Event Distances
LONG COURSE TRIATHLON & Relay
Saturday, August 27, 2022
The Santa Barbara Long Course Triathlon is one of the most beautiful and challenging courses in the country. Its unique distance attracts a variety of athletes and provides a great opportunity for those transitioning from Olympic distance to the longer Half Ironman distance.
The start line offers panoramic views of Santa Barbara’s famous “American Riviera,” the Channel Islands and the beautiful Stearns Wharf. Our swim takes place on the protected shores of East Beach. The swim parallels the beach and finishes adjacent to the transition area. The bike route follows the coast heading up into the American Riviera overlooking Santa Barbara, Montecito and Carpinteria. The out and back course includes everything a cyclist will love; long flat straights, challenging hills and even a downhill or two to rest. The run course cruises the beachfront. You’ll meander by the wharf, the marina, and Leadbetter Beach. You’ll also experience some ups and downs as you pass through parks and quiet beach-side residential neighborhoods. The course is out and back and will typically reward you with a tailwind pushing you to the finish line. Music, refreshments, food and friends await your return.
USAT officials will be roaming the course. Violation of USAT rules or any unsafe or unlawful cycling may result in disqualification or time penalties.
Obey all traffic laws – this is an open course. Safety is our first concern!
LONG COURSE
SWIM | 1 Mile
A straight forward rectangular swim course paralleling the beach. Swimmers will swim out approximately 50 yards to the buoy line and turn right towards Stearns Wharf. After close to 1/2 mile you will turn right again and swim halfway to shore making another right shoulder turn heading back to the start – finish area. This part is a bit trickier due to the rising sun, best to sight off the beach on your left. The final buoy is the ONLY LEFT shoulder turn on the course and will be well marked.
BIKE | 34 Miles
This spectacular bike course starts and finishes with a flat and fast two mile straightaway. The middle section is somewhat technical and includes a few mandatory stops. There will be a water bottle transfer at approximately mile 15. Please note that event volunteers are not able to disrupt or instruct the flow of traffic; do not take instruction regarding your right-of-way from anyone unless it is a City Police officer or California Highway Patrol officer.
RUN | 10 Miles
Most of the run is on a bike path. The rest is on residential streets that are open to traffic. Please obey traffic laws. There are a few awesome inclines but the route starts and finishes with a flat and fast two mile leg. There will be water stations at each mile. Water & Gatorade will be offered at each water station.
long course AQUABIKE
Saturday, August 27, 2022
The Santa Barbara Long Course Triathlon is one of the most beautiful and challenging courses in the country. Its unique distance attracts a variety of athletes and provides a great opportunity for those transitioning from Olympic distance to the longer Half Ironman distance.
The start line offers panoramic views of Santa Barbara’s famous “American Riviera,” the Channel Islands and the beautiful Stearns Wharf. Our swim takes place on the protected shores of East Beach. The swim parallels the beach and finishes adjacent to the transition area. The bike route follows the coast heading up into the American Riviera overlooking Santa Barbara, Montecito and Carpinteria. The out and back course includes everything a cyclist will love; long flat straights, challenging hills and even a downhill or two to rest. The run course cruises the beachfront. You’ll meander by the wharf, the marina, and Leadbetter Beach. You’ll also experience some ups and downs as you pass through parks and quiet beach-side residential neighborhoods. The course is out and back and will typically reward you with a tailwind pushing you to the finish line. Music, refreshments, food and friends await your return.
USAT officials will be roaming the course. Violation of USAT rules or any unsafe or unlawful cycling may result in disqualification or time penalties.
Obey all traffic laws – this is an open course. Safety is our first concern!
AQUABIKE
SWIM | 1 Mile
A straight forward rectangular swim course paralleling the beach. Swimmers will swim out approximately 50 yards to the buoy line and turn right towards Stearns Wharf. After close to 1/2 mile you will turn right again and swim halfway to shore making another right shoulder turn heading back to the start – finish area. This part is a bit trickier due to the rising sun, best to sight off the beach on your left. The final buoy is the ONLY LEFT shoulder turn on the course and will be well marked.
