Olympic distance triathlons in the Midwest (within a 2-3 hours of Chicago) for 05

Triathlon Forum
1

Hello all,

I’m just finishing my first summer doing triathlons. Next summer I would like to move up from Sprint’s to the Olympic distance. I’m looking for recommendations on good races near (2-3 hour drive) Chicago. I would like to plan out my race schedule now so I can avoid any scheduling conflicts with work and/or family vacations.

The criteria I’m look for: Flat. Since this is my first foray into the Olympic distance, I don’t want the added stress of hills. Plus, it’s hard to do any hill training in Chicago. 2-3 hour drive from Chicago. Well run Good family event. I’ll be bringing my wife a two kids(4&7).

Thanks in advance for your recommendations.

Glenn

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2 hours from Lincoln Park straight north, do a search online for Pleasant Prairie Tri, flat, closed roads, very good fun, well run, not so good on aid stations when I did it but a good race none the less.

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It’s probably more like four hours from Chicago, but the Sylvania Ohio Triathlon is Olympic distance and probably flatter than a pancake. You can find out more at www.eliteendeavors.com .

4

I second Sylvania, well run, fun for the entire family, they have kids tri and Du the Saturday before the Sunday race, My family went up and we all participated this year, everyone had a blast. Flat fast course and very well run.

5

Check out Trifind.com they are a pretty good sources for finding races all over the US and have it broken out by state.

6

Glenn,

Check http://www.chicagotriclub.com/atraces/racelist.aspx

Most Midwest races, at least all we could find.

I recommend Lake Zurich. Early August, 1 hour from Chicago. Great race.

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I would second the lake zurich recommendation. Also check out www.trifind.com it has a pretty good listing by state and distance. I traveled down to Memphis from Chicago for Memphis in May it was a great race, its a little farther than 2 - 3 hours but its worth it in my opinion.

8

Check out the Mideast Regional championship races at Eagle Creek Park, IN - just on the NW side of Indy. Great venue…can’t comment on the race since the last time I went there to do it, it was rained out. Actually, it’s coming up this weekend (Sunday the 29th), and I don’t think it’s full. Go to usatmideast.com for all the goods. If you sign up, I’ll see ya there…although I’ll likely have to switch to the du due to an untimely dog attack this weekend. Can’t go stickin’ those bite wounds in open water just yet.

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How about a race that’s a 0 hour drive from Chicago - the Accenture Chicago Triathlon…

I was supposed to do both Lake Zurich and Pleasant Prairie this year but missed them due to injury. However I’ve eheard very nice things about both those races.

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Michigan has 2 great series, The Michigan Grand Prix Series, www.cooltri.com, and the 3 Disciplines Michigan Multi-Sport Point Series, www.3disciplines.com. Some of the races are closer than others, and there is a mix of sprint and Olympic distance events. The Interlochen event is very scenic, and the bike is pretty flat, although there is a good climb on the run. Three Rivers is a great Oly event, but has a challenging bike. Seahorse is one of many great events near Kalamazoo. Come check them out.