Have you ever been interested in trying out a triathlon but don’t know where to start? What about finding a fun winter activity or race to do with friends or family? The South Davis Recreation Center (SDRC) in Bountiful has the perfect winter race series for you. Home to the Indoor Winter and Preseason Triathlon series, the South Davis Rec Center hosts their indoor triathlon events during the heart of winter. A family friendly race series that is simple and fun for everyone. The Indoor Triathlon series is a great introduction to get a sense of what triathlons are like, and a fun way to keep even veteran endurance athletes tuned up. All levels of athletes are welcome at this race and it’s always a good time with family and friends.

The first event in the series takes place on Dec. 7, 2024, starting at 7 p.m. at the South Davis Recreation Center. There are additional events in February and March, which make this such a great preseason series for the community at SDRC. The great thing about this race series is that all events are simply time-based events rather than distance, and there is a generous transition period between each event. This is a simple, low-key event where your kids can participate along with you, and even with supervision if needed. All participants receive race packets with race swag and receive a customized Indoor Triathlon Collector’s mug as a token of your achievement.

As with traditional triathlons, the race starts out with swimming in the SDRC lap pool. Novice and beginner swimmers can take the shallowest lanes, and you are even allowed to walk laps in the water if you are worried about swimming. There is a judge assigned to each lane, and they simply count the lengths that you make rather than full laps. The swimming event lasts for 15 minutes and there is a 10-minute transition period before the biking portion begins. Locker rooms are provided to store your gear and get changed prior to the rest of the race.

Next up is the biking portion of the race located in the Spin classroom. Riders will be using Stages SC3 Indoor Stationary Cycle Bikes. Each heat will last for 25 minutes and volunteers will assist in getting you set up on a bike before the heat begins. At the end of the time limit, they will come to record the final distance on your bike’s Power Meters. The race will be measured to the nearest 10th of a mile. Additionally, there will be a cycling instructor present who will keep things running, ensure the proper sizing of bikes, and recording results. There is usually music playing and lots of energy during this part of the race which adds to the excitement. 

Once cycling is finished, it is time for the final event, which is the run segment. There will be a 5 minute transition period to get up to the indoor track. The racers will continue through the final event on a 20-minute timed run. Laps are counted via a timing system, and your bib will contain a chip that will count the number of laps that you are able to make on the track. The track is friendly, fast, and has a walking lane to keep things moving and enjoyable for all. At the end of the time limit the number of laps will be added for the total distance. Results are usually available by the next day. All the heats are broken into groups with different time slots which help keep things moving quickly and make the races feel more approachable. The Rec Center even offers a preview and walk-through the day before to help you get more familiar with the facility ahead of the race. Check with South Davis Recreation Center for more information.