The Belle of Cincinnati Experience

Here's where this race gets special: Your swim doesn't start from some ordinary beach. You'll descend the gangway of the historic Belle of Cincinnati Riverboat and enter the Ohio River in a way that feels almost theatrical. Trust me, your race photos from this moment will be frame-worthy.

Course Details

• Mini Distance: 250m downstream (yes, the current helps!)
• Sprint Distance: 750m counter-clockwise triangle
• Olympic Distance: 1500m, 2-lap counter-clockwise triangle

Wetsuit Guidelines (Because Temperature Matters)

• ≤78°F: Wetsuits allowed
• 78.1–83.9°F: Wetsuits optional (but you'll be ineligible for awards if you wear one)
• ≥84°F: No wetsuits allowed

Water Quality: Monitored by ORSANCO (Ohio River Valley Water Sanitation Commission)—because your safety matters more than anything.

Real Talk About River Swimming

The Ohio River isn't your neighborhood pool, and that's part of the adventure. The current can be your ally or your adversary depending on how you approach it. Water quality varies, so stay tuned to pre-race communications. And here's a tip from experience: practice your sighting in open water beforehand. That river won't come with lane lines.

For optimal visibility in murky river conditions, invest in quality anti-fog swim goggles with UV protection that can handle varying light conditions.

What You're Up Against

• The Route: Columbia Parkway (roads closed for racing)
• The Terrain: Rolling to steep hills that'll test every gear you've got
• The Reality: This is where preparation meets pavement
• The Reward: Stunning riverfront views when you look up from your suffering

Distance-Specific Challenges

• Mini: 8.25 miles (enough to introduce you to those hills)
• Sprint: 16.55 miles (where strategy becomes critical)
• Olympic: 24.8 miles (a true test of pacing and perseverance)

The Hills Don't Lie

Here's what nobody tells beginners about hilly bike courses: they're won on the downhills, not the climbs. Everyone suffers going up—that's democracy. But the athletes who practice safe, confident descending? They're the ones banking free speed while others white-knuckle their brakes.

My Non-Negotiable Advice: Hill training isn't optional for this course. If you're not practicing climbs, you're not preparing for this race. Check out our comprehensive guide on triathlon training drills to maximize your hill-climbing efficiency.

For those looking to upgrade their ride, consider a quality Shimano 21-speed bike with disc brakes that can handle both the climbs and technical descents.

Course Specifics

• Mini: 2 miles (out & back)
• Sprint: 5K (out & back)
• Olympic: 10K (2 laps)

The Route: Scenic riverfront paths featuring the iconic Purple People Bridge

The Post-Bike Reality

Let's talk honestly about brick workouts—those bike-to-run transitions where your legs feel like they've forgotten how running works. This is exactly why you practice them in training. That first quarter-mile off the bike? It's going to feel weird for everyone. The difference is, you'll have trained for it.

Transition Area Intel

• Location: Yeatman's Cove Park (on-site, organized by distance)
• Access Options:
• Saturday racking: Highly recommended
• Sunday morning racking: Available but with a limited window
• Overnight storage: Secured with race security
• Critical Rules:
• Only athletes and transition workers allowed
• No glass containers (seriously, don't be that person)
• Helmets must be worn AND buckled when leaving transition

Parking Reality Check

Primary Option: East Garage, 443 E Pete Rose Way (paid parking)

• Pro Tips:
• Arrive earlier than you think you need to
• Parking fills up fast on race morning
• Consider carpooling if possible
• Factor parking walk time into your arrival schedule

Packet Pickup & Check-In

• Race week details arrive via email
• Timing chip and race number distributed at check-in
• Body marking: Not required (one less thing to worry about!)
• Timing: Professional chip timing by Race Results Chip Equipment

Top Recommendations

• Hyatt Regency Cincinnati (0.5 miles from Yeatman's Cove)
  • Secure bike storage (essential!)
  • Early breakfast options
  • Room refrigeration for your nutrition
  • Laundry services
  • Closest walk to transition
• Hilton Cincinnati Netherland Plaza (0.7 miles)
  • Bike storage available
  • Early check-in options
  • Full fitness center
  • Room service for pre-race fueling
• Hampton Inn & Suites Cincinnati Downtown (0.6 miles)
  • Free breakfast (budget-friendly bonus)
  • Bike storage
  • Microwave/fridge in rooms
  • On-site

    When is the 2025 Queen City Triathlon scheduled to take place?

    The 2025 Queen City Triathlon is scheduled for Sunday, June 22, 2025, at 7:00 AM.

    What are the race distance options available?

    Participants can choose from Mini, Sprint, and Olympic distances. Aquabike and Duathlon formats are also available for all distances.

    Where does the swim portion of the race start?

    The swim portion begins from the Belle of Cincinnati Riverboat and takes place in the Ohio River.

    Are wetsuits allowed during the swim?

    Wetsuits are allowed if the water temperature is 78°F or lower. They are optional between 78.1–83.9°F but will make participants ineligible for awards. Wetsuits are not allowed if temperatures are 84°F or higher.

    What are the key features of the bike course?

    The bike course is on Columbia Parkway, known for its rolling to steep hills. The course offers different challenges based on the distance, and it tests the preparation of participants while rewarding them with scenic riverfront views.

    What should participants know about race-day logistics?

    The transition area is organized by distance at Yeatman's Cove Park. Participants have the option for Saturday or Sunday morning racking. For parking, East Garage is recommended, and early arrival is advised as it fills up quickly on race morning.

    What accommodations are recommended for participants?

    Top hotel recommendations include Hyatt Regency Cincinnati, Hilton Cincinnati Netherland Plaza, and Hampton Inn & Suites Cincinnati Downtown. These accommodations offer amenities like secure bike storage, early breakfast options, and proximity to the race start.

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