Ohio State University Ross Heart Hospital TriFit Challenge Triathlon, Duathlon & 5k

Since 2013, triathletes have gathered on the shores of Antrim Lake in the Heart of Ohio – Columbus, Ohio for the largest Olympic and Sprint triathlon in the Buckeye State. The TriFit Challenge Triathlon (and Duathlon) is an action-packed tour through one of America’s signature metropolises and ends with an exciting finish inside Ohio Stadium – home of The Ohio State Buckeyes.

When it comes to triathlon and duathlon in Columbus, we’ve got you covered. Race weekend consists of multiple distance options, including the Ross Tri (super sprint/mini), Ross Fit (sprint) and Ross Challenge (Olympic) triathlons and duathlon.  Participants can race as individuals, as part of a relay or by teaming up with their co-workers as part of the YMCA Corporate Challenge or Central Ohio Corporate Triathlon Series. 

In 2018, we are adding the Aquabike format to the Ross TriFit Challenge. In addition, we are adding the weight categories Clydesdale (male) and Athena (female) for those looking to move out of the age division and be more competitive.

We’re excited about the inclusion of the TriFit Challenge Triathlon in the Greenswell Champion program. Do you know someone that has endured a personal battle, someone who brings inspiration to those around them or someone that is a champion in their community? Let us know.  

Why Participate in the TriFit Challenge?

We all participate in the TriFit Challenge for different reasons, and it's important to stop and look at the "why’s." Maybe you have a goal to lose weight, or prove something to yourself. Maybe you simply love the activities of swimming, biking and running.  For many athletes, supporting an event with a charitable purpose is the logical next step in using their favorite hobby to make a positive change.

A portion of your entry fee, additional donations, and pledges go directly to the TriFit Challenge Fund at The Ohio State University’s Wexner Medical Center Davis Heart & Lung Research Institute and Ross Heart Hospital for much needed research into early detection of heart disease – the #1 cause of death in the United States. The research being performed through your participation in the TriFit Challenge is helping to identify genetic markers of heart disease and slow their progression through preventative care.  The TriFit Challenge Fund supports the long-tradition of pioneering genetic breakthroughs in the field of cardiology at Ohio State. 

 New This Year

 Finish back inside the Ohio Stadium. Celebrate your endurance journey as family and friends cheer from the stands with your exciting finish inside the stadium. Smile as you enter the Stadium and look up to view your arrival and finish on the famed OSU Scoreboard.
New participation divisions to allow competitive athletes to compete with like-minded athletes and other specialized divisions to allow athletes other participation choices. New divisions include: Aquabike, City/Mountain Bike, Doctors and Nurses, Athena and Clydesdale, and Recreational. 
Relay teams will have more participation options – Male only, Female only, Co-ed (mixed), Corporate/Club teams. The YMCA Corporate Challenge is returning this year so contact your local YMCA about how your Company can participate in that category.
Award Ceremony will take place at the TriFit Tailgate Celebration. Athletes will be able to celebrate their finish with friends and other participants.
Training Program opportunity, which includes training plan, swim clinics, group rides and runs, and even a practice triathlon.
No more waiting in lines at packet pick-up. We are introducing the TriFit advantage where your event packet and materials will be delivered to your home or office for an additional donation to the TriFit fund. 
Heart Health Champions Program. This is a special opportunity for those participants who take the next step to support heat disease research and choose to pledge to fundraise or make an additional donation to the TriFit Fund at the Ross Heart Hospital and Davis Heart & Lung Research Institute.  Participants who make or pledge an additional donation will receive special event privileges and opportunities. 
An exciting event is planned for 2018! We hope to see you on Sunday, July 22!