I still remember the exact feeling of standing on the edge, looking down at the Hudson River in 2015. My heart hammered against my ribs. Doubts swirled in my head. But I took the leap anyway.
Back then, the NYC Tri was organized by Lifetime Fitness. It was a massive, iconic event that pushed athletes to their absolute limits. Then, things changed. The race faded away, leaving a massive hole in the New York racing scene. For years, we wondered if we would ever get the chance to race through the streets of Manhattan again.
I have incredible news. The wait is finally over.
This year, the event is making a massive comeback as the Big Apple Triathlon in NYC. It happens on October 10, and I could not be more thrilled to sign up. Whether you are a seasoned triathlete or a beginner looking for your next big challenge, this race promises to be something truly special. Let me tell you why this race means so much to me, and why I am choosing to tackle the Sprint distance this time around.
Flashback to 2015: Conquering the Olympic Distance
If you raced the old NYC Tri, you know exactly what kind of beast it was. Back in 2015, they only offered an Olympic distance. That meant a .93-mile swim, a 25-mile bike ride, and a 6.2-mile run.
Plunging Into the Hudson
I remember being so intensely nervous about jumping into the Hudson River. Everyone talks about the currents and the dark water. The anticipation built up for months. But once I hit the water, instinct took over. The current actually worked in my favor. I just kept my arms moving and focused on my breathing.
Battling the Parkway and the Park
Coming out of the water, the real work began. Climbing the steep hills of the Henry Hudson Parkway on a bike tested every ounce of my leg strength. I honestly did not think I could finish those climbs. But I pushed through the burning in my quads and made it.
Then came Central Park. Running a 10K through the park is normally a joy, but not on that day. It was summer, and the heat was absolutely brutal. The humidity hung in the air like a heavy blanket. Every step felt like lifting lead weights. I crossed the finish line completely exhausted, but incredibly proud. I did it by conquering the city.
A New Era: Enter the Big Apple Tri
Fast forward to today, and the landscape of New York racing is getting a massive upgrade. The new Big Apple Tri is organized by Alpha Win. If you have ever raced in an Alpha Win event, you know we are in fantastic hands.
Alpha Win does an amazing job organizing triathlons and running races all across the country. But what makes this even better is that they are located right here in New York. They have a stellar, dedicated staff that truly understands what athletes need to have a safe, competitive, and fun race day. They know the local terrain, they respect the community, and they put on top-tier events.
The October Advantage
Perhaps the biggest and best change is the date. Instead of battling the sweltering summer heat, we get to race on October 10. Autumn in New York is spectacular. The temperatures will be crisp and cool. Running through Central Park as the leaves change color will be a completely different, much more beautiful experience.
Why I am Tackling the Sprint Distance
You might be wondering why I am not doing the Olympic distance again. This year, I decided it would be best to take on the Sprint option.
My Massive Summer Bike Ride
My training schedule is completely packed this summer. I am currently gearing up for a massive bike ride in July. I will be cycling 569 miles from Staten Island to Niagara Falls. It is a monumental physical undertaking that requires endless hours in the saddle. By the time October rolls around, my legs will have plenty of miles on them, but my specific triathlon training will look a little different. The Sprint distance fits perfectly into my recovery and late-season racing goals.
The Perfect Distance Breakdown
The new Sprint option is incredibly appealing. You only have to run 2.5 miles, which will feel like a breeze compared to that hot 10K from a decade ago. The bike portion is a manageable 12.5 miles. It gives you just enough time to enjoy the closed roads of Manhattan without completely emptying the tank.
A Magical Swim PR
Here is the most exciting part for me. Even though the bike and run are shorter, the swim remains .93 miles.
When I did this race ten years ago, I clocked my fastest swim ever in that river. The current of the Hudson creates a fast, thrilling swim course. I didn’t fully realize what a massive personal record I had set back then, but I certainly appreciate it now. Getting back into that water and chasing down my old PR is a huge motivator. I cannot wait to see what my arms can do a decade later.
Let’s Cross the Finish Line Together
October 10 is circled, highlighted, and starred on my calendar. The return of this race is a massive win for the New York athletic community. We get to swim in the iconic river, bike on traffic-free highways, and run through the most famous park in the world.
Alpha Win is going to put on a spectacular show. I am already visualizing the crisp autumn air and the energy of the crowds.
Why don’t you join me?
Whether you want to challenge your own personal records or just want to experience the thrill of a Manhattan finish line, this is the perfect opportunity. Grab your goggles, pump up your bike tires, and lace up those running shoes. Let’s make the Big Apple Tri an unforgettable comeback. See you on the starting line!