Big Apple Triathlon Returns After Years of Setbacks

New York City's only swim-bike-run event, formerly known as the New York City Triathlon, is set to make a comeback this Saturday under the new moniker, the Big Apple Triathlon. Approximately 1,300 participants are expected to compete in the event, which has faced numerous disruptions in recent years.

The race, which has existed since 2001, has a history of difficulties, including cancellations and shortened distances due to extreme heat, water quality issues, and scheduling conflicts. In previous years, athletes have experienced shortened or canceled swim segments due to concerns about the Hudson River's water quality, and the bike and run portions have been reduced due to extreme temperatures.

Organizers struggled to find a viable date for the 2024 event, even attempting to move it to the fall to avoid summer heat. The race has now been taken over by Alpha Win, an organizer based in Saugerties, New York, which has produced over 200 races since 2010.

"I believe every edition since 2017, we either had to shorten the run, shorten the bike or cancel the swim," said former race director Alex De Gracia of Life Time, whose organization sold the race in 2023. "I was super excited when I heard about it; I loved the New York City Triathlon," said Matt Stern, a 32-year-old attorney who raced in 2023 and calls the course "epic."

This year's Big Apple Triathlon will feature a variety of distances, including a sprint, relay, aquabike (swim-bike), and duathlon (run-bike-run), aligning with Alpha Win's motto of offering "a distance for everyone."

The race route for the longest distance includes a nearly mile-long swim in the Hudson River, a 25-mile bike ride along the West Side Highway, and a 6.2-mile run through Central Park. Participants have paid between $350 and $625 for entry, with about half coming from outside the city.

Organizers are taking measures to address the environmental and logistical challenges inherent in a New York City race. The swim portion of the race will head north on the Hudson to take advantage of the tidal flow, which can shift direction. A "safety flotilla" comprising 60 lifeguards, FDNY and NYPD boats, and paramedics will be on hand to ensure swimmer safety and manage marine traffic.

Despite past concerns about water quality, experts like Deanne Draeger, founder of Urban Swim, state that decades of wastewater improvements and federal regulations have significantly reduced pollution in the New York Harbor. A 2007 report indicated a 95% reduction in fecal coliform bacteria since 1970.

However, challenges remain. The success of the race is highly dependent on favorable weather conditions. "Racing in the northeast has a very limited window," noted Joel Volterra, a triathlon coach and competitor. "In spring, the water’s too cold. In summer, the air can be too hot. In fall, the unlikely but real threat of hurricanes looms."

Securing permits and coordinating with multiple city, state, and federal agencies, including the Department of Transportation, Parks Department, police, and emergency services, is also a complex undertaking. The proximity to residential areas and the need to close major roadways add further logistical hurdles.

Alpha Win CEO and race director Tommy Struzzieri expressed cautious optimism. "The Department of Environmental Protection has been testing the river for months. Alpha Win has been consulting with an on-site meteorologist for weeks. The sky has stayed dry for days. So far, so good," he stated. The event's ability to proceed smoothly this year, despite its history, is seen as a positive sign for its future.