CapTex Tri Continues to Grow and Welcome New Athletes

The annual Memorial Day Event in downtown Austin saw 2300 registrants

AUSTIN,Texas, June 2, 2023- More than 2300 triathletes from over 26 states and 4 countries registered for the 2023 Ascension Seton CapTex Tri.  In addition, over 300 volunteers came out to support the participants.  The annual Memorial Day event took place in downtown Austin and featured a swim in Lady Bird lake, cycling through downtown, and a run along Auditorium Shores. The weekend kicked off with participants picking up their packets at the CapTex Tri Health and Fitness Expo on Sunday, May 28th, followed by the main event on Monday morning, May 29th. Temperatures held in the low 80s for the entirety of the day which featured Rookie, Sprint, and Olympic Distances along with Aquabike and Relay options.

“Our goal was to create a captivating weekend where participants can immerse themselves in the beauty of downtown Austin and truly savor every moment,” expressed Stacy Keese, co-owner of CapTex Tri. “The surge in attendance this year exceeded our expectations, and we anticipate this trend to carry forward into the upcoming years, as we welcome new fitness enthusiasts into the triathlon community.”

After crossing the finish line, participants enjoyed live music performances from local bands at the Finisher Festival, along with tacos, snacks, drinks, and an opportunity to recover with a cold beer from the Eight Beer Garden. CapTex Tri also launched the best pricing for 2024, which ends on Friday, June 9th.

“I can’t put into words the incredible experience of participating in the CapTex Tri. The course was fun and the finisher festival was electric! Celebrating my accomplishment with fellow athletes, live music, and cold drinks made this event one to remember,” said Sprint participant and first time triathlete, Preston Bennett. “I can’t wait to do my next triathlon”

Simon Shi took the Overall Champion title in The Olympic distance in a time of 01:54:21, while the female champion Joy Gill finished in 02:08:14. Rohan Takkar won the Sprint in 01:00:41, and the female Sprint Distance winner Anjelica Barrientos with a 01:08:13. For the Rookie Distance Jordan White won with a 00:55:06, while Marianne Koleng won the female division in 01:03:41.

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, Bicycle House, Super Coffee, BPN, and Austin Sports Commission.

Ascension Seton CapTex Tri Returns for Memorial Day 2023

Austin’s only downtown triathlon set to welcome over 2300 triathletes

AUSTIN,Texas, May 26th, 2023- The annual Ascension Seton CapTex Tri returns this year, where over 2300 triathletes from across 26 states and 4 countries will converge on Memorial Day weekend in the capital city.  CapTex Tri features a swim course in Lady Bird Lake, a bike ride through downtown Austin, and a run course at the picturesque Auditorium Shores.  In addition to multiple race distances on Memorial Day, May 29th, the event also includes a Health and Fitness Expo on May 28th at Palmer Events Center.     

“We are thrilled to welcome back the annual CapTex Tri in downtown Austin, a one-of-a-kind event that seamlessly blends the scenic splendor of Lady Bird Lake with the electrifying thrill of a triathlon, ” says Drew Hays, Director, of Austin Sports Commission.  “While stand up paddle boarders grace the lake every weekend, the CapTex Triathlon stands as the exclusive occasion for individuals to immerse themselves in its waters and partake in an unforgettable experience. It’s a great way to start off the summer in Austin”.

CapTex Tri offers different divisions and distances for triathletes of all abilities. Professional triathletes and elites can begin at the same time regardless of age, and age groupers are separated into five-year increments.  In addition, CapTex Tri features Athena and Clydesdale categories.  There are also aquabike and relay options for race day. The relay team can consist of two or three members and the aquabike completes the swim and the bike only. 

Event distances include:

  • Rookie triathlon – 300m swim, 12.3-mile bike, 2-mile run
  • Sprint triathlon – 750m swim, 12.3-mile bike, 5K run
  • Sprint aquabike – 750m swim, 12.3-mile bike
  • Olympic triathlon – 1500m swim, 24.3-mile bike, 10K run
  • Olympic aquabike – 1500m swim, 24.3-mile bike

“Ascension Seton is excited to celebrate Memorial Day at CapTex Tri”, said Adam Bauman, Vice President of Oncology, Orthopedics, Sports & Rehabilitation Services at Ascension Seton.  “Our partnership with Austin’s premier triathlon aligns with our emphasis on family, health, wellness, and community.  We know the determination it takes to complete endurance events, and our team is proud to support athletes on race day and beyond.”

