DES MOINES, IA (April 29, 2026) — USA Triathlon, in partnership with Catch Des Moines, the local sports and tourism commission, today announced that Des Moines, Iowa, has been selected to host 2027 and 2028 USA Triathlon Nationals, USA Triathlon’s largest and longest-running National Championship, as part of a long-term partnership.
A first-time host city of the event, Des Moines is poised to host USA Triathlon Nationals, which consists of three days of racing, including major national events such as the Sprint and Olympic Distance National Championships, Paratriathlon National Championships, Draft-Legal Triathlon National Championships and Mixed Relay National Championships.
2027 USA Triathlon Nationals is scheduled for Aug. 6-8 and the 2028 event Aug. 4-6, bringing together the country’s best short-course amateur adult triathletes who will race for age group national titles and the opportunity to qualify for the World Triathlon Age Group Triathlon World Championships. The Paratriathlon National Championships offer elite and developing paratriathletes the opportunity to race for national titles as part of USA Triathlon’s largest annual event. Registration for 2027 races at USA Triathlon Nationals will open this summer.
“We are thrilled to enter a long-term partnership with Catch Des Moines to bring USA Triathlon Nationals and the Paratriathlon National Championships to Des Moines in 2027 and 2028,” said USA Triathlon CEO, Victoria Brumfield. “This partnership has been built on strong relationships with local leaders in Des Moines, who are committed to welcoming the triathlon community for three amazing days of triathlon racing. This venue offers a unique combination of spectator friendly racing and beautiful natural surroundings that will create an exceptional experience for our athletes and their families. We look forward to showcasing everything Des Moines has to offer on a national stage.”
USA Triathlon and Catch Des Moines are committed to working closely with key local partners, including Des Moines Parks and Recreation, the City of Des Moines, Des Moines Police and Fire, Gray’s Lake Park, Water Works Park, and Polk County Emergency Management, to ensure seamless coordination and accommodation of all events across Des Moines.
“This announcement is a testament to the reputation our community has built over decades,” said Trina Flack, President & CEO of Catch Des Moines. “Our long-term partnership with USA Triathlon celebrates our rich triathlon history while positioning our city at the center of the sport. The USA Triathlon National Championships will draw thousands of athletes, generate meaningful economic impact, and create unforgettable experiences for competitors and spectators alike.”
“We are proud to welcome the USA Triathlon National Championships to the City of Des Moines,” said Jen Schulte, Assistant City Manager at City of Des Moines. “This event is a premier competition and over the next two years it will introduce thousands of elite athletes to everything our vibrant city has to offer. This multi-year commitment from USA Triathlon will continue Des Moines’ growing momentum as a national destination for major sporting events.” Athletes at USA Triathlon Nationals will race at Grays Lake Park, a 167-acre urban recreational hub anchored by a 100-acre lake, with transition located just steps from the water’s edge. Athletes will then head out of the park for a flat and fast bike ride through the countryside. The run course will cross the iconic illuminated Kruidenier Trail Pedestrian Bridge in the heart of the city, and athletes will finish at the Lauridsen Amphitheater in Water Works Park which spans nearly 1,500 acres of open green space. The venue will also host the event expo, packet pickup, and post-race festivities, all with easy access to the start line at Grays Lake Park.
Following the expansion of the event schedule for 2026 USA Triathlon Nationals, USA Triathlon will continue to offer the Draft-Legal Triathlon and Mixed Triathlon Relay at 2027 and 2028 USA Triathlon Nationals, building on strong athlete interest.
The Sprint and Olympic Distance National Championships, along with the Paratriathlon National Championships require qualification, while the Open Water Swim, Draft-Legal Triathlon, and Mixed Relay will be open to all athletes with no qualification required. Athletes earn qualification for Sprint and Olympic Distance National Championships based on their performance in their age group at local, USA Triathlon Sanctioned events. For specific qualifying criteria, visit USA Triathlon’s website here.
At 2027 USA Triathlon Nationals, racing will begin on Friday, Aug. 6, with a 750-meter open water swim competition and the Draft-Legal Triathlon (750m swim, 20k bike, 10k run).
On Saturday, Aug. 7, qualified athletes will race the Olympic Distance National Championships, which features a 1,500m swim, 40k bike and 10k run. The afternoon will feature the exciting and spectator-friendly Mixed Triathlon Relay, where athletes in teams of four will each complete a 225m swim, 5k bike, and 1k run.
The action continues Sunday, Aug. 8, with the Sprint National Championships, and the Paratriathlon National Championships, held on a 750m swim, 20k bike, 5k run course.
Athletes competing in the Paratriathlon National Championship will be eligible for prize money through the Jarrett-Sepulveda Prize Purse. With limited opportunities for paratriathletes to compete for prize money, the fully-funded prize purse creates a meaningful chance for athletes to race for financial awards on home soil, while strengthening the United States’ leadership in elevating elite para competition. Athletes interested in qualifying for the 2027 Paratriathlon National Championship can learn more by contacting USA Triathlon’s Paratriathlon team.
Both the Sprint Distance and Olympic Distance races will serve as qualifiers for the 2028 World Triathlon Age Group Triathlon World Championships. Age Group Team USA is comprised of the nation’s top amateur multisport athletes who represent the U.S. at World Triathlon World Championship events. For more information about Age Group Team USA, visit USA Triathlon’s website here.
Athletes interested in qualifying for 2027 USA Triathlon Nationals can find upcoming local events and national championship opportunities, including 2026 USA Triathlon Nationals in Milwaukee, on the USA Triathlon event calendar.
About USA Triathlon
USA Triathlon is proud to serve as the National Governing Body for triathlon, as well as duathlon, aquathlon, aquabike, winter triathlon, off-road triathlon, paratriathlon, and indoor and virtual multisport events in the United States. Founded in 1982, USA Triathlon sanctions more than 3,500 events and races and connects with and supports more than 300,000 unique active members each year, making it the largest multisport organization in the world. In addition to its work at the grassroots level with athletes, coaches, and race directors — as well as the USA Triathlon Foundation — USA Triathlon provides leadership and support to elite athletes competing at international events, including World Triathlon World Championships, Pan American Games and the Olympic and Paralympic Games.
About Catch Des Moines
Catch Des Moines is the official destination marketing organization promoting and representing Greater Des Moines to leisure travelers and meeting/sports planners. Our focus is to increase visitors to the metro and elevate the visitor experience to drive economic success and enhance the quality of life in the 15 local Greater Des Moines communities we represent. For more information, visit catchdesmoines.com.