Gulf Shores is preparing to welcome hundreds of triathletes back to its beaches next month as the Brett/Robinson Alabama Coastal Triathlon and its companion Tri-It-On sprint event return to the local sports calendar on Saturday, Sept. 11, marking the 14th year for the race after a one-year hiatus forced by the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020.
The race will once again make use of the natural landscape that has made it a signature stop for endurance athletes along the Alabama coast. The swim leg takes place in the Gulf of Mexico, while cyclists and runners will move along Gulf Shores’ beach boulevard. Race headquarters, packet pick-up and the finish-line festivities will all be centered at Gulf Place Public Beach, next to The Hangout entertainment complex.
“After having to cancel the triathlon in 2020, we are gearing up to bring back one of our signature events along Alabama’s beaches in the city of Gulf Shores,” said Michelle Russ, vice president of sales for Gulf Shores & Orange Beach Sports & Events. “We are blessed to share our natural venues — the beach and the Gulf of Mexico — with participants and their families during the Alabama Coastal Triathlon, and we encourage them to explore the destination before and after the race.”
For competitors seeking the full Olympic-distance challenge, the course includes a 1,500-meter swim, a 24.8-mile bike ride winding through Gulf State Park, and a 6-mile run along the scenic beach road. Both the Olympic and sprint distances carry added significance this year, having been designated as the 2021 USA Triathlon Alabama State Championships for age-group competitors and high school triathletes, giving local and visiting athletes a chance to earn state title honors on their home turf.
Athletes who aren’t ready to tackle the full Olympic distance can instead enter the Tri-It-On sprint event, a shorter but still demanding course featuring a 300-yard swim, a 12.4-mile bike leg and a 2-mile run. Organizers are welcoming both individual competitors and relay teams for either distance, and a virtual participation option is also available for those who cannot make it to the coast in person.
Race weekend logistics call for registration and packet pick-up at The Hangout on Friday, Sept. 10, from 4 to 7 p.m., with a second window on race morning from 5:30 to 6:30 a.m. The triathlon is scheduled to begin at 7 a.m., with the Tri-It-On sprint field starting shortly after. Once athletes cross the finish line, The Hangout will also host the post-race party and awards ceremony, giving competitors, families and spectators a chance to celebrate together along the beach.
The event has long been a draw for both serious endurance athletes and first-time triathletes, and organizers say the return of the race after the pandemic-related cancellation is expected to bring a boost of visitors and economic activity to Gulf Shores during the second full weekend of September. Local hotels, restaurants and shops along the beach boulevard typically see increased traffic during race weekend as competitors arrive early to prepare and stay afterward to enjoy the coast.
Individuals interested in competing can register now through Team Magic’s event registration site. Athletes seeking more information on USA Triathlon State Championship guidelines and qualification standards can consult USA Triathlon’s official website for full details ahead of race day.