Record-Breaking Attendance, Stellar Performances, and Unwavering Community Spirit Highlight the 8th Annual TRI Clear Lake

The 8th annual TRI Clear Lake, held on May 25, 2024, was a spectacular success, bringing together athletes, volunteers, and spectators for a day of challenging races and vibrant community spirit. This year’s event saw unprecedented turnout and enthusiasm, making it one of the most memorable editions yet.

Record-Breaking Attendance

We welcomed a staggering 6,700 people to downtown Clear Lake on race day, with the peak finish line party drawing in 1,700 excited supporters between 10 am and 11 am. The economic impact of this gathering is still being tallied, but the energy and excitement in the air were priceless.

Athlete Participation and Demographics

The race saw 521 registered athletes take on the challenge, with a remarkable 359 returning participants, showcasing the event’s growing reputation and appeal. Here’s a breakdown of the participant demographics:

  • Under 18: 9 (1.73%)
  • 18-29: 114 (21.88%)
  • 30-39: 133 (25.53%)
  • 40-49: 119 (22.84%)
  • 50-64: 122 (23.42%)
  • Over 65: 24 (4.61%)

Gender representation was diverse with 63% male and 37% female participants. Athletes from 17 different states joined us, with Seattle, WA marking the furthest distance traveled. Impressively, 458 athletes traveled more than 60 miles to be part of this extraordinary event.

Community Involvement

Our heartfelt thanks go out to the 212 volunteers whose dedication and enthusiasm were crucial to the event’s success. From setting up the course to cheering on participants, their efforts embodied the community spirit that makes TRI Clear Lake so special.

Testimonials

The feedback from participants has been overwhelmingly positive, reinforcing the unique charm and excellence of TRI Clear Lake. Here are some of the heartfelt testimonials we received:

  • Nickie: “What an impressive event to be a part of! Thank you to all of the event staff and volunteers for this special race! ❤️”
  • Royster: “This was an AWESOME event! Loved every minute of it. Met so many amazing people. Community was GREAT. Extremely supportive and encouraging. Course was challenging and fun. Great scenery!!! I had a wonderful time. Thank you!!!!”
  • Bob M: “I have competed in dozens of triathlons in Illinois, St. Louis, Wisconsin, Ohio, Minnesota, and Iowa, and hands down the TRI Clear Lake is the best. The exhaustive diligence of the directors, the turnout of volunteers and their cowbells covering the entire course, the beauty of the setting (nowhere else is there a coffee shop and a pub across the street from the finish line!), the course itself, and the general ambience all combine to make this the highlight of my racing career. I hope you all know the unique nature of the race you put on. Thanks from all of us!”
  • Joanna B: “You guys nailed it today. It was a wonderful race. The swim was hard for some, but you had appropriate safety in place. We are continuously amazed by the community involvement in this race. Can’t say how impressed we are. Thank you.”
  • Ryan W: “3rd year for us and ANOTHER 5 star rating for you all!! See you next year “

2nd Annual Splash & Dash

This year, we were thrilled to host the 2nd Annual Splash & Dash, a youth event designed to introduce kids to the world of multisport with a fun combination of swimming and running. The event saw 55 enthusiastic young athletes participate:

  • 30 Juniors (7-10 years of age)
  • 25 Seniors (11-15 years of age)
  • Gender Split: 50% boys, 50% girls
  • States Represented: 4
  • Furthest Traveled: Redwood City, CA

The Splash & Dash not only provided a platform for young athletes to showcase their skills but also fostered a sense of community and sportsmanship among the participants.

FUN FACT!

Our placer.ai data showed that 1.5% of visitors went to Jack Trice Stadium post-event. This rings true as Tourism Director Libbey Hohn went to the George Strait concert at Jack Trice Stadium and ran into 2 women who had completed TRI Clear Lake that morning!

Looking Forward

As we reflect on the success of TRI Clear Lake 2024, we are already looking ahead to next year. The enthusiasm and support from our community, athletes, and volunteers continue to inspire us to make each event better than the last. Thank you to everyone who made this year’s race an unforgettable experience. We can’t wait to see you all again in 2025!