TriRock Philly Style

June 22^nd and 23^rd marks the 9^th running of one of the hottest triathlon festivals in the country. Under new ownership, TriRock Philadelphia (formally The Philadelphia Insurance Triathlon), promises to deliver the same high caliber production that has earned Philly one of Outside Magazine’s top-five triathlons in the United States and one of Inside Triathlon’s top big city triathlons. As in the past, the sprint distance and kids fun run races will be held on Saturday and the Olympic on Sunday.  A two-day Multisport Expo featuring the latest in products, services, accessories, and events begins Friday afternoon. Although now a part of the Competitor Group family, this year’s events still has local team members that have cultivated the Philly Tri since its inception with added amenities such as a new and improved sprint swim course, a live band and beer garden at the finish.

TriRock Philly kicks off the TriRock series which then makes its way to Aurora Colorado, Asbury Park New Jersey, Austin Texas, Lake Geneva Wisconsin, San Diego California, and Clearwater Florida.

The TriRock Philadelphia Triathlon, with title sponsor Johnson & Johnson and presenting sponsor Philadelphia Insurance Companies is recognized as one of the premier triathlon event weekends in the country. Fairmount Park hosts this scenic, challenging course and fun, family atmosphere. While considered a “city race”, TriRock Philly offers some incredibly breathtaking scenery with historic charm that only Philly can deliver.

Saturday’s Sprint race consists of a .8K swim, a 25K bike, and a 5K run. The sprint course includes many sections of Sunday’s Olympic event. The swim is point to point pushing the athletes with the Schuykill River’s current. Expect some blistering fast sections on the bike course coupled with just enough moderate climbing to keep things interesting on this two loop course.  The run is an out and back flat and fast section of Martin Luther King Drive with a finish just a few yards from the transition area. An Aqua Bike is offered on sprint Saturday.

Sunday’s Olympic distance race consists of the standard 1.5K swim, 40K bike, and 10K run format. This course will take the athletes through some of the most scenic and historic sections of the city’s Fairmount Park. The Olympic Distance swim will also be point to point travelling with the current beginning along Philly’s iconic Boathouse Row. The two loop bike course is fast, with technical stretches and a couple of short but meaningful climbs and a few descents that clearly give back what the climbs take.  Much like the sprint course, the run is fast and flat along Martin Luther King Drive with spectators lining the drive. An Aqua Bike is also offered at the Olympic Distance.

Also added for 2013 is the PHLY Cup elite division of the TriRock Philadelphia Triathlon. Launched in partnership with Philadelphia Insurance Companies (PHLY), the PHLY Cup will offer elite triathletes the chance to compete in the Olympic distance for a prize purse totaling $25,000. World-class triathlete Andy Potts will be headlining the Olympic distance race, among other notable elites. The race within the race will feature a show down of many area triathlon and multisport clubs as they race for pride and club bragging rights.

In true TriRock tradition, TriRock Philly athletes can expect music along the course, a red carpet finish, post race concert, Asics technical tee shirts and swag bag, as well as 3 deep awards for Age Group, Clydesdale/Athena, Military/Public Servant, Relay, and Club Challenge.

Philly is one of the most symbolic sports towns in the county.  Philly fans live and die by their local teams and heroes as well as their on screen heroes like Rocky Balboa, whose bronze statue stands tall and proud at the foot of those same Museum of Art steps that Rocky climbed and made famous so many years ago. The City of Philadelphia and the entire surrounding tri-state region has learned to embrace their triathlon the same as their other signature teams and events. And Philly ranks up there in the multisport community, hosting one of the largest and fastest 10 mile road races in The Blue Cross Broad Street Run. As well as The Philadelphia Rock-n-Roll Half Marathon and The Philadelphia Marathon which have become fall traditions in the area and must do races for athletes from all around the world.

TriRock Philly also offers multiple spectator viewing options, including the race’s hub or “hot corner” located right outside of the transition area on Martin Luther King Drive. This is a very spectator friendly venue that affords friends and family the opportunity to catch a glimpse of their triathletes at multiple points throughout their race, including a spectacular grandstand finish. TriRock Philly is a top shelf event run by passionate individuals who leave no stone unturned in giving the athletes and their families a positive yet unique experience. The athletes have embraced this race. The spectators have embraced this race. The City of Philadelphia has embraced this race. Come see for yourself what you have been missing.