Summer Racing Heats Up

Previewing Tri, Du and Aquabike Races

By Kristen Hislop

As summer approaches, triathletes across the Northeast are gearing up for a packed and exciting race calendar. Whether you’re chasing a podium spot, looking for an adventure with friends, or diving into your first multisport event, early summer offers something for everyone. Here’s a preview of key races on the horizon:

Dirty Duo Duathlon in Queensbury on Saturday, May 31 – The Adirondack Multi-Sport club presents their first annual off-road “Dirty Duo” with a 5.3-mile mountain bike ride, followed by a 1.7-mile trail run through the Queensbury School and Rush Pond trails (near Gurney Lane Recreation Area). In their first year, this low-key event will be manually timed with a staggered start. The event is free for club members of $15 for not-yet members. Register: adirondackmultisport.com.

Adirondack Multi-Sport Club also offers a Women’s Cycling Clinic and Ride in Queensbury on Saturday, May 17. It’s a free educational health and bike clinic for women by women, followed by optional road or mountain bike no-drop rides. For training or racing, AMSC will continue to host the West River Road Time Trials near Fort Edward on Tuesdays, 6:30pm on June 10, July 8, and August 12. More info: adirondackmultisport.com.

Keuka Lake Triathlon in Keuka Park on Sunday, June 8 – One of the most beloved early-season races, and one of the largest in the Finger Lakes Region, the Keuka Lake Triathlon offers a beautiful setting right on the Keuka College campus. The event is a First Knight Racing (Peasantman) production, where athletes can choose between intermediate (Olympic) and sprint triathlon, aquabike, relay teams, or sprint duathlon, tri or du relay teams. The usually calm waters and rolling hills make it an ideal event for both seasoned competitors and first-timers. Housing is available on campus and the post-race meal is hosted by the college – in the cafeteria, so yes that means soft serve ice cream! Visit: firstknightracing.com.

Hudson Valley Tri Club: Summer Tri Series at Mount Tremper on Wednesdays, June 11, July 9, August 13 – This fun and accessible series, now in its 23rd year, is presented by Wilson Endurance Sports hosted by Hudson Valley Triathlon Club, at Kenneth Wilson State Park, near Woodstock – one hour south of Albany. The series is perfect for sharpening your race skills, featuring short, fast super sprint triathlon, aquabike, and relay team formats, each event offers a relaxed, supportive atmosphere where to test fitness and strategy. It is a great chance to work on specific aspects of your race and see how you improve. Go to: coachmarkwilson.com.

Ticonderoga Triathlon Festival in Ticonderoga on Saturday, June 14 – Nestled at the northern end of Lake George, with an amazing view of Roger’s Rock from the beach, you’ll see why Wilson Endurance Sports loves this venue! Participants can tackle sprint and Olympic distances triathlons, aquabikes or team relays of two or three people. There are no cut-off times; Olympic racers will complete two loops of each course. Or you can do the “Double Ti” – race the sprint AND Olympic – triathlon or aquabike! All Double Ti athletes must finish the 7am sprint and be back to the start for the 9am Olympic. Expect a beautiful moderately hilly bike course through historic sites and a flat, fast run – both hug the lake’s shorelines for a perfect early summer challenge! In its sixth year, this is one race people return to year after year. Adirondack Sports readers can register for Wilson races and save 12% with code ADK25. Register: coachmarkwilson.com.

Vermont Sun & Lake Dunmore Triathlons at Lake Dunmore, Vt. on Saturday, June 21 – Celebrating their 40th year, they host six great triathlons and three runs. Set against the stunning Lake Dunmore, the June 21 races also double as the USAT Vermont State Championship. Triathletes can choose from Vermont Sun sprint or Lake Dunmore Olympic distances, and they offer aquabike and relay team options as well. It’s one of New England’s must-do races, and race management and fellow participants are super welcoming for those new to the sport. The water is crystal clear, bike course has a few small hills, and the running out/back is rolling with some shade. They also have Vermont Sun sprint races on July 19 (Vermont Senior Championship) and August 17, Branbury Classic paddle tri on July 19, and Lake Dunmore Olympic races on August 17. Register: vermontsuntriathlonseries.com.

Stissing Triathlon in Pine Plains on Sunday, June 22 – Held on the northern border of Dutchess County, one hour south of Albany, Stissing features a calm lake swim, a farmland bike course with rolling hills, and a shaded run around Stissing Mountain. Produced by Wilson Endurance Sports, options include a sprint triathlon and aquabike, and relay teams of two or three are welcome for the triathlon. Again, there are no cut-off times, so it’s a welcoming event for all levels of athletes. Visit: coachmarkwilson.com.

High Peaks Cyclery Mini Tri Series in Lake Placid on Mondays, from June 23 to August 11 – On their 41st year, this weekly series is on the same classic course of 400-yard swim in Mirror Lake, 12-mile out/back bike on the River Road Loop, and a three-mile out/back run on Mt Whitney Rd. It’s a local favorite for individuals and teams training and racing all summer long. Each week allows participants to race often and measure their progress, whether tuning up for a big race or just enjoying friendly competition – for an unbeatable energy and charm. Registration is in person. More info: highpeakscyclery.com.

