2,000 Athletes Join Annual Memorial Day Event in Downtown Austin

The Ascension Seton CapTex Triathlon drew in over 2,000 triathletes from more than 34 states and 11 countries. Participants took on the challenge, navigating a swim in Lady Bird Lake, cycling through downtown streets, and taking on the run along Auditorium Shores. Athletes showcased their skills across a range of distances, including Rookie, Sprint, and Olympic categories, as well as Aquabike and Relay options.

Over 300 volunteers came out to support the participants. The annual Memorial Day weekend event commenced with athletes collecting their race packets at the CapTex Tri Health and Fitness Expo on Sunday, May 26th, setting the stage for the main event on Monday morning, May 27th. This year was the debut for the event’s official mascot Bouy. Bouy lead the race day warm up alongside the Austin Triathlon Club, and offered many photo opportunities that added to race day excitement. 

“We are thrilled with the incredible energy and participation we saw at this year’s CapTex Tri. The athletes’ dedication and the support from our volunteers and the community truly made this event special,” said Stacy Keese, co-owner of CapTex Tri. “We are excited to continue growing the triathlon community, inspiring more people to take on this rewarding challenge in the years to come.”

Noah Shlesinger took the Overall Champion title in the Olympic distance in a time of 01:58:00, while the female champion Andrea Nunez-Smith finished in 02:12:13.

Following the race, participants enjoyed the sounds of local bands at the Finisher Festival, which offered a variety of refreshments including tacos, snacks, and drinks. Athletes also had the chance to recover in the Eight Beer Garden. Additionally, CapTex Tri announced exclusive early access pricing for the 2025 event, available until Friday, June 11th, providing participants with the opportunity to secure the best rates for next year’s race. 

“Competing in the CapTex Tri was an unforgettable experience filled with camaraderie, achievement, and pure exhilaration. From conquering the course to soaking in the fun atmosphere of the finisher festival, I had a blast every step of the way” shared Lauren Parravicini, a first-time triathlete in the Olympic division. “The energy, the excitement—I’m hooked! Already counting down the days until my next triathlon adventure.”

The CapTex Tri would like to thank the volunteers, City of Austin, Austin Fire Department, Austin Police Department, Palmer Events Center, and sponsors Ascension Seton, EIGHT Beer, evamore, GU Energy, Nuun Hydration, Fleet Feet, Texas Drain Specialist, Rocket Science Sports, Bicycle House, Super Coffee, and Austin Sports Commission.  

About High Five Events: Based in Austin, Texas, High Five Events is a community-centric company that has become one of the largest privately owned event production companies in the United States. Our 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).

Race week is here! This guide contains a one-stop review of most of the information you will need to know for the CapTex Tri. If you can’t find what you are looking for, please check the other pages on our website for more detailed information.

The CapTex Tri and GU Energy Labs both Committed to Fueling Optimal Performance During Race

The Ascension Seton CapTex Tri is delighted to announce the continuation of its partnership with GU Energy Labs, who will once again serve as the event’s official Energy Gel and Chew sponsor of the premier downtown triathlon. Athletes participating in the triathlon will benefit from GU’s nutrition science backed products across all distances of the event. Owned and organized by High Five Events, the CapTex Tri is set to unfold in downtown Austin, Texas, on Memorial Day, May 27.

“We are thrilled to energize and fuel triathletes with our Energy Gels and Chews at the CapTex Triathlon this Memorial Day weekend”, Cody Logan, Brand Experience Manager at GU Energy Labs, shared. “It’s also a priority for us to encourage athletes to contribute to environmental sustainability by recycling their sports nutrition wrappers at TerraCycle stations provided during the race.”

GU will refuel participants at all three aid stations on course. Participants can select from vanilla orange roctane (caffeine) salted lime roctane (caffeine) blueberry pomegranate roctane (caffeine) lemonade liquid energy (no caffeine), and strawberry chews (caffeine).

Megan Frausto, Partnership Manager at High Five Events, stated, “Through our partnership with GU, we are able to provide athletes with essential nutritional support, pivotal for sustaining peak performance throughout the race. GU’s foundation in nutritional science empowers athletes to achieve their potential. We are grateful for their ongoing commitment and support.”

For over 30 years, the CapTex Tri continues to be renowned for its status as the premier triathlon in Austin, Texas the #1 city in America. Triathletes will start their journey with a refreshing swim in Lady Bird Lake, then hop on their bike and ride straight into the heart of the city, with the Texas Capitol as their backdrop. And finally, it’s time to lace up those running shoes for a picturesque run through Butler Park before the big finish line and party at Auditorium Shores. 

The downtown triathlon offers distances for all levels of athletes from the Rookie and Sprint distances to the Olympic distance tri. In addition, the event offers relays and aquabike, as well as Athena and Clydesdale divisions. CapTex Tri takes place on Memorial Day, May 27, 2024. The weekend kicks off with a Health and Fitness Expo on May 28. Interested participants can complete their registration through the official website. Exhibitor registration is still open for the expo and race day.

 

About High Five Events: High Five Events is the parent company of the Austin Marathon, Half Marathon & 5k, 3M Half Marathon, CapTex Triathlon and Kerrville Triathlon Festival. With over 150 years of combined experience, the High Five Events team specializes in organizing large-scale events across diverse venues, solidifying their presence on the Inc. 5000 List of Fastest Growing Companies in 2019 and 2020.

About GU Energy Labs:  GU Energy Labs strives to help athletes to reach their highest potential with products that deliver the right nutrients, in the right amounts, at the right time. Developed in collaboration with Olympians and age groupers alike, the GU nutrition matrix of Hydration, Energy and Recovery products has helped countless athletes achieve their dreams since its inception in 1993. Headquartered in Berkeley, GU Energy Labs produces all of its Energy Gels onsite with just the right blend of heart and science. Recommit to becoming your best athletic self, learn more about GU products, and discover how nutrition planning can help you get there at www.guenergy.com.

Preparing for a triathlon involves more than just physical training—it also requires careful planning and organization to ensure you have all the necessary equipment for race day. Whether you’re new to the sport or a seasoned pro, having a comprehensive packing list can help streamline your preparation process and alleviate any last-minute stress.

In this blog post, we’ll provide you with a detailed Triathlon Equipment Checklist to ensure you’re fully equipped and ready to tackle the CapTex Triathlon with confidence.

Triathlon Equipment Checklist:

Swim Gear:

• Swimsuit/Triathlon Suit
• Goggles (with spare pair)
• Swim Cap (provided by race)
• Wetsuit (if permitted or necessary)
• Anti-fog solution for goggles
• Towel (for drying off after the swim)

Bike Gear:

• Bike and Helmet Race Number Stickers (provided by race)
• Triathlon or Cycling Shorts
• Bike (in good working condition)
• Helmet (ANSI or Snell approved)
• Cycling Shoes (if wearing them)
• Socks (if wearing them)
• Sunglasses
• Water Bottles/Hydration System
• Bike Repair Kit (including spare tubes, tire levers, CO2 cartridges, etc.)
• Bike Computer/GPS Watch (optional)

Run Gear:

• Bib Number (provided by race)
• Running Shoes
• Running Shorts or Triathlon Suit
• Hat or Visor
• Sunscreen
• Energy Gels/Nutrition

Transition Area:

• Transition wristband (provided by race)
• Race Number Tattoos (provided by race)
• Transition Bag (to organize gear)
• Towel (to place under bike in transition area)
• Race Number Belt (for quick transition from bike to run)
• Timing Chip (provided by race)

Miscellaneous:

• Photo ID
• Race Confirmation/Registration Information
• Cash/credit card for emergencies
• Snacks/Food for pre and post-race fueling
• Portable Chair or Blanket (for post-race relaxation)
• Extra Clothes for after the race
• Waterproof Bag (for wet gear)

Final Tips:

• Double-check your equipment checklist to ensure you haven’t missed anything.
• Practice setting up your gear multiple times before race day and again the day before to ensure you have everything necessary for a successful race.
• Arrive at the race venue early to allow plenty of time for setup and pre-race preparations.

By following this comprehensive Triathlon Equipment Checklist, you can ensure you have all the necessary gear to tackle the CapTex Triathlon with confidence. Proper preparation and organization will not only streamline your race day experience but also enhance your overall performance. So pack your bags, double-check your checklist, and get ready to conquer the CapTex Triathlon!

As you gear up for the upcoming CapTex Triathlon, it’s crucial to be prepared not just physically but also mentally and strategically. Triathlons are demanding and exhilarating, but they can also be filled with challenges if you’re not careful. To help you navigate your journey smoothly and achieve your best performance, here are some common triathlon mistakes to avoid:

1. Neglecting Proper Training: One of the biggest mistakes athletes make is not following a structured training plan. Consistency is key in triathlon training, so ensure you dedicate time to swim, bike, and run workouts regularly. Include strength training and recovery days to prevent burnout and injuries.
2. Skipping Equipment Check: Always check your gear and equipment before race day. Ensure your bike is in good condition, your wetsuit (if applicable) fits properly, and your running shoes are comfortable and suitable for the terrain. Don’t wait until the last minute to make adjustments or repairs.
3. Poor Nutrition and Hydration: Nutrition plays a vital role in your triathlon performance. Avoid trying new foods or supplements on race day. Stick to a familiar pre-race meal plan and stay hydrated throughout the event. Practice your nutrition strategy during training to avoid stomach issues or energy crashes during the race.
4. Overlooking Transition Preparation: Transition areas can be chaotic, so practice your transitions during training. Lay out your gear in an organized manner, know the layout of the transition area, and rehearse transitions from swim to bike and bike to run. A smooth transition can save valuable time and reduce stress.
5. Starting Too Fast: Pace yourself wisely, especially at the beginning of each leg. It’s easy to get caught up in the excitement and adrenaline of the race, but starting too fast can lead to exhaustion later on. Stick to your race plan, maintain a steady pace, and conserve energy for the entire course.
6. Ignoring Race Course Familiarization: Take time to familiarize yourself with the CapTex Tri course. Know the swim route, bike loops, and run course. Pay attention to any elevation changes, turns, or tricky sections. Mental preparation is as important as physical training for a successful race.
7. Not Managing Race Day Stress: Race day nerves are common, but excessive stress can impact your performance. Practice relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, visualization, and positive self-talk. Arrive early, follow your pre-race routine, and trust in your training and preparation.
8. Lack of Post-Race Recovery: Recovery is essential for future performance. After the race, prioritize hydration, refueling with nutritious foods, and restorative activities such as stretching or light exercise. Listen to your body and give yourself time to recover fully before resuming intense training.

By avoiding these common triathlon mistakes and staying focused on your goals, you’ll set yourself up for a successful and enjoyable CapTex Triathlon experience. Remember that every race is a learning opportunity, so embrace the journey and celebrate your achievements along the way. We look forward to seeing you at the CapTex Tri and cheering you on to the finish line!