Falmouth Sprint Triathlon

 July 13, 2025

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 of the nine miles were a bit crowded as cyclists followed the shoulder of a busy 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 the 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 13, 2025

Location: Surf Drive Beach, Falmouth, Cape Cod MA

Start time: 7:00am

Registration warning! Please note that this event has sold out in advance of Race Weekend for over 25 of the past 30 years!

Packet pick-up: Packet pick-up and late registration (if not sold out) will be from 5 to7 pm Saturday evening at Falmouth's Mullen-Hall School. Also: 5:30-6:30 am race morning at Surf Drive Beach.  All participants: BRING PHOTO ID and proof of USAT membership (physical card, digital card, receipt, email confirmation).

Registration fees (through 12/31/24):

Triathlon: $140 / Youth: $75

Aquabike: $130 / Youth: $70

Relay Team: $210

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

Events organized by NEEE are USAT sanctioned.

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.

Falmouth Triathlon offers and aquabike event.
Runners at the Falmouth Triathlon finish strong.

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. Register to volunteer here or contact us for details and 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!

family at the race

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!The Sea Crest Beach Hotel in North Falmouth , MA is a sponsor of New England Endurance Events.

Choose from these race options:

  • Triathlon - Age Group Competitors

    Match yourself against others in your age group (5-year intervals) for this 600-yard swim, 8.5-mile bike and 3.1-mile run.

  • Triathlon - "Casual" Competitors (Friends & Family)

    Want to relax and enjoy the day? Start the swim leg with friends and family -- no matter what their ages? Or simply complete, not compete? This is the category for you! Keep in mind that you will not be eligible for age group awards or USAT rankings.

  • Triathlon - First-Timers

    Swim with others who are in their first season of this sport. All of you will receive the complete and singular focus of our water safety team!

  • Triathlon - Clydesdale/Athena

    220-lb men; 165-lb women. An additional competitive division for those athletes meeting the weight minimum.

  • Triathlon - Elites

    Professionals and other premier athletes are encouraged to race in this division. You do not need to request permission before signing up...we trust you!

  • Aquabike

    Your race will consist of a 600-yard swim and 8.5-mile bike time. And you're done! Perfect for those injured, running impaired, or training for future events!

  • Relay Teams

    Six categories: all women; all men; and co-ed for each 2-person and 3-person teams. A perfect way to enjoy a wonderful morning with training partners, friends and family!

  • Tri It Your Way

    This is a virtual category but you receive the same swag and recognition as if you were with us in person.

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

TUESDAY BEFORE THE RACE

7:00 pm:  A pre-race meeting for all athletes via Zoom. Participate by computer device or phone conference call. Registered athletes will be emailed with login instructions one week prior, and again the morning of the meeting.

DAY BEFORE RACE

5-7 pm:  On-site registration (if not sold out) or packet pick-up at Mullen-Hall School, 130 Katharine Lee Bates Rd. If you are pre-registered, don't forget to bring a legal ID and proof of USAT membership (physical card, digital card, email confirmation, receipt).
5:30 pm:  Open-water swim clinic with Trish Cundiff of AquaSafe Swim Programs. Held on the beach, Trish will answer your questions and provide some great tips. Take a swim after! (at your own risk)

DAY OF RACE

5:30 - 6:30 am:  On-site registration (if not sold out) or packet pick-up. If you are pre-registered, don't forget to bring a legal ID and proof of USAT membership (physical card, digital card, email confirmation, receipt).
5:30 am:  Transition area opens
6:30 am:  Pre-race announcements in transition
6:45 am:  Transition area closes, all athletes on beach
7:00 am:  First wave starts with 3 athletes, 10 seconds apart and 1 minute between waves.
8:00 am:  Food service begins, and continues until the very last finisher has a chance to eat!
9:00 am:  Optional post-race recovery yoga on the beach
9:30 am (approximate):  Awards ceremony and prize drawings.

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