The FirstTry Triathlon brings triathlon back to its roots: a challenging course in Linden, MI, a community of athletes, and a finish line that means something. As an independent event, it skips the franchise markup while keeping everything that makes race day great.
Planning to race in 2026? This guide has you covered — date and schedule notes, a full entry-fee breakdown, the race distances available, course insight, registration links, and answers to common questions. Read it once, then bookmark it for race week.
Local knowledge: Beginner-focused super sprint (300yd swim/10mi bike/2mi run) hosted by a group of local triathletes at Byram Lake / Linden County Park; for first-timers ages 12+. What follows is everything we've been able to verify about this race — date, fees, distances, and how to register.
Race distances & course
The FirstTry Triathlon offers the following events. Standard distances are listed below; check the official race page for exact course maps and any venue-specific adjustments.
| Event | Swim | Bike | Run |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sprint | 750 m | 20 km | 5 km |
| Super Sprint | 400 m | 10 km | 2.5 km |
Entry fees & pricing tiers
Entry fees for this race are not currently published on a public page. No fee published anywhere found: official Google Sites page lists no price, RunSignUp online registration is unavailable (redirects to broken firsttrytriathlon.com), and findarace/letsdothis listings show no price. 2026 race held June 20, 2026 (registration closed); USAT one-day membership $15 adult/$10 youth is required at registration per organizer notes
Many independent races only reveal pricing inside their registration flow. Follow the registration link below to see current fees.
Location & getting there
The race is based in Linden, MI. If you're traveling in, book accommodation early — small towns hosting popular races can fill up on race weekend, and staying close to the venue makes race morning far calmer.
Arrive the day before if you can. Packet pickup, bike check-in and course briefings usually happen on-site, and a relaxed shake-out session beats a frantic morning.
How to register
Registration for the FirstTry Triathlon is handled through the organizer's official channels:
Tip: tiered pricing means the fee you see today may not be the fee next month. If you're committed, registering early is the simplest discount in triathlon.
Training tips for this race
- Build the swim first. Most beginners lose the most time — and confidence — in the water. Two to three short technique-focused swims per week for 8–10 weeks will transform your race.
- Practice transitions. A calm T1 and T2 can save you several minutes at sprint distance. Lay out your gear at home and rehearse the sequence twice before race week.
- Brick workouts matter. Even one short bike-to-run session per week teaches your legs what the second transition feels like — start with 30 minutes easy spinning straight into a 10-minute jog.
- Get open-water practice. Pool fitness does not fully transfer: sighting, wetsuit feel, and swimming in a pack are skills. Aim for at least three open-water swims before race day.
- Arrive with a plan, race with a smile. Write your pacing, nutrition, and transition checklist the night before. Independent races have the friendliest volunteers in the sport — thank a few out there.
Frequently asked questions
When is the FirstTry Triathlon 2026?
The 2026 edition is scheduled for 2026-06-20. Dates can shift, so confirm on the official race website before booking travel.
Where does the FirstTry Triathlon take place?
The race is held in Linden, MI, United States. Beginner-focused super sprint (300yd swim/10mi bike/2mi run) hosted by a group of local triathletes at Byram Lake / Linden County Park; for first-timers ages 12+
What distances are offered?
The event program includes: Super Sprint. See the distance table above for standard swim/bike/run lengths per event.
How much does it cost to enter?
Entry fees are not currently published on a public page. No fee published anywhere found: official Google Sites page lists no price, RunSignUp online registration is unavailable (redirects to broken firsttrytriathlon.com), and findarace/letsdothis listings show no price. 2026 race held June 20, 2026 (registration closed); USAT one-day membership $15 adult/$10 youth is required at registration per organizer notes
How do I register for the FirstTry Triathlon?
Registration is handled through the official race website. We link to it in the race facts box above — register early, as tiered pricing usually rewards early sign-ups and popular local races can sell out.
Is this race good for beginners?
Yes — with sprint and beginner-friendly options on the program, this is a welcoming first race. Pool-swim and super-sprint formats in particular are ideal if you're new to the sport.
Training for the FirstTry Triathlon? Download TriTrain on the App Store
More races to explore
Source note: Event information was checked against the official organizer page on 2026-10-05. Details and availability can change. Verify everything with the organizer before registering or traveling.