More than 1900 triathletes, most in event history, registered for The Most Scenic Triathlon in Texas

AUSTIN, Texas, September 25, 2022 — More than 1900 triathletes from 20 states, most in event history, registered for the 11th annual Kerrville Triathlon Festival. Participants gave their all during a picture-perfect weekend on a course highlighted by swimming in Nimitz Lake, cycling through the Texas Hill Country, and running along the Guadalupe River. The weekend kicked off with participants picking up their packets at the Kerrville Triathlon Expo, followed by races on both Saturday and Sunday. New in 2022 Saturday featured both Rookie and Sprint Distance events. Over 300 volunteers came out to support the event and received a special shirt, food, drinks, and an appreciation party following the event at Mamacita’s. 

Run alongside the Guadalupe River.
Credit: Scott Flathouse

“We really want this to be a weekend where people can come out for the weekend, experience the beauty of Kerrville, and really enjoy themselves,” said race director Stacy Keese. “We saw more people on Saturday than ever before and we hope to see this continue next year as we welcome more newcomers to the sport of triathlon.”

After crossing the finish line, participants were treated to fajitas, cold beer from Pint and Plow, snacks, and an opportunity to recover in the refreshing waters of the Guadalupe River. Kerrville Tri also launched best pricing for 2023, which ends on Sunday, September 25th. Special launch pricing will then go into effect through October 3rd.

“I have a great experience every year with this race. I already can’t wait for next year,” said Jose Flores of Kerrville.

Cade Michael took the Overall Champion title in Sunday’s Half Distance in a time of 4:15:30, while the female champion Nicole Adams finished in 05:13:00. Mark Saroni won the Quarter in 02:03:16, quickly followed by the female Quarter Distance winner Allison Saroni with a 02:26:54. 

For the Sprint Distance Ben Rawson won with a 1:03:30, while Kristine Silverstein won the female division in 1:13:22. Zachary Harper (58:19), won Saturday’s Rookie while Keelan Christman (1:09:47), won the female division.

 “The event was so well-organized with amazing views of the Texas Hill Country and spectator support seemingly everywhere!” said Stewart Mickler who also led each day’s pre-race warm-up as part of the Austin Tri Club.

The Kerrville Triathlon would like to thank the City of Kerrville, Kerrville Fire Department, Kerrville Police Department, Kerr County Sheriff’s Department, Kerrville Convention, and Visitors Bureau, and sponsors H-E-B, Peterson Health, Texas Drain Specialist, GU Energy, Jack and Adam’s Fredericksburg, Pint and Plow Brewing Company, Evamor, Bicycle House, Grape Juice, Zone3, Gatorade,  Peak Fitness, Hill Country Bicycle Works, and Mamacita’s.

About High Five Events: Beginning with the launch of a single triathlon in 2003, High Five Events has grown to become one of the largest privately owned event production companies in the United States. High Five Events is a community-centric company based in Austin, Texas. Their staff has more than 100 years of combined experience organizing large events across different venue types in a variety of locations. High Five Events has been on the Inc. 5000 List of Fastest Growing Companies for 2020 (ranked 1853) and 2019 (2163).

Now’s the time to take advantage of Special Launch Pricing for the 2021 Kerrville Triathlon

Registration is open for the 2021 Kerrville Triathlon Festival, also known as The Most Scenic Triathlon in Texas. The popular destination triathlon is produced by High Five Events. It’ll celebrate its 10th anniversary on September 25-26th, in Kerrville, Texas. In 2019, more than 1800 triathletes competed in eight different events that included a swim course in Nimitz Lake, bike course through the Texas Hill Country, and run course along the Guadalupe River. Special Launch Pricing for The Most Scenic Triathlon in Texas is currently available for all events.

“The Kerrville Triathlon continues to grow, exposing more triathletes to the Most Scenic Triathlon in Texas and the welcoming City of Kerrville,” said Stacy Keese, co-owner of High Five Events. “We look forward to another banner year while showcasing the beauty of the Texas Hill Country.”

Something for triathletes of all levels

2021 Kerrville Triathlon’s Open Division allows participants to begin regardless of age, with a mass swim start. Open Division participants are not eligible for age-group awards. Everyone else starts the swim in their division based on their age group, with two participants entering the water every few seconds. Age-group awards are given in five-year increments. Kerrville Tri also features Athena and Clydesdale categories. Aquabike and relay options are available too. The relay team can consist of two or three members. Aquabike completes the swim and the bike only.

Athletes will receive a belt buckle finisher’s medal, customized shirts, reusable custom water bottles, personalized race bibs, swim caps, a post-race meal, fruit, snacks, beer, and an opportunity to float in the Guadalupe River. Kerrville Tri is a USAT-sanction event, provides professional timing, and offers professional photography. A great volunteer crew and hundreds of supportive spectators make race day memorable for everyone involved. 

Weekend full of distances

The Debra Zapata Sprint distance, sprint relay, and kids fun run take place on Saturday, Sept. 25th. Quarter distance, quarter aquabike, half distance, half aquabike, and half relay will all happen on Sunday, Sept. 26th. Participants can pick up their packet at the Kerrville Triathlon Expo and Packet Pickup at the host hotel, Inn of the Hills. The expo and packet pickup, which is free and open to the public, will take place on Friday, Sept. 24th, and Saturday, Sept. 25th. Special Launch Pricing for all events follows: Debra Zapata Sprint ($79), sprint aquabike ($79), sprint relay ($159), quarter ($129), quarter aquabike ($129), half ($199), half aquabike ($199), half relay ($279), kids fun run (free). 

Triathletes who can’t make it to the event can still participate through Kerrville Tri’s Virtual Challenge. Participants can complete the distances on their own time at their preferred locations. Virtual challenge participants will have until September 19th to complete the distances and submit their results.

As part of the updated policies for 2021, Kerrville Triathlon will offer free deferral to participants if a government entity issues a ban on mass gatherings due to the COVID-19 pandemic that would prevent this event from occurring. 

Triathletes can participate in virtual Kerrville Triathlon from anywhere in the world

Registration for the 2018 Kerrville Triathlon Festival virtual triathlon opens on Monday, July 9th. The 8th annual Kerrville Triathlon Festival will take place September 28-30, 2018, in Kerrville, Texas. Last year, more than 1400 triathletes competed in eight different events that featured a swim course in Nimitz Lake, bike course through the Texas Hill Country, and run course along the Guadalupe River.

“2017 was a record year for the Kerrville Triathlon and we’re ecstatic about producing this amazing event in its eighth year,” said Stacy Keese, co-owner of High Five Events. “Word is quickly spreading that this is one of the top triathlons in the state and we’re excited to provide the virtual optio.”

Triathletes who cannot make it to the Texas Hill Country for #SmokinGoodTri can participate virtually! Click To Tweet

Virtual options

Triathletes who cannot make it to the Texas Hill Country can participate virtually. Participants who select this option can choose from five distances, including:

  • Debra Zapata Sprint Distance: 500m swim, 14.5-mile bike, 5K run
  • Quarter Distance: 1000m swim, 29-mile bike, 6.4-mile run
  • Quarter Distance Aquabike: 1000m swim, 29-mile bike
  • Half Distance: 1.2-mile swim, 56-mile bike, 13.1-mile run
  • Half Distance Aquabike: 1.2-mile swim, 56-mile bike

With the five virtual triathlon options, participants can complete each segment of their chosen event on their own schedule at a location of their choosing. The timeline for completing each virtual option begins on September 29, 2018, and lasts until October 22, 2018. Virtual participants have three weeks to swim, bike, and run their distances. Results must be submitted to the Kerrville Tri website by midnight on October 22nd.

Virtual triathlon registration starts at $40. Participants will receive a bib number, helmet and bike numbers, custom Kerrville Triathlon reusable water bottle, nuun hydration, and the famous Kerrville Triathlon belt buckle finisher medal to show off their accomplishment! Triathletes participating virtually will have the option to purchase a custom-designed race shirt at time of registration. Participants will receive their gear prior to September 29th.

Registration and rules can be found on the race website.