Key Takeaways
- The 2026 USA Paratriathlon Nationals Qualifier Series has been announced, providing competitive paratriathlon race opportunities for emerging paratriathletes.
- The series includes eight events across the US, with the goal of welcoming 100 paratriathletes and adaptive athletes to compete at Paratriathlon Nationals in Milwaukee on August 9.
- Athletes must be officially classified in a paratriathlon sport class or have a provisional classification to compete, and must meet qualification standards.
- The series offers a range of benefits, including free pre-race clinics, award packages, and the opportunity to earn rankings and win prizes.
Introduction to the 2026 USA Paratriathlon Nationals Qualifier Series
The USA Triathlon has announced the full race schedule for the 2026 USA Paratriathlon Nationals Qualifier Series, which provides competitive paratriathlon race opportunities for emerging paratriathletes who aspire to compete at the elite level. The series includes eight events across the US, with the goal of welcoming 100 paratriathletes and adaptive athletes to compete at Paratriathlon Nationals in Milwaukee on August 9. According to USA Triathlon Head of Para Development, Auburn Bosworth, "The Paratriathlon Nationals Qualifier Series continues to be a key pathway for both new and returning athletes, strengthening paratriathlon communities across the country."
Eligibility and Qualification Criteria
To compete at Paratriathlon Nationals in Milwaukee, athletes must be officially classified in a paratriathlon sport class, or have been given a provisional classification, and must meet the qualification standards found under Event Qualification Criteria. All races in the USA Paratriathlon Nationals Qualifier Series will be sprint-distance, covering a 750-meter swim, 20-kilometer bike, and 5-kilometer run. Athletes must have a USA Triathlon membership and be classified in a paratriathlon sport class or have been given a provisional classification. Additionally, athletes with physical or visual impairments who are not classified or not qualified for the other division can race in the ATD1 (Adaptive Triathlon Division 1) series races and in Milwaukee alongside Paratriathlon Nationals.
Benefits and Incentives
The series offers a range of benefits and incentives to athletes, including free pre-race clinics, award packages, and the opportunity to earn rankings and win prizes. Athletes who compete in two Series races plus Paratriathlon Nationals will earn rankings that will provide them with the opportunity to win an award package, which contains a Rudy Project Helmet, Rudy Project Sunglasses, and a Synergy Transition Bag. Podium finishers at each race will also receive a Pressio store coupon code. Each Series race will have a free pre-race clinic tailored to the athletes and course, which will be led by a USA Triathlon Para Certified Coach.
2026 USA Paratriathlon Nationals Qualifier Series Schedule
The 2026 USA Paratriathlon Nationals Qualifier Series includes the following events: St. Anthony’s Triathlon in St. Petersburg, Florida on April 26; Lago Mar Triathlon in Texas City, Texas on May 17; Treasure Valley Triathlon in Boise, Idaho on June 6; Leon’s Triathlon in Hammond, Indiana on June 7; Pleasant Prairie Triathlon in Pleasant Prairie, Wisconsin on June 28; Long Beach Legacy Triathlon in Long Beach, California on July 19; New Jersey Triathlon in West Windsor Township, New Jersey on July 19; and the USA Triathlon Paratriathlon National Championship in Milwaukee, Wisconsin on August 9. Additional races may be added throughout the season.
Getting Involved
To learn more and to get involved with USA Triathlon’s grassroots and elite paratriathlon programming and recruitment, visit the USA Paratriathlon Page or email [email protected]. Athletes who are not currently nationally or internationally classified but are interested in competing may also email USA Paratriathlon for more information about getting a provisional classification. With the goal of growing the sport and building momentum toward the Paralympic Games at LA28 and beyond, the 2026 USA Paratriathlon Nationals Qualifier Series is an exciting opportunity for emerging paratriathletes to compete and develop their skills.