According to Triathlete.com, triathlon is an individual sport. But that doesn’t mean people are going it alone. More and more triathletes are discovering that when it comes to individual performance goals, there’s real benefit to team training and competition. The club concept has ultimately changed the way endurance athletes exercise and meet their goals. In 2023 alone, Strava reported a thriving "100 million community members, who create, share, and like each other’s workouts – a massive community of athletes connecting over the sport they love—a club of sorts.

Triathlon clubs aren’t new, but they are taking a new shine in a time when people are looking for social connection. In 2023, Ironman reported more than 180,000 members and 11,000 triathlon clubs exist within its local, regional, and global networks. In the past year, USAT tells Triathlete they have seen a 14% growth in triathlon club membership, with youth and high school teams making up a large portion of new participation. In addition to bringing new members into the sport, tri clubs are also doing an excellent job of keeping members in sport for the long haul.

“Tri clubs create community, community creates fun and fun keeps athletes engaged,” says Ironman spokesperson Dan Berglund. “This is not unique to just tri clubs, the club structure and idea of club programming is prevalent in most sports. The sense of community is what creates ‘stickiness’ [retention].”

With community and fun at the forefront, triathlon is rediscovering its team spirit. From a sense of belonging to advocating for social change, here’s how the Cincinnati Triathlon Club can support you.

Are you new to triathlon? Or have you been training and racing alone for years? Joining the Cincinnati Triathlon Club is the perfect way to meet like-minded friends and find new training partners. You will be amazed by how much you will learn from others and how you will benefit by being associated with something bigger than yourself.

Group workouts tend to be motivating and fun. No one likes to suffer alone and when you’re going through the same workout as your teammates, everything becomes a little easier. Time will pass faster, your perceived exertion will be lower and you will likely push yourself harder than if you were doing it alone. Not only that, but there is an accountability factor that comes with group workouts. No one really enjoys rolling out of bed when it’s early or there’s bad weather, but you will when you know your teammates are waiting for you.

Whether you have questions about new gear, races or simply about how to change your tire, someone is bound to have an opinion or offer insight. There is a lot to learn when it comes to triathlon and there is no faster way to get up to speed then surrounding yourself with more experienced athletes. In addition, you may get a few quick pointers the next time you’re in the pool or on the road.

There is nothing better than seeing your teammates during your race. Whether they’re racing themselves or they are just there to cheer you on, seeing a teammate can be the perfect pick-me-up to help you keep going. Additionally, club members who wear their team kit are easier to spot by family and friends. And you will often hear random spectators cheer for you as you pass them by. After crossing the finish line, what’s better than ending the day with a post-race celebration with teammates, family and friends?

Joining the Cincinnati Triathlon Club entitles you to a variety of club resources, including training plans, route maps, informational seminars and clinics. Seminars such as race fueling, pacing and training can be extremely enlightening. The best part about seminars is that you will have the opportunity to ask questions and learn more than if you were simply reading a magazine. Clinics are great as well. Open water swim clinics, tire changing clinics and transition clinics are just a few ways CTC can give you a chance to learn, practice and feel more comfortable before race day.

Joining the Cincinnati Triathlon Club entitles you to discounts from sponsors, select races and other vendors.