Chicago SuperSprint

Over 700 athletes participated in Saturday’s races of the Chicago Triathlon series this past weekend.

Different from last year, the Kids Tri took place first, followed by the SuperSprint. The kids race was a bit soggy with rain throughout their race but the weather cleared for the adults.

Many SuperSprint athletes took advantage of the same day packet pickup and late bike check in from 9 – 9:45 a.m.  The process was smooth and athletes were at the beach for the 10 a.m. start. Paratriathletes were the first wave of the SuperSprint followed by Triple Challenge athletes (those participating in the supersprint, olympic and sprint distances over the course of the weekend). After those two waves, there was a rolling start for age groupers.  This seemed to make the start move faster with two people going off every two – three seconds.

Athletes hit the 64-degree water and made their way around the buoys for the 375 meter swim.  The water was clear but had a bit of chop due to the storms.  After athletes transitioned, they completed a three loop bike course for a total of 10.5K.  Divvys, mountain bikes, beach cruisers, road and tri bikes filled the closed course on Simonds Drive.  Triathletes finished their race with a 2.5K run along the lakefront with the finish near transition.

It was a great way to kick of the Transamerica Chicago Triathlon weekend.