Tupper Lake Tinman in Tupper Lake on Saturday, June 28 – For their 43rd year, come see why the Tinman is one of the longest running triathlons in the US. We previewed the Tinman triathlon (half-iron) in our March issue, which is a great tune-up before Ironman Lake Placid on July 20. But race day also features Olympic and sprint distances races, and Tinman aquabike and relay team events, so there’s something for everybody! This classic Adirondack event has beautiful lake views, scenic bike and run courses, and a supportive small-town vibe! The post-race BBQ and two draft beer pints (21+) encourages athletes to eat, socialize and applaud the age group winners. Adirondack Sports readers can get 10% off with code TRITINMAN10. Register: tupperlaketinman.com.

Alpha Win: Hudson Valley Triathlon near Kingston on Saturday, June 28 – If you’d like to experience the beauty of the Hudson Valley, this Alpha Win triathlon gives you a chance to swim in pristine Williams Lake, followed by a bike ride to the Ashokan Reservoir, and a run on the historic Wallkill Valley Rail Trail. We previewed the long course in our March issue, but the Olympic, sprint, and open (non-competitive) distances assure everyone from seasoned athletes to beginners a challenging event geared to your level of training, endurance, and personal goals. Register: alpha.win.

Get Ready to Race! – The Calendar of Events is packed offering races for every distance preference and every athlete. Whether you’re going for a personal best, earning points for a championship series, or just enjoying the thrill of competition, now’s the time to jump in the water – and the fun awaits!

Training Tips for Sprint and Olympic Triathlons – Whether you’re racing a quick sprint or stepping up to an Olympic distance, smart training makes all the difference. Here are five essential tips to guide your prep: 

Focus on Consistency Over Volume – For Sprint and Olympic races, regular workouts beat occasional long sessions. Aim for 4–6 days of training per week, balancing swim, bike, and run sessions. Consistency helps build endurance, speed, and confidence without overwhelming your body. When in doubt, focus on your weakness. Master Your Transitions – Practice going from swim to bike (T1) and bike to run (T2) in your training. Even 10–15 minutes of transition drills can make a huge difference on race day — saving you precious time and helping you avoid feeling flustered.

Incorporate Brick Workouts – Brick workouts, doing two disciplines back-to-back (usually bike-to-run) are crucial for race prep. Start with shorter sessions, like a 30-minute ride followed by a 15-minute run, and build up. You’ll train your legs to adapt more quickly, making race day feel much smoother. Think about a quick transition so that it doubles as transition practice. Don’t Neglect Speed Work – Add short bursts of intensity to your workouts, especially for Sprint races. Intervals in the pool, bike sprints, and fast-paced run repeats will boost your top-end speed and make race paces feel more manageable.

Practice Open Water Swimming – When your race includes an open water swim, get comfortable outside the pool. Practice sighting (lifting your head to spot landmarks), swimming in a straight line, and dealing with mild chop or currents. Confidence in open water will set the tone for a strong race day. The three local triathlon clubs – Capital District, Bethlehem, and Saratoga – offer open water swimming practices at local lakes. Membership is currently open for all three clubs.

The Capital District Triathlon Club will be offering their Summer Training Series at Crystal Cove in Averill Park from May 27 through August 26. Each Tuesday, you can do any or all of the following in a supportive environment with lifeguards on the water: 0.5-mile open water swim in Crystal Lake; an 18-mile out/back bike course, and a three-mile run loop around the lake. The cost is $10 per member swimmer per night if not pre-paid for the season. Non-Members are $20 per swimmer per night. All swimmers must sign-in at the CDTC tables located on the beach and receive a CDTC swim wristband. Visit: cdtriclub.org.

A number of coaches in the area provide custom plans that fit your schedule and goals. Often starting out in the sport it makes sense to get personal guidance. When the training fits into your lifestyle you are more likely to continue versus trying to cram your life into a plan you’ve found.

Top Five Reasons to Try a Triathlon – Full-Body Fitness – Train your entire body with swimming, biking, and running — building strength, endurance, and balance. Mental Strength – Conquer challenges, push through tough moments, and build confidence that goes way beyond race day. Variety = No Boredom – Cross-training keeps workouts exciting and helps prevent burnout and overuse injuries. 

Incredible Community – Join a welcoming, supportive group of athletes cheering for each other every step (and stroke and pedal) of the way. Adventure & Achievement – Triathlons are not for the faint of heart and require dedication and training,  but the rewards, both physical and mental, can be huge. Finally, travel to beautiful race locations, set bold goals, and experience the thrill of crossing the finish line!

Kristen Hislop (hislopcoaching@gmail.com) is a USA Triathlon and Ironman U coach, and race director for the Delightful Run for Women. Hislop Coaching offers a mindset program for all ages/abilities called Stronger Than Yesterday. She is a proud mother to two boys who run in college and her husband who races and volunteers at many local events.