BIKE | 34 Miles
This spectacular bike course starts and finishes with a flat and fast two mile straightaway. The middle section is somewhat technical and includes a few mandatory stops. There will be a water bottle transfer at approximately mile 15. Please note that event volunteers are not able to disrupt or instruct the flow of traffic; do not take instruction regarding your right-of-way from anyone unless it is a City Police officer or California Highway Patrol officer.
co-ed sprint
Saturday, August 27, 2022
The Santa Barbara Triathlon Co-Ed Sprint has something for everyone. Men and women of all ages, whether seasoned pros or first-timers, are encouraged to participate in this equally exciting mini version of our renowned long course. The calm ocean swim, relatively flat bike and flat run make for a perfect introduction to the sport of triathlon. The start line offers panoramic views of Santa Barbara’s famous “American Riviera,” the Channel Islands and the beautiful Stearns Wharf. Our swim takes place on the protected shores of East Beach. The short swim parallels the beach and finishes adjacent to the transition area. The bike route follows the coastline roads toward Butterfly Beach and past the famous Four Seasons Biltmore. The run course cruises the beachfront bike path. The course is out and back, fast and flat! Typically you’re even rewarded by a tail wind pushing you to the finish line. Music, refreshments, food and friends await your return.
Our race site is located at the Historic Cabrillo Bathhouse on Santa Barbara’s East Beach. If you’re into dipping your toes in the sand with a beer, good friends and family after an event, then we’ve got you covered. The view of the Channel Islands, the water’s edge and the Santa Ynez mountains make for a perfect backdrop.
SPRINT
SWIM | 500 Yd.
500 Yard Swim: Quick and easy, the ocean swim parallels the beach. The average water temperature is 64 degrees. Wetsuits are optional but getting them off may negate any time advantages of wearing one.
BIKE | 6 Miles
The course is very fast and nearly flat (with the exception of one decent-sized hill near the Four Seasons Biltmore). Carry the water you need, as this out-and-back course goes so quickly there’s no time for a water station.Obey all traffic laws – this is an open course. Please note that event volunteers are not able to disrupt or instruct the flow of traffic. Do not take instruction regarding your right-of-way from anyone other than a City Police officer or California Highway Patrol officer.
RUN | 10 Miles
2 Mile Run: One mile out, one mile back – it’s that simple. You can get water at mile one if you dare to slow down.
duathlon
Saturday, August 27, 2022
Duathletes welcome! We’re thrilled to offer yet another option for our endurance athletes. If swimming isn’t your thing, or you just want to try something new, you can now enter our Co-Ed event and trade the swim for a 1 mile beach run instead. Simply sign up for the Duathlon option. This amazing event will start with a 1-mile beach run (hard sand – low tide willing…), and from there athletes will be routed to the transition area to complete the 6-mile bike and 2-mile run of our Co-Ed Sprint event. For our first year we will limit the participation to the first 100 registrants. We expect this to fill up fast, so don’t wait. The start line offers panoramic views of Santa Barbara’s famous “American Riviera,” the Channel Islands and the beautiful Stearns Wharf. The course is out and back, fast and flat! Typically you’re even rewarded by a tail wind pushing you to the finish line. Music, refreshments, food and friends await your return.
Our race site is located at the Historic Cabrillo Bathhouse on Santa Barbara’s East Beach. If you’re into dipping your toes in the sand with a beer, good friends and family after an event, then we’ve got you covered. The view of the Channel Islands, the water’s edge and the Santa Ynez mountains make for a perfect backdrop.
DUATHLON
run | 1 mile beach
Start with your toes in the sand (or wear shoes – up to you) with a brisk run along the waterline. We’ll start you in a single wave at the end of the Co-Ed Sprint triathlete waves. At the completion of this leg you will be routed into the transition area along with all the Co-Ed Sprint athletes. You will then complete the final two legs of your event with them.
BIKE | 6 Miles
The course is very fast and nearly flat (with the exception of one decent-sized hill near the Four Seasons Biltmore). Carry the water you need, as this out-and-back course goes so quickly there’s no time for a water station.Obey all traffic laws – this is an open course. Please note that event volunteers are not able to disrupt or instruct the flow of traffic. Do not take instruction regarding your right-of-way from anyone other than a City Police officer or California Highway Patrol officer.
RUN | 2 Miles
2 Mile Run: One mile out, one mile back – it’s that simple. You can get water at mile one if you dare to slow down.
women-only sprint
Saturday, August 27, 2022
The Santa Barbara Triathlon Women-Only Sprint event began in 2000. We are thrilled to offer this exclusive event to female athletes. No matter what your speed, goals, or experience level, this event has something for you. The calm ocean swim, relatively flat bike and run make for a perfect introduction to the sport of triathlon. Seasoned “sprint specialists” enjoy meeting and exceeding personal goals while at the same time experiencing the supportive spirit of this unique event. The start line offers panoramic views of Santa Barbara’s famous “American Riviera,” the Channel Islands and the beautiful Stearns Wharf. Our swim takes place on the protected shores of East Beach. The short swim parallels the beach and finishes adjacent to the transition area. The bike route follows the coastline roads toward Butterfly Beach and past the famous Four Seasons Biltmore. The run course cruises the beachfront bike path and is out-and-back and fast-and-flat! Typically you’re even rewarded by a tail wind pushing you to the finish line. Music, refreshments, food and friends await your return.
SPRINT
swim | 500 yd.
Quick and easy, the ocean swim parallels the beach. The average water temperature is 64 degrees. Wetsuits are optional but getting them off may negate any time advantages of wearing one.
BIKE | 6 Miles
The course is very fast and nearly flat (with the exception of one decent-sized hill near the Four Seasons Biltmore). Carry the water you need, as this out-and-back course goes so quickly there’s no time for a water station.Obey all traffic laws – this is an open course. Please note that event volunteers are not able to disrupt or instruct the flow of traffic. Do not take instruction regarding your right-of-way from anyone other than a City Police officer or California Highway Patrol officer.
RUN | 2 Miles
2 Mile Run: One mile out, one mile back – it’s that simple. You can get water at mile one if you dare to slow down.
parent-child sprint
Saturday, August 27, 2022
The Santa Barbara Triathlon Parent – Child Sprint division was designed to encourage family participation and allow children under 15 to participate with some assistance. Parent and child complete the same route as the Co-Ed and Women-Only Sprint participants but will start in the final wave of the weekend. Parent and child will go out together and are required to participate with each other throughout the event.
We are thrilled to offer this exclusive and unique family option. No matter what your speed, goals, or experience level, we welcome you. The calm ocean swim, relatively flat bike and run make for a perfect introduction to the sport of triathlon. The start line offers panoramic views of Santa Barbara’s famous “American Riviera,” the Channel Islands and the beautiful Stearns Wharf. Our swim takes place on the protected shores of East Beach. The short swim parallels the beach and finishes adjacent to the transition area. The bike route follows the coastline roads toward Butterfly Beach and past the famous Four Seasons Biltmore. The run course cruises the beachfront bike path and is out-and-back and fast-and-flat! Typically you’re even rewarded by a tail wind pushing you to the finish line. Music, refreshments, food and friends await your return.
Our race site is located at the Historic Cabrillo Bathhouse on Santa Barbara’s East Beach. If you’re into dipping your toes in the sand with a beer, good friends and family after an event, then we’ve got you covered. The view of the Channel Islands, the waters edge and the Santa Ynez mountains make for a perfect backdrop.
SPRINT
swim | 500 yd.
Quick and easy, the ocean swim parallels the beach. The average water temperature is 64 degrees. Wetsuits are optional but getting them off may negate any time advantages of wearing one.
BIKE | 6 Miles
The course is very fast and nearly flat (with the exception of one decent-sized hill near the Four Seasons Biltmore). Carry the water you need, as this out-and-back course goes so quickly there’s no time for a water station.Obey all traffic laws – this is an open course. Please note that event volunteers are not able to disrupt or instruct the flow of traffic. Do not take instruction regarding your right-of-way from anyone other than a City Police officer or California Highway Patrol officer.
RUN | 2 Miles
2 Mile Run: One mile out, one mile back – it’s that simple. You can get water at mile one if you dare to slow down.
LONG COURSE divisions
long course Event specific divisions are listed below
Prize tiles will be given to the top three finishers for the following divisions:
Age Groups: 14 & under, 15-17, 18-19, 20-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69, 70-74, , 75-79, 80-84, 85+.
Note: You will be entered into the age group that reflects your age at the end of the current calendar year.
Aquabike: This option allows the participant to complete the swim and bike portion of the long course only. Age group results will be given to USA Triathlon for national rankings. The participants will all start in the same wave – possibly with other long course participants.
Prize tiles will be given to the top TWO finishers for the following divisions:
Age Group: Under 20, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, 70-79, 80+.
Note: You will be entered into the age group that reflects your age at the end of the current calendar year.
Elite/Open: Elite amateur or Pro triathlete. Enter this division if you’d like to participate in the same wave as the fastest athletes and be eligible for an Overall Award (fastest times of the day.).
*Note: individuals in this category are not eligible for Age Group or other divisional awards. The “Elite/Open” division is not awarded 3 deep.
Pro Triathletes must enter the Elite/Open Division.
Realize this is an OPEN COURSE and there are mandatory stops. Obey ALL traffic laws!
Just For Fun: Participate in the event side-by-side with your family or friends!
NOTE: Results for this division are presented in Alpha order, not by finishing place or time (but you can still see all your times). No prize tiles are presented, but all SB Triathlon participants get a Finisher’s Medal.
We will limit the entries in this division, so sign up early to participate.
Participating in this division prohibits your finishing time from being considered toward national rankings for USA Triathlon. For an explanation of this policy, please visit USA Triathlon. However, your times will be posted with the official Santa Barbara Triathlon results.
All participants in this division will go out in one wave. Women, men, young and not-so-young will be a part of this wave.
Call our office if you have additional questions.
Relay Division:
- Men
- Women
- Mixed Teams
Teams consist of a swimmer, biker and runner. Two-person teams are acceptable – one person completes 2 legs of the event. All team members receive a medal! Swimmers and bikers: be sure to go to the medal distributors in the finish line chute to get your medal.
*limited to 45 teams*
Clydesdale: (Men 220+ lbs)
Prize tiles will be given to the top three finishers for the following divisions:
39 & Under
40 & Over
Athena: (Women 165+ lbs.)
Prize tiles will be given to the top three finishers for the following divisions:
39 & Under
40 & Over
CO-ED SPRINT divisions
CO-ED SPRINT Event specific divisions are listed below
Prize tiles will be given to the top three finishers for the following divisions:
Age Group: 10 & under, 11-12, 13-14, 15-17, 18-19, 20-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69, 70-74, 75-79, 80-84, 85+.
Note: You will be entered into the age group that reflects your age at the end of the current calendar year.
Elite/Open: Elite amateur or Pro triathlete. Enter this division if you’d like to participate in the same wave as the fastest athletes and be eligible for an Overall Award (fastest times of the day.).
*Note: individuals in this category are not eligible for Age Group or other divisional awards. The “Elite/Open” division is not awarded 3 deep.
Pro Triathletes must enter the Elite/Open Division.
Realize this is an OPEN COURSE and there are mandatory stops. Obey ALL traffic laws!
Just For Fun: Participate in the event side-by-side with your family or friends.
NOTE: Results for this division are presented in Alpha order, not by finishing place or time (but you can still see all your times). No prize tiles are presented, but all SB Triathlon participants get a Finisher’s Medal.
This division is designed to provide participants the ability to participate in the event side-by-side with family or friends.
We will limit the entries in this division, so sign up early to participate.
Participating in this division prohibits your finishing time to be considered toward national rankings for USA Triathlon. For an explanation of this policy please visit USA Triathlon. However, your times will be posted with the official Santa Barbara Triathlon results.
All participants in this division will go out in one wave. Women, men, young and not-so-young will be a part of this wave.
Call our office if you have additional questions.
WOMEN-ONLY SPRINT
WOMEN-ONLY SPRINT Event specific divisions are listed below
Prize tiles will be given to the top three finishers for the following divisions:
Age Group: 14 & under, 15-17, 18-19, 20-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69, 70-74, 75-79, 80-84, 85+.
Note: You will be entered into the age group that reflects your age at the end of the current calendar year.
Just For Fun: Participate in the event side-by-side with your family or friends.
NOTE: Results for this division are presented in Alpha order, not by finishing place or time (but you can still see all your times). No prize tiles are presented, but all SB Triathlon participants get a Finisher’s Medal.
This division is designed to provide participants the ability to participate in the event side-by-side with family or friends.
We will limit the entries in this division, so sign up early to participate.
Participating in this division prohibits your finishing time to be considered toward national rankings for USA Triathlon. For an explanation of this policy please visit USA Triathlon. However, your times will be posted with the official Santa Barbara Triathlon results.
All participants in this division will go out in one wave. Women, men, young and not-so-young will be a part of this wave.
Call our office if you have additional questions.
PARENT CHILD TEAM
PARENT CHILD TEAM SPRINT Event specific divisions are listed below
All two and three person parent-child teams participate in the final wave of the weekend. Results for this division are presented in Alpha order, not by finishing place or time. No prize tiles are given in this division. Each parent and child will receive a Finisher Medal.
duathlon
duathlon Event specific divisions are listed below
The participants will all start in the same wave.
Prize tiles will be given to the top three finishers for the following divisions:
Age Group: Under 20, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, 70-79, 80+.
Note: You will be entered into the age group that reflects your age at the end of the current calendar year.