As spring approaches, athletes across the Cedar Valley and beyond are preparing to swim, bike and run their way through one of the areas’ most anticipated events, the annual TriByKnight Triathlon.
Hosted by Wartburg College, the triathlon will begin Saturday, May 2, at 9 a.m.. Athletes of all experience levels are welcome to campus for a fun sprint triathlon that continues to grow in popularity each year.
The 2026 TriByKnight race marks 15 years of the event. It offers competitors the opportunity to complete a 300-yard indoor swim, a 15-mile scenic bike ride through Bremer County and a 5k run that finishes at Walston-Hoover Stadium. The event has become well-known as a welcoming race for first-time competitors.
The race begins with a time trial-start swim in the Schuldt Natatorium located in the Wartburg-Waverly Sports and Wellness Center, allowing athletes to enter the water individually before transitioning to the cycling portion. From there, participants bike along rural roads, monitored by local law enforcement and race volunteers, before returning to campus to finish the race with a run.
Participants may register as individuals or as part of a relay team, making the event an appealing option for those who may be new to the event but still want to be involved on race day. Divisions are offered for a variety of age groups as well as collegiate participants.
In addition to athletes, the success of the TriByKnight Triathlon depends heavily on volunteers who assist with course direction, transition areas, water stations and event operations throughout the morning. TryByKnight organizers encourage community members, students and local organizations to get involved by volunteering on race day.
Associate Director for Aquatics, Facility & Event Management, Heather Zajicek, is the race director for the TriByKnight Triathlon. Zajicek says the event takes place in a very supportive environment.
“We have close to 200 volunteers who sign up, and Wartburg’s student athletes are a great help. So many people want to be involved in activities, and this is a great one to put on the calendar. This is a milestone year, and I really love putting this together and getting everyone excited,” says Zajicek.
For many participants, the race serves as an introduction to a competitive race atmosphere, especially in multisport, and a fun fitness goal.
“This is a unique race because of the indoor swim. Most triathlons are in open water, which can be troublesome for new triathletes. It also allows for an early event, which is great for seasoned triathletes who can use this race to kick off their season,” says Zajicek.
Registration for the 2026 TriByKnight Triathlon will remain open through April 26. Anyone looking to compete, volunteer or learn more about the event can find full details on the TriByKnight official website.
Participants ready to take on the challenge are encouraged to register now, sign up to volunteer or follow @tribyknighttriathlon on Instagram for race updates, highlights, photos and training tips leading up to the May 2 event.
