Sprint Distance
Seven hundred fifty meters in sheltered lake. Twenty kilometers of lightning-fast flat roads. Five kilometers where your speed is undeniable. New Jersey is Top 5 in the USA, flattest on the East Coast.
July 19 at Mercer County Park. This is competitive triathlon at its best.
Through Mercer County Park
Seventy-Five Degrees. Sheltered Water. Your Advantage.
Most lakes are murky. Mercer County Lake is clear. Most lakes are cold. This one is 72-78 degrees in July. Most lake swims are choppy. This one is sheltered and calm.
The Northeast doesn't get many advantages in triathlon. This is one. The Mercer County Lake is the fastest warm lake start on the East Coast.
Seven hundred fifty meters is a real swim. But this lake makes it friendly. Beach start. Sightline visibility. Calm conditions. By the time you exit transition and start the bike, you'll know: this course rewards preparation.
Twenty Kilometers. The Fastest East Coast Bike Course.
Mercer County roads are flat. And fast. Athletes average 28-32 km/h on this course. Some push 34+. The terrain allows it. The closed roads encourage it. The reputation demands it.
This is where the race is decided. You'll know within five kilometers who trained and who didn't. Athletes who put in the work will move forward. Cyclists who cracked in training will crack on the course.
The bike doesn't manipulate. It doesn't hide your fitness. Flat pavement and fast athletes mean only one thing matters: the watts you generate.
New Jersey won't forgive slow. It will reward speed.
Five Kilometers. All Your Speed. Championship Energy.
You've swum in a sheltered lake. You've raced 20 kilometers at championship pace. Now the run is yours. Flat. Spectator-supported. Finish festival waiting.
The Northeast triathlon scene is tight-knit. Your competitors are friends from other races. Your spectators are training partners from running clubs. Your community is cheering. Your achievement is witnessed.
This is the 5km where you accelerate into the finish knowing you just raced one of the most prestigious courses in America. No apologies. No excuses. Just pure speed on flat ground.
Cross that line on the fastest course the East Coast offers.
FAQs
Swim cutoff is 30 minutes after your wave start. The course closes at 11:30 AM. You must finish within 2 hours 15 minutes of your swim start time.
Mercer County Lake in July is typically high 70s to low 80s Fahrenheit. Under USAT rules, wetsuits are optional at these temperatures but disqualify you from awards.
Yes. A swim practice area is available race morning from 6:45 AM to 7:00 AM in the designated practice area north of the boathouse. You must wear your timing chip.
Your bike must comply with USAT rules and be road-worthy. Handlebars must have stoppers. Approved cycling safety helmet required. Fixed-wheel bikes not permitted.
A fully qualified water safety team including lifeguards and kayak support on course. Lie on your back, raise arm, kayak comes.