CapTex Tri celebrated its 30th anniversary last year with a sold out crowd.  This year is on track to be the biggest on record.   Participant registration can be found HEREVolunteers are also welcomed and encouraged to sign up.  Event weekend will kick off with the Health and Wellness Expo on May 28th.  It is free and open to the public.

The Ascension Seton CapTex Tri and evamor Enhance Partnership

The alkaline water company will hydrate triathletes at the expo and finish line

The Ascension Seton CapTex Tri welcomes evamor for the second year in a row as Official Water sponsor.  In addition to providing water to all finishers, the company will keep staff and volunteers hydrated as well as offer the public a chance to try the water at the Health & Fitness expo.  CapTex Tri, owned and produced by High Five Events, takes place on Memorial Day, May 29, 2023 in downtown Austin, Texas.

“Our partnership with High Five Events has been seamless and smooth from their hard work behind the scenes. We have the opportunity to reach triathletes of all levels/fitness enthusiasts and their friends and family from Texas and beyond.  The evamor team is excited for Memorial Day weekend.” – Brooke Oliver, Field Marketing Manager – TX, OK and LA

The company will provide finish line water for participants of all the triathlon distances once they cross the finish line, and head to celebrate in the finish line festival.

“We’re thrilled that CapTex Tri is partnering up with evamor once again to keep participants hydrated and refreshed at the finish line and expo,” said Megan Frausto, partnership manager of High Five Events.  “Their water is the best and we can’t get enough of it.  In fact, we drink it all year round at our office.  So, we’re positive that our participants will love it too!”

In addition to finish line water, evamor will be handing out their bottles of water at the Health and Fitness expo at Palmer Events Center in Austin on May 28 from 10 AM to 5 PM.   Attendees are encouraged to stop by their photo booth for free souvenir photos with the 360 camera that can be shared with friends and family.  The expo is free and open to the public.  

CapTex Tri celebrated its 30th anniversary last year with a sold out crowd.  This year is on track to be the biggest on record.  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 in downtown Austin, Texas on Memorial Day, May 29, 2023 with a Health and Fitness Expo on May 28th.  Participant registration can be found HERE.  Exhibitor registration is still open for the expo and race day.

About evamor:  evamor water comes from a rare, single source protected deep in the Earth— delivering a fresh taste and all-natural, high alkalinity every time.

GU Energy Labs and Ascension Seton CapTex Tri Fortify Partnership

The athlete nutrition company will fuel triathletes on course

The Ascension Seton CapTex Tri is excited to renew its partnership with GU Energy Labs.  The company will be the official Energy Gel and Chews sponsor once again for the event, providing on-course nutrition for participants of the numerous triathlon distances.  CapTex Tri, owned and produced by High Five Events, takes place on Memorial Day, May 29th in downtown Austin, Texas.

“GU Energy Labs is looking forward to fueling triathletes this Memorial Day weekend for the CapTex Triathlon!  On course will be our Energy Chews and Energy Gels.  We encourage all athletes to upcycle their sports nutrition wrappers at official TerraCycle drop off locations during the race! “ – Caroline Cueter, GU Energy Labs Event Marketing Specialist

GU will refuel participants at all three aid stations on course. Participants will select from Lemon Sublime and Vanilla Bean (Caffeine) flavor Energy Gels, or Orange EnergyChews.

“GU’s partnership allows our participants to have access to on course nutrition that will keep them performing their best,” said Megan Frausto, partnership manager of High Five Events.  “The nutrition science behind their products to optimize athlete potential shines through, and we appreciate their long time partnership.”

CapTex Tri celebrated its 30th anniversary last year with a sold out crowd.  This year is on track to be the biggest on record.  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 in downtown Austin, Texas on Memorial Day, May 29, 2023, with a Health and Fitness Expo on May 28th.  Participant registration can be found HERE.  Exhibitor registration is still open for the expo and race day.

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.

Nearly 1300 Triathletes Return to Racing at CapTex Triathlon

Austin skyline provided the backdrop for CapTex Tri’s return to racing

The 29th annual CapTex Triathlon presented by Life Time welcomed nearly 1300 triathletes from 26 states to Austin, Texas, for their return to racing during Memorial Day weekend. Race weekend included a one-day expo, endless views of downtown Austin, and triathletes crossing their first physical finish line in more than a year. Austin’s only downtown triathlon features a swim course in Lady Bird Lake, bike course through downtown Austin, and run course at Auditorium Shores. 

Credit – Scott Flathouse

“CapTex Tri produced an unforgettable race day, we had great weather, and the on-course support was amazing,” said Emily Shryock, paratriathlete who finished the Sprint distance in 1:57:19. “This was an excellent way to return to racing after not having events for more than a year!” 

Something for everyone

CapTex Tri’s return to racing featured a one-day packet pick up and expo on Sunday, May 30th. Race day was Monday, May 31st, and included three distances and different divisions for triathletes of all abilities. Distances included the Sprint (750m swim, 12.3-mile bike, 5K run), Olympic (1500m swim, 24.3-mile bike, 10K run), and the newly-introduced Rookie (300m swim, 12.3-mile bike, 2-mile run). Athletes received a finisher medal, customized shirt, tote bag, and sunglasses. Additionally, they got a reusable custom water bottle, personalized race bib, and Zone3 swim cap. They refueled with post-race fruit, snacks, and drinks. 

Credit – Scott Flathouse

The Olympic distance’s Open Division provided great competition between professional triathletes and elites who began with a mass swim start. Chris Pietraszkiewicz (1:52:35), of San Antonio, Texas, barely edged out Mark Saroni (1:52:40), of San Antonio, for the Olympic distance title. Adrian Cameron (2:00:39) finished third. Haley Koop (2:13:25) and Mina Pizzini (2:20:07) followed Snyder-Elcock, finishing second and third respectively. They rounded out the Olympic distance female top 3.

“It was great to be back racing in my hometown of Austin with so many other triathletes and an energetic crowd,” said Sierra Snyder-Elcock, 2021 CapTex Triathlon Olympic distance female champion (2:07:38). “It’s been so long since I’ve crossed a real finish line and I wanted to make sure that I finished strong!”

CapTex Tri’s return to racing a success

Credit – Scott Flathouse

Ben Rawson (50:59) was the Sprint distance male champion and Clare Anne Dasso (1:06:04) was the Sprint distance female champion. Male and female champions of the Rookie distance were Joe Alvarez (47:35) and Lesley Murray (1:02:45). 2021 participants can see their results on the CapTex Tri website and continue to share their memorable experiences on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Triathletes can expect their FinisherPix race day photos to be ready in 24-48 hours after the race.

“The Sprint was so much fun and my adrenaline was pumping this morning,” said Charlotte Burleson of Waco, Texas, who placed first in the Sprint distance female 45-49 age group (1:22:23). “The entire event was done so well and we’re glad to be back out racing with everyone else. If you haven’t been to CapTex Tri you have to add it to your list!”

30th annual CapTex Tri

Credit – Scott Flathouse

CapTex Tri, owned and produced by High Five Events, is celebrating its 30th anniversary in 2022 with Special Pricing. These deals are good for 30 days, through Wednesday, June 30th. Don’t miss your chance to swim, bike, and run Austin’s only downtown triathlon. 

CapTex Triathlon would like to thank sponsors and partners Life Time, Zone3, Ascension Seton, Camp Gladiator, Fleet Feet Austin, Austin Tri Club, Athlinks, FinisherPix, Super Coffee, the City of Austin, Austin Police Department, CapMetro, Austin Public Health, and Travis County EMS.

2021 CapTex Triathlon Ready to Showcase Downtown Austin

Austin’s only downtown triathlon set to welcome nearly 1500 triathletes

High Five Events, one of the largest privately owned event production companies in the United States, is ready to welcome triathletes to the 2021 CapTex Triathlon presented by Life Time during Memorial Day weekend. Nearly 1500 triathletes from 26 states have registered for Austin’s only downtown triathlon. 

The 29th annual CapTex Tri features a swim course in Lady Bird Lake, bike course through downtown Austin, and run course at Auditorium Shores. 2021 CapTex Triathlon will take place on Monday, May 31st.

CapTex is the quintessential Austin triathlon and I cannot wait to swim, bike, and run through the heart of Austin, passing multiple iconic landmarks and quirky local spots,” said Haley Koop, elite triathlete and 2018 Kerrville Triathlon Quarter Distance female champion. “CapTex is the perfect way to get a unique look at the city and a true feel for The Live Music Capital of the World!

2021 CapTex Triathlon has something for everyone

2021 CapTex Triathlon offers different divisions and distances for triathletes of all abilities. Age groupers are separated into five-year increments and begin with others in their age group. They are eligible for age-group awards. Open Division allows professional triathletes and elites to begin regardless of age, with a mass swim start. Open Division participants are not eligible for age-group awards. CapTex Tri also features Athena and Clydesdale categories. There are also aquabike and relay options for race day. The relay team can consist of two or three members and the aquabike completes the swim and the bike only.

Female triathlete gives a thumbs up after setting up her triathlon area at the 2018 CapTex Triathlon.

Event distances include:

  • Rookie triathlon – 300m swim, 12.3-mile bike, 2-mile run
  • Sprint triathlon – 750m swim, 12.3-mile bike, 5K run
  • Sprint aquabike – 750m swim, 12.3-mile bike
  • Olympic triathlon – 1500m swim, 24.3-mile bike, 10K run
  • Olympic aquabike – 1500m swim, 24.3-mile bike

“Everyone is excited for the return of CapTex Tri and to swim, bike, and run through downtown Austin,” said Jack Murray, co-owner of High Five Events. “These triathletes are ready to put their training to work and cross the finish line with the Austin skyline as their backdrop.”

Participants will receive custom 2021 participant shirts, finisher medals, water bottles, and swim caps. Everyone can relive competing in Austin’s only downtown triathlon thanks to professional timing and photography. Registration is still available and the final price increase occurs on Thursday, May 27th at 11:59 p.m. CST.

High Five Events Agrees to Multi-Year Partnership with Zone3 USA

Partnership names Zone3 USA the Official Triathlon and Swim Gear

High Five Events, one of the largest privately owned event production companies in the United States, announces a two-year agreement with Zone3 USA. The partnership makes Zone3 USA the Official Triathlon and Swim Gear of CapTex Triathlon presented by Life Time and Kerrville Triathlon Festival.

“We can’t wait to be back to racing and spending time with the endurance sports community,” said Ryan Dolan, President of Zone3 USA. “High Five Events has produced high-quality, community-based events for a long time and we’re excited to partner with them for CapTex Tri and Kerrville Triathlon.”

Zone3’s involvement

Zone3 USA, one of the most loved and chosen specialist sport brands around the world, is headquartered in Boulder, Colorado. The partnership means all participants will receive Zone3’s silicone swim caps that are long-lasting and eco-friendly. They will also host product demos at both expos and provide triathlon insight for blogs and social media.

“Zone3 is one of the most recognized brands in the world and this partnership will continue to elevate the profiles of CapTex and Kerrville Tri,” said Jack Murray, co-owner of High Five Events. “What really impressed us in our initial conversations with Zone3 was the depth and quality of their product line and their commitment to building a relationship with our endurance community.”

CapTex Tri will take place on Memorial Day, Monday, May 31st, in downtown Austin. Kerrville Triathlon will celebrate its 10th anniversary on September 25-26th, in Kerrville, Texas.

2021 CapTex Triathlon Opens Registration

2021 CapTex Triathlon invites triathletes to compete in Austin’s only downtown triathlon

Registration is now open for the 2021 CapTex Triathlon presented by Life Time. Every year on Memorial Day weekend, triathletes from around the country participate in Austin’s only downtown triathlon. CapTex Tri is celebrating with Special Launch Pricing that’s available until Tuesday, December 1st at 11:59 p.m. CST. The 2021 CapTex Tri will take place on Monday, May 31st, in downtown Austin.

“Triathletes travel from all over to participate in Austin’s only downtown triathlon,” said Stacy Keese, co-owner of High Five Events. “We’re ready to welcome them back and showcase why CapTex Tri is a world-class event.”

CapTex Tri, an award-winning triathlon, consists of a swim in Lady Bird Lake and bike and run courses through downtown Austin. Triathletes who can’t make it to the event can still participate through the virtual CapTex Tri. Participants of the virtual can complete the Sprint or Olympic distances on their own time at their preferred locations.

Austin’s only downtown triathlon

CapTex Tri offers several different divisions for both distances. Age groupers are separated by five-year increments and begin with others in their age group. They are eligible for age-group awards. Open Division allows participants to begin regardless of age, with a mass swim start. Open Division participants are not eligible for age-group awards. CapTex Tri also features Athena and Clydesdale categories. There are also aquabike and relay options for race day. The relay team can consist of two or three members and the aquabike completes the swim and the bike only. 

Event distances include:

  • Sprint triathlon – 750m swim, 12.3-mile bike, 5K run
  • Sprint aquabike – 750m swim, 12.3-mile bike
  • Olympic triathlon – 1500m swim, 24.3-mile bike, 10K run
  • Olympic aquabike – 1500m swim, 24.3-mile bike

Participants will receive custom 2021 participant shirts, finisher medals, water bottles, and swim caps. After the race, everyone can enjoy the beer garden (21+), and a post-race meal. Participants can relive competing in Austin’s only downtown triathlon thanks to professional timing and photography. A great volunteer crew and hundreds of cheering spectators keep the energy level high throughout the day, creating a competitive and supportive atmosphere for all triathletes.