your registration. Your generosity would directly support our charitable initiatives and help ensure the sustainability of future Racing in Reston events. If you cannot donate your fee, contact Jen at jdryzga@corefoundation.org for a full refund.
What is your refund policy?
We do not have a refund or deferral policy. CORE Foundation is a 501(c)3 nonprofit, so all funds raised through our Racing in Reston events benefit our community. We appreciate your understanding. However, in this situation, our team is exploring all options to provide fair solutions, including deferrals toward future races for those who decide not to participate in the duathlon format. If you have a specific question, contact Jen at jdryzga@corefoundation.org.
Awards
Overall Awards
- Top 3 Males
- Top 3 Females
Age Group Awards
- 19 & Under
- 20-24
- 25-29
- 30-34
- 35-39
- 40-44
- 45-49
- 50-54
- 55-59
- 60-64
- 65-69
- 70-74
- 75 & Older
Athena Female (165+)
Clydesdale Male (220+ plus)
Relays
- Mixed Relay - Top 3 Teams
- Female Relay - 1st Place Team
- Male Relay - 1st Place Team
Race Contact Info
If you have any questions about this race, click the button below.
Refund Policy
We have a no refund and no deferral policy. CORE Foundation is a 501(c)3 nonprofit and all funds raised through our triathlon events are used to assist our community. If you are unable to participate and would like to receive a tax deduction letter for your unused race entry, please contact us at info@corefoundation. We appreciate your understanding.
