Falmouth Sprint Triathlon
July 14, 2024
It’s a rite of summer on Cape Cod: an event that attracts not only local triathletes but also visitors from across the nation and the world, (28 U.S. states, 7 nations represented last year!) Join a very festive yet competitive atmosphere at the 2024 Falmouth Sprint Triathlon.
This “short” sprint race is unique for its warm salt-water swim, a scenic bike ride that climbs to the majestic Nobska Point Light, and a flat 5k run entirely alongside one of New England’s most beautiful beaches.
The Falmouth Triathlon has been voted one of the top 5 races for beginners worldwide by the Triathletes Choice Awards, so “casual” athletes and newcomers know they are very welcome to join the tri-geeks. It’s a wonderful day for everyone!
An ideal bike course!
For 25 years, the Falmouth Triathlon had followed the same bike course — challenging and scenic — but three miles were a bit crowded as cyclists followed the shoulder of a state road (Woods Hole Rd.) which cannot be closed to traffic. Thanks to the ingenuity of the Falmouth police department, we have adjusted the route in recent years to include the campus of the famed Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute, and reviews from athletes have been ecstatic.
Course Description
SWIM: 1/3 mile
A sandy, waist-deep start at Surf Drive Beach (expect temps well into the 70s). The course is rectangular in shape and well lifeguarded. Wave conditions over the years have ranged from glass-calm to a slight chop; never “big surf” in the protected waters of Vineyard Sound. Almost always wetsuit legal.
BIKE: 8.5 miles
After a mile-long flat stretch along the edge of Nantucket Sound to warm up the legs, you will climb gradually to the headquarters of the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution. You will actually ride through the campus of this, one of the world's most acclaimed scientific research centers, before re-joining Surf Drive and heading toward the village of Woods Hole. A highlight of your ride will be a climb to a coastal bluff where you will circle past the spectacular Nobska Light. The remaining three miles are either downhill or flat to the finish.
RUN: 3.1 miles
A very level and fast run on a paved road and a walking trail alongside Vineyard Sound. Consider a hat and sunglasses — there's not much shade! Two staffed water stops. The last 50 yards are on the sand of Surf Drive Beach where the largest spectator crowd of the New England Triathlon Tour awaits to cheer you home!
Race Information
ESSENTIAL INFO:
Date: July 14, 2024
Location: Surf Drive Beach, Falmouth, Cape Cod MA
Start time: 7:00am
Online registration closes: Wednesday before race at Noon — unless race fills to capacity beforehand, which has happened each of the past five years
Packet pick-up and Late Registration: Packet pick-up and late registration (if not sold out) 5:30-6:30am at race site morning of race or 5-7pm Saturday evening at Mullen-Hall School. All participants: BRING PHOTO ID. If you have a USAT annual membership, bring your USAT card.
Registration fees (through June 2, 2024):
Triathlon: $145 / Youth: $75
Aquabike: $135 / Youth: $70
Relay Team: $250
Tri It Your Way ("virtual" race, done on your own with t-shirt and swag shipped to you): $65
Additional charges: Non-USAT members will be required to purchase a one-day event insurance license from USA Triathlon. Costs: $13/sprint, $6 per relay team member, $10 for youth. For more information about these USAT changes please click here.
Transfers: Private transfers will be allowed for a $25.00 fee as long as both parties notify registration personnel by noon the Wednesday before the race. There will be no refunds unless you purchase Refund Protect during the registration process. There will not be a wait list.
Water Conditions: Race director does reserve the right to substitute a beach run for the swim if water quality tests indicate any health hazard or if surf conditions are extremely rough
Relay Teams: Yes! Your choice: Male, female or co-ed teams
Timing: Chip timed. Results link will be posted on this website and the race Facebook page
USAT sanctioned: Results will count toward national and regional rankings. All USAT rules and regulations will apply. Racers are subject to time penalties or disqualification for infractions of USAT rules
CRITICAL PARKING INFORMATION
There will be NO parking allowed at race site OR on Falmouth’s Main Street. Primary parking sites will be the Mullen School, Lawrence School and Falmouth Marine Park (all less than one mile from venue). All competitors will receive an athlete’s guide prior to the event with essential parking information. Additionally, police and staff will be posted at all entrances to the race venue, blocking access by vehicles and directing you to approved parking lots. Two police vehicles will patrol Main Street. Cooperation by all is critical to the continued approval of this event by the town.
AWARDS
Awards ceremony is tentatively scheduled for 9:30am day of race. Honors are presented to top three competitors in each age group (male, female and non-binary) as well as top Elites, Clydesdale/Athena, First-Timers, Para-triathlete, Male, Female and Mixed Relay Teams and Aquabike. Those who cannot remain for the ceremony may pickup their award at the Awards table or by contacting us for shipping instructions. Results will be posted on our website within 24 hours of event.
VOLUNTEERS
Volunteers are welcomed. Family members of racers encouraged to volunteer while watching the action. Priority parking, free T-shirt, refreshments and goodie bag. Sign up here. Please contact our volunteer coordinator, Jim Cavanagh, if you have any questions.
NO E-BIKES!
Sorry, but we cannot accept e-bikes of any kind at this race — including those that are presented to us sans battery with the stated intention of being pedal-powered alone.
NO DOGS!
We all love our pets. But town regulations forbid dogs on or near the beach this time of the year. Leave the pooch at home!
TRAVEL
For those traveling from afar, Cape Cod is awash with hotels, motor lodges, inns, bed and breakfasts, vacation cottages and AirBnB offerings. Find lodging here.
Looking for somewhere the whole family will enjoy for race weekend or any time over the summer? We LOVE the Sea Crest Beach Hotel!
Choose from these race options:
SCHEDULE OF EVENTS
TUESDAY BEFORE THE RACE
DAY BEFORE RACE
DAY OF RACE
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