Up to 2,500 triathletes swim 1,500 meters in the Hudson River, ride the closed Henry Hudson Parkway as far north as Gun Hill Road in the Bronx, then run through Central Park to the finish. It's the first Big Apple Triathlon from Alpha Win, an upstate race company with more than 150 events since 2011. If you know someone racing, or just love a closed highway full of bikes, this is the weekend's best spectator sport.
What to expect
Racers open with the Hudson River swim, with race areas set up along Riverside Park's esplanade, and then ride north on the parkway. The sprint bike turns around at 181st Street, and the Olympic course continues to Gun Hill Road. The day ends in Central Park, where the run course and finish draw the biggest crowds, and spectators watch from designated viewing areas.
Good to know
- Expect full street closures on the Henry Hudson Parkway, West 96th Street and Central Park's drives. Take the subway, not a car.
- The 1, 2 and 3 trains along Broadway serve the Riverside Park swim and bike areas. The B and C along Central Park West are closest to the run course.
- Spectators are welcome, but only in the designated viewing areas along the course.
- The action starts early. Come in the morning to see swimmers and cyclists, and catch Olympic-distance runners in Central Park later on.
- It's free to watch. Racing requires advance registration through Alpha Win.
- Relay teams split the race three ways (one swimmer, one cyclist, one runner), a good entry point for first-timers.
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Common questions
What are the race distances?
The Olympic course is a 1,500m Hudson River swim, a 24.8-mile bike and a 6.2-mile run. The sprint bike is 12.4 miles and the sprint run is 2.5 miles. Aquabike (swim and bike only) and three-person relays are also offered.
Can I watch the triathlon?
Yes. Spectators are allowed along the course in designated viewing areas. Central Park, where the run and finish take place, is the easiest spot for friends and family.
Which roads will be closed?
City permits list full closures on the Henry Hudson Parkway from West 56th Street up to Mosholu Parkway, on West 96th Street between Riverside Drive and Central Park West, and on Central Park's West, East and 72nd Street drives.
