Race Info
Tarpon Springs Sprint TRI/DU
September 26, 2026
ABOUT THE EVENT
The TRIATHLON race begins with a quarter mile swim at 7:00 a.m., YES 7:00 a.m. this year, off of Fred Howard Beach which is a popular swim location for tourists and beach goers.
The Tarpon Springs Triathlon brings athletes, families, and the community together for an unforgettable Gulf‑coast race experience. Set in the heart of Fred Howard Park, the event blends athletic challenge with coastal beauty, Greek heritage, and the warm spirit our town is known for.
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Whether you’re a seasoned competitor or a first‑time racer, you’ll find a welcoming atmosphere, a scenic course, and a finish‑line celebration unlike any other.​​​​​​​​​​
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Course Cut-Off Times:
Bike 9:00am
Run (Finish Line) 10:00am
Swim 8:00am
RACE OPTIONS
Triathlon
Choose between two different distances
-Standard Distance 1/2‑mile swim • 20‑mile bike • 10K run a fast, scenic course showcasing the best of Tarpon Springs.
-Sprint Distance ¼â€‘mile swim • 10‑mile bike • 5K run A fast, scenic course showcasing the best of Tarpon Springs.
Duathlon
5K run • 10‑mile bike • 5K run Perfect for athletes who prefer to stay on land.
Aquabike
¼â€‘mile swim • 10‑mile bike Ideal for athletes who want to race without the run.
5K Run
5K run Perfect for athletes who prefer to focus on one discipline and stay on land.
Key Details
Location and Time
Race Date: September 26, 2026
Location: Fred Howard Park, Tarpon Springs, FL
Start Time: 7:00 am Cut‑Off Times: Swim 8:00 • Bike 9:00 • Finish 10:00​
Gate closes at 6:45 am you will not be able to drive into or out of the park until 10:15 am
Packet Pickup
Packet Pickup: Saturday 5:30 am until 6:45 am​
Early Packet Pickup available at Chainwheel Drive Bike Shop, Thursday 9/24 and Friday 9/25 from 4 pm - 6 pm
​​​​Location:
Chainwheel Drive Bike Shop
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(727) 786-3883
COMMUNITY & SPONSORS
This race is powered by the Tarpon Springs community, dedicated volunteers, and generous sponsors who help make the event unforgettable. From homemade cookies to authentic Greek cuisine, our finish‑line celebration is one of the most talked‑about traditions in Florida racing.
Become a Sponsor
Racing Strategy
New triathletes will find the Tarpon Springs event to be a friendly first triathlon. Age group competitors will enjoy a well organized and supported event. The post race party is one of the best in sprint distance triathlon so stick around for awards that will go five deep in every standard category as well as Masters, Clydesdales and Athenas (men weighing in at 220 lbs and women at 165 lbs or above may select this category). The post race party is sponsored by Michelob Ultra and the food free to all athletes is from the authentic Greek culture known to Tarpon Springs! Ask Anita for her famous cookies! FACEBOOK EVENT
Award information
Finisher Awards
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All finishers receive a Finisher Medal.
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Triathlon Awards
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Top Overall Male & Female
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Top Masters (40–49) Male & Female
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Top Grand Masters (50–59) Male & Female
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Top Mega Masters (60+) Male & Female
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Age Group Awards: 3‑deep in 5‑year age groups (14 & under through 85+)
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Clydesdale (Men 220+ lbs)
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Athena (Women 165+ lbs)
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Physically Challenged
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Military / LEO / PSO
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Novice (Sprint Only)
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Fat Tire
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Relay Teams
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Duathlon Awards
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Top 3 Male & Female (No Age Groups)
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AquaBike Awards​​
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Top 3 Male & Female (No Age Groups)
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Race Week & Race Day Information
Your athlete information packet will be emailed by Thursday evening before race day. It includes arrival instructions, course updates, and all details needed to be race‑day ready.
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Race results will be posted on DRCsports.com on race day, including five split times.
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For athletes familiar with the park:
Pinellas County typically removes the causeway speed bumps the evening before the race. Because hundreds of athletes arrive at the same time, early arrival is strongly encouraged.
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Transition opens at 5:30 a.m. and closes at 6:45 a.m.
Spectator Tips
The Tarpon Springs Sprint Triathlon at Fred Howard Park. Located west of Tarpon Springs.
From Alt. 19 to Klosterman Road, West on Klosterman follow the signs to the parking and race start/transition areas.
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Plan to arrive between 5:30 and 6:30 am. The race will start with the first swim wave at precisely 7:00 am. We will have several hundred athletes arriving at the same time, so plan ahead, be patient and everyone will have plenty of time to prepare for their race.
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Once the gate closes at 6:45 am, you cannot drive into or out of the park until 10:15 am
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Empowering athletes to embrace their potential, define their journey, and inspire others to push beyond limits.