The Power of Triathlon: supertri’s Legacy and Future in Chicago
By Chris Williams
As Supertri takes its first strides into Chicago, it’s worth pausing to reflect on the journey that has brought us here and the impact we aim to achieve.
This weekend, with 11 Olympic medalists from Paris 2024, Chicago will host both elite racing and the largest urban triathlon in North America—embodying our commitment to the pinnacle of the sport and its grassroots foundation.
A Proven Model in Long Beach
Our grassroots focus has already made a significant impact in other areas of the U.S. Under supertri’s stewardship, The Long Beach Legacy Triathlon has grown significantly with participation numbers surging from 900 to 1,500—a 60% increase that speaks to the event’s growing appeal.
Integral to this growth has been our Corporate Challenge, a cornerstone of our community engagement strategy. By involving local businesses, we not only increased participation but also drove substantial charitable contributions. In Long Beach, this initiative raised $600,000 for pediatric cancer research at the Children’s Hospital of Los Angeles.
This dual focus on community and charity creates a powerful ripple effect, benefiting participants, sponsors, and beneficiaries alike.
Chicago: A New Horizon
Building on the storied history of the Chicago Triathlon, our inaugural event in the city aims to replicate and expand upon our successes elsewhere. But it’s more than just copying a model; it’s about tailoring our approach to meet the unique needs and opportunities of the Chicago community.
Central to our mission is fostering local engagement. We plan to roll out a variety of community-focused activities, from training clinics and youth programs to extensive volunteer opportunities. These initiatives are all designed to inspire and promote healthy lifestyles across all age groups and backgrounds.
A key partnership in Chicago is with Lurie Children's Hospital, reflecting our commitment to impactful charitable efforts.
Through our Corporate Challenge, we aim to replicate the fundraising success of Long Beach, channeling substantial resources into critical pediatric research and care. This collaboration not only supports a vital cause but also strengthens our ties with the local community, building a foundation of trust and mutual benefit. Take Adrian Lam, for instance. Diagnosed at 18 with Stage IV Non-Hodgkins B-Cell Lymphoma, he is now racing in the Chicago Triathlon to raise money for pediatric cancer research—grateful for the life-saving treatment he received at Lurie Children’s.
The impact we can deliver will be elevated through robust corporate partnerships.
Amongst the founding teams in the Corporate Challenge are the likes of StoneX and Chicago-based United Airlines, each using the event as a platform for employee engagement and community support. Partnerships such as theirs deliver on multiple levels; they boost morale, foster connections with the community, align with corporate social responsibility goals, and enhance the event’s visibility and credibility.
Furthermore, Chicago will also play host to one of our five professional league events, with many of the top athletes from the recent Olympic Games in Paris going head-to-head in the city. This event will showcase the very best of the sport and provide inspiration to the city and beyond.
Strategic Significance and Professional Competition
By creating a unified weekend event that combines professional and mass participation triathlons, we aim to foster an inclusive and dynamic atmosphere that engages participants and spectators alike.
In this respect, we view the Chicago event as more than just a race; it is a strategic initiative that aligns with our broader goals of community participation and corporate engagement.
This becomes all the more significant as attention turns to LA28, where the U.S. will play host and hope to provide a platform for young American triathlon talent on a global stage. Hosting events in Boston and Chicago, along with two professional teams—Podium Racing and Stars and Stripes Racing—that call the U.S. home, supports making this vision a reality.
Our long-term vision includes deepening corporate partnerships and enhancing community programs, setting new standards in the sports industry.
Drawing on our successes in Long Beach, we aim to create a vibrant, inclusive, and impactful experience that resonates with participants and spectators alike.
As we prepare to embark on this exciting journey, we invite the Chicago community and local businesses to join us. Together, we can build something remarkable, proving that the power of sports extends far beyond the finish line.
