HomeUSNew York City Triathlon Returns as Athletes Brave the Hudson River

New York City Triathlon Returns as Athletes Brave the Hudson River

New York’s only swim-bike-run race returned Saturday, October 10, 2026, under its new name: the Big Apple Triathlon. About 1,300 endurance athletes tackled the demanding route, beginning with a 1,500-meter swim in the Hudson River, followed by a 24.8-mile bike ride along the West Side Highway and a 6.2-mile run through Central Park.

The event, previously known as the New York City Triathlon, dates back to 2001. Its recent run has been far less steady, however, with the race’s reputation affected by scheduling mix-ups and repeated weather-related disruptions.

Swim safety crews get their morning briefing ahead of the race. Matthew McDermott for NY Post

Competitors in wetsuits and orange swim caps leap from a dock into the Hudson River at the start of a triathlon.

The first competitors enter the Hudson River at W 81 St. Matthew McDermott for NY Post

Jules Henderson of Brooklyn participates at the start of the swim in the Hudson River for the NYC Triathlon.

Jules Henderson from Brooklyn waits for the start line. Matthew McDermott for NY Post

Competitors enter the Hudson River at the start of the NYC Triathlon.

Competitors in the Hudson River. Matthew McDermott for NY Post

Illiana Blades, 14, of Brooklyn, prepares at the start line for the swim portion in the Hudson River as the NYC Triathlon returns.

Illiana Blades, 14, from Brooklyn waits for the start line. Matthew McDermott for NY Post

Competitors gather at the starting line of the NYC Triathlon for a swim up the Hudson River.

Competitors hyped before swim start. Matthew McDermott for NY Post

Competitors prepare for the NYC Triathlon near the starting line.

Competitors young and old prepare to take on the waters. Matthew McDermott for NY Post

Competitors enter the Hudson River at the start of the NYC Triathlon.

Competitors in the Hudson River. Matthew McDermott for NY Post

Triathletes exit the water using a yellow railing and metal steps during the NYC Triathlon.

Competitors at swim exit of the Hudson River, W 99th St. Matthew McDermott for NY Post

Triathletes exit the water after the swim portion of the NYC Triathlon.

Competitors at swim exit of the Hudson River, W 99th St. Matthew McDermott for NY Post

A pile of gold finisher medals with blue ribbons from the Big Apple Triathlon.

Finishers medals. J.C. Rice for NY Post

Competitors enter the Hudson River at the NYC Triathlon with the George Washington Bridge in the background.

The first competitors enter the Hudson River as the NYC Triathlon returns, Saturday, Oct. 10, 2026. Matthew McDermott for NY Post

A competitor in the NYC Triathlon races on a bicycle.

Competitors cycle along the West Side Highway. Matthew McDermott for NY Post

The first wave of bikers approaches the midtown turnaround during the Big Apple Triathlon in New York.

Competitors cycle along the West Side Highway. J.C. Rice for NY Post

A triathlete in a red helmet rides a bicycle on the West Side Highway during the Big Apple Triathlon, with the pyramidal VIA 57 West building in the background.

Competitors cycle along the West Side Highway. J.C. Rice for NY Post

Competitors participate in the NYC Triathlon.

Competitors cycle along the West Side Highway. Matthew McDermott for NY Post

Runners near the Central Park finish line during the Big Apple Triathlon in New York.

Runners in Central Park. J.C. Rice for NY Post

Two smiling women hold up bright green signs cheering on competitors at the NYC Triathlon.

Race supporters. Matthew McDermott for NY Post

Two athletes run towards the finish line during the Big Apple Triathlon in Central Park.

Runners approach the finish line in Central Park. J.C. Rice for NY Post

Andrew Gray crosses the finish line to win the Big Apple Triathlon, with a time of 1hr 58mins.

Andrew Gray crosses the finish line to win the Big Apple Triathlon, with a time of 1hr 58mins. J.C. Rice for NY Post

A runner celebrates while crossing the finish line of the Big Apple Triathlon in New York City.

Runners cross the finish line in Central Park. J.C. Rice for NY Post

A shirtless male athlete wearing sunglasses and blue shorts celebrates as he crosses the finish line at the Big Apple Triathlon.

Runners cross the finish line in Central Park. J.C. Rice for NY Post

Andrew Gray, winner of the Big Apple Triathlon, poses with his medal.

Andrew Gray crosses the finish line to win the Big Apple Triathlon, with a time of 1hr 58mins. J.C. Rice for NY Post

Lee Anton proudly displays his finisher's medal after completing the Big Apple Triathlon, wearing a red and black race suit and sunglasses.

Competitor Lee Anton shows off his finishers medal. J.C. Rice for NY Post

Runners approach the finish line during the Big Apple Triathlon in Central Park.

Runners cross the finish line in Central Park. J.C. Rice for NY Post

Jack Hershman, 71, wearing a triathlon race suit and sunglasses, proudly holds a gold medal after finishing first in his age group at the Big Apple Triathlon.

Jack Hershman, 71, finishes. J.C. Rice for NY Post