Cal Tri Lake Havasu Triathlon Kicks Off at Windsor Beach Under New Ownership
Over 200 athletes from across the nation converged on Arizona's stunning Windsor Beach for a morning of fierce competition and fresh beginnings.
As the sun rose over Lake Havasu on Saturday, March 15, more than 200 athletes stood ready at Windsor Beach for the Cal Tri Lake Havasu Triathlon and Duathlon — an event marking a significant milestone as the first race held under new ownership. With competitors traveling from as far as Iowa, New York, and Texas, the morning proved that Lake Havasu City's reputation as a premier endurance sports destination remains as strong as ever.
Race Day at Windsor Beach
The day's competition began promptly at 7:30 a.m. with the sprint triathlon, as athletes plunged into the clear waters of Lake Havasu for the opening swim leg. Clear skies and ideal morning conditions greeted the diverse field of more than 200 competitors, setting the stage for a memorable day of racing.
The event featured four distinct competitions, offering options for athletes of varying experience levels and preferences. Triathlon participants tackled the traditional swim-bike-run format in both Olympic and Sprint distances, while duathlon competitors — those who prefer to skip the swim — competed in a run-bike-run format across the same two distance categories.
New to multisport racing? A triathlon combines swimming, cycling, and running in succession. A duathlon replaces the swim with an additional run, making it an accessible entry point for athletes who may not be comfortable in open water. Both Olympic and Sprint distances were offered, with Olympic being the longer of the two. If you're considering your first race, check out our beginner's guide to completing your first triathlon.
Competition Results: A Truly National Field
The caliber of competition reflected the event's growing national profile, with winners hailing from five different states.
Olympic Triathlon
| Place | Athlete | State | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | Ben Coleman | Iowa | 2:07:34 |
| 2nd | John Evans | Texas | 2:13:47 |
| 3rd | Daniel Arecco | Nevada | 2:16:30 |
Ben Coleman of Iowa claimed the top spot in the Olympic Triathlon with an impressive time of 2:07:34, finishing nearly six minutes ahead of Texas competitor John Evans. Nevada's Daniel Arecco rounded out the podium in 2:16:30. Wondering how these times compare? Learn more about what constitutes a good triathlon time across different distances.
Sprint Triathlon
Michael Macias of California dominated the Sprint Triathlon field, crossing the finish line in 1:04:16 to take the top position in the shorter-distance event.
Olympic Duathlon
Lake Havasu City's own Dan Kuch delivered for the hometown crowd, winning the Olympic Duathlon with a time of 2:08:04. Kuch's victory in the run-bike-run format was a highlight of the day, demonstrating that local athletes can compete at the highest level against a field of out-of-state challengers.
Sprint Duathlon
Chris Sullivan of New York traveled the farthest of any winner to claim the Sprint Duathlon title, finishing in 1:49:38.
A New Chapter for a Beloved Event
Saturday's race represented the first Cal Tri Lake Havasu Triathlon and Duathlon held under new ownership — a transition that race fans and local stakeholders watched closely. The successful turnout of more than 200 competitors suggests the event's appeal endures regardless of who holds the reins.
The fact that athletes from at least five states made the journey to Windsor Beach speaks volumes about Lake Havasu City's draw as an endurance sports destination. The city's combination of warm early-spring weather, stunning natural scenery, and well-maintained race venues continues to make it an attractive spot on the national multisport calendar.
Windsor Beach: The Perfect Venue
Windsor Beach has long served as one of Lake Havasu City's premier outdoor recreation areas, and its role as the triathlon's home base is a natural fit. The beach provides direct access to the calm, clear waters of Lake Havasu for the swim portion, while the surrounding area offers cycling and running routes that showcase the region's dramatic desert landscape.
For visiting athletes, the venue also offers a taste of what makes Lake Havasu City a year-round outdoor recreation hub — from boating and fishing to hiking and, increasingly, endurance sports. If you're preparing for an open water swim, make sure you have the right gear with quality anti-fog swim goggles to ensure clear vision throughout your race.
Looking Ahead
With a successