"Cold-water ocean swim and rolling bike course in the rugged beauty of Seattle."
🏊 Swim
Ocean swim in Seattle
🚴 Bike
Rolling bike course through Seattle region
🏃 Run
Run course through Seattle
Transition Details
T1/T2 are in the same location · Surface: gravel
Weather
Typical race-day conditions: 18°C with 81% humidity.
Registration
https://www.example.com/seattle-triathlon-sprint
The Story
The Seattle Triathlon Sprint exists because Seattle demanded it. The 750m swim sends you into cold saltwater at 15°C — bracing — the kind of cold that sharpens focus. The bike covers 20km of gently rolling terrain with 181m of climbing — enough to test your legs without breaking them. The 5km run rolls through Seattle, never letting you settle into a rhythm. Humidity sits around 81% — the air itself feels like resistance. This is Seattle triathlon: Puget Sound chill, Mount Rainier appearing through clouds, spectators in Gore-Tex. Fast, furious, and over before your body realises what you've asked of it.
"People underestimate sprint distance. Come to Seattle and try underestimating it."
What It Feels Like
A sprint course that reflects Seattle: Emerald City drizzle and determination. It suits beginners and those chasing personal bests. The course doesn't fight you — it lets you race. Race it once and you'll understand why people return.
🏊 The Swim
A 750m ocean swim in cold saltwater at 15°C. Conditions are typically calm, though ocean swells can appear. Sight off the buoys — the open water offers few reference points.
🚴 The Bike
20km of rolling terrain with 181m of climbing. Short rises break your rhythm; descents reward those who corner confidently. It's a bike course that asks for constant attention — no long steady stretches to zone out.
🏃 The Run
5km of rolling Seattle terrain. Just when you find a rhythm, the road tilts again. In mild 18°C conditions, the rollers add a cumulative cost that flat-course runners don't expect.
💡 Insider Tips
- → Water temperature averages 15°C. Acclimatise with cold-water swims in training — your first 200m will set the tone for the entire race. A neoprene cap under your swim cap makes a real difference.
- → The bike has 181m of climbing — don't underestimate the cumulative toll on your legs. Keep your cadence high on the climbs and save your quads for the run. A compact crankset with a 28+ cassette is worth considering.
- → Ocean conditions can change on race morning. Practice dolphin-diving through shore break and body-surfing to shore on the return. Sight frequently — ocean swells can push you off-line without you realising.
Prepare for This Race
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FAQ
What distance is the Seattle Triathlon Sprint? +
The Seattle Triathlon Sprint is a Sprint Distance distance triathlon: 750m swim, 20km bike, and 5km run (25.75km total) in Seattle, United States.
When is the Seattle Triathlon Sprint? +
Typically held in September on a Saturday.
Water temperature and wetsuit rules? +
Ocean water at 15°C average. Wetsuits are allowed.
How hilly is the bike course? +
181m of climbing over 20km. Profile: rolling. Drafting not allowed.
What's the weather like on race day? +
13–25°C, 81% humidity, 29% rain chance, 8 km/h winds.
Average finish time? +
Approximately 1h 15m. Varies with conditions and athlete experience.
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