Reversing Tradition: How Pasadena Triathlon’s Unusual Format Is Creating New Athletes

The Pasadena Triathlon returns to the Rose Bowl on March 8, featuring its signature reverse format that starts with running rather than swimming, an innovation that has helped thousands of newcomers enter a sport often perceived as exclusive or intimidating.

Now approaching its 19th year, the event has maintained remarkable longevity in the competitive race landscape while consistently attracting between 900 and 1,000 participants annually, according to Brennan Lindner, the event’s director.

“We’re coming on 19 years,” Lindner said. “That’s amazing in itself because a lot of events don’t last, and the milestone really is the longevity of it and the new people that we keep getting into the sport of triathlon.”

The event stands out for its unconventional approach, beginning with a 5K run followed by a 15K bike ride and concluding with a 150-meter pool swim, unlike traditional triathlons that start with swimming, often in open water.

“The challenges have been to space out the athletes, so we’ve had to start with the run and then we start everyone in different waves, so in smaller groups of about a hundred to 200 people,” explained Lindner. “So that way they spread out on the run, they spread out on the bike, so by the time they jump in the pool, it’s not as crowded.”

This innovative format has proven particularly effective at breaking down barriers for newcomers, with 40% of last year’s participants being first-time triathletes, event organizers said.

“We’re a very accessible triathlon, meaning that you really can, if you’re a runner, you can really jump into this rather not – I’m saying easily, but you can – you’re not doing a notion swim and you’re not doing a race that’s five hours long,” Lindner said.

On race day, the transition area opens at 6 a.m., with the event beginning at 7:55 a.m. with the adaptive athletes division, followed by wave starts for the main event at 8 a.m., with participants grouped in waves of 100-200 people to reduce congestion throughout the course.

An awards ceremony takes place at 9:45 a.m., with the junior triathlon beginning at 10:45 a.m. The event has maintained the same course for approximately 10 years, demonstrating remarkable stability.

Beyond the main triathlon, the event includes a duathlon, 5K run, and a junior triathlon that has seen significant growth in recent years as organizers focus on youth participation.

“Our big focus this year and then even going forward is building up our youth triathlon,” said Lindner. “We have a kids triathlon that for a long time we limited it to 50 kids, but last year we expanded it to over a hundred.”

The junior triathlon introduces more than 200 children to multisport annually, creating opportunities for young athletes to experience a combination of swimming, biking and running in a supportive environment.

Approximately 30% of 2024 participants were Pasadena Triathlon Club members, which highlights the important role that local community organizations play in supporting the event through year-round training sessions and beginner clinics.

The event also maintains a significant charitable component through the Angel 5K, which has raised over $500,000 for Angel City Sports since 2018.

Organizers said the Pasadena Triathlon generates approximately $2.1 million for the local economy, with area businesses reporting 85% hotel occupancy and 30% restaurant sales increases during race weekend.

The event’s multi-generational appeal has become one of its defining characteristics, said Lindner.

“I’d say it’s great for all ages,” he said. “We’ve had five-year-olds and we’ve had 85-year-olds, and it’s great to do with families. We’ve had parents and their kids doing it together.”

For those considering participation but feeling intimidated, Lindner emphasizes the welcoming nature of the triathlon community and encourages newcomers to ask questions and seek guidance.

“The beauty of triathlon is everyone is very receptive and we love new people because we know it can be scary,” he said. “And so new participants – I would say just ask questions, because triathletes do love to talk and everybody wants everyone to succeed.”

For more details and to register for the Pasadena Triathlon, visit https://pasadenatriathlon.com/.