Originally published at: With a New Course and a New Olympic Distance Option, The Barrelman Triathlon in Niagara Falls Celebrates 10 Years of Racing in Style - Slowtwitch News
Photo: Kevin Mackinnon
With the popularity of IRONMAN 70.3 races in North America over the last 15 years, independent half-distance races have struggled. As we reported earlier this year, according to USA Triathlon data: “There’s been a 26% decrease in half-distance (IRONMAN 70.3-distance) finishers from 2014 (75,000) to 2024 (55,600). IRONMAN hasn’t felt that impact as much because, over that time frame, the IRONMAN 70.3 market share has increased from 56% to 86%. IRONMAN 70.3 events average 1,713 finishers. Non-IRONMAN branded events average 105.”
One race that has continued to soldier on, though, and has enjoyed a lot more than 105 finishers, is the Barrelman Triathlon. Set in Niagara Falls (the Canadian side, that is), it’s long been renowned as one of the largest independent half-distance triathlons in North America. This year the Barrelman Triathlon celebrates 10 years of racing with some new additions that should make it an appealing option for those looking for a race this fall. There is a new Olympic-distance event, for one. And the new bike course offers a lot more smooth-paved roads, with much more of the course being closed to traffic. For those looking to support an independent race while also enjoying a beautiful course that takes in one of North America’s most popular tourism destinations, the Barrelman might just fit the bill.
Photo: Barrelman Triathlon
A Calm Swim
With a swim that literally takes place at the Welland International “Flatwater” Centre, athletes are assured a calm 2 km swim before they embark on the bike course. The water temperature typically sits between 68 and 74 degrees Fahrenheit on race day. The one-loop course offers great viewing options for spectators, too.
Photo: Barrelman Triathlon
A New Bike Course
This year athletes will ride straight from the transition to Niagara Falls, where they will complete 65 km (40 miles) of the course (done in two loops) on closed roads along the beautiful Niagara Parkway. According to race owner John Salt, in addition to the beautiful vistas athletes will enjoy, the course now features lots of new pavement. (Another upside is that athletes will avoid the typical headwind they faced on the old course as it went towards Lake Erie, reaffirming the race’s reputation as “flat and fast.”)
Enjoying the Views on the Run
Photo: Barrelman Triathlon
The beautiful scenery continues for the athletes once they are out on the run course. The two-loop circuit takes athletes up above the city of Niagara Falls and offers views of the spectacular falls twice before athletes head into the finish line.
New Olympic-Distance Race
For those looking to skip going long but still want the opportunity to compete in Niagara Falls, race organizers have added an Olympic-distance option this year. Like the half-distance race, the new race has athletes ride from the Flatwater Centre straight into Niagara Falls, where athletes do one out-and-back loop along the Niagara Parkway before completing one loop of the run course.
In addition to that race, athletes can also choose a variety of other race options, including an Aqua Bike, Bike/ Run and Relay.
As another way to celebrate a decade of racing, Salt and the rest of the Barrelman organizing crew have brought in a new caterer, which means the new post-race menu will include salad and pulled-pork sandwiches.
While the race takes place on the Canadian side of the Falls, the race is within an easy drive for many Americans who can also enjoy the advantage of the US dollar’s strong value compared to Canadian currency at the moment – US$1 = C$1.37 as this story goes live.
While I have never raced the Barrelman, my wife has and very much enjoyed the experience. For those looking for a laidback event that offers a big-race feel and also takes in some beautiful scenery, the Barrelman is worth a look.
You can register for any of the Barrelman Triathlon events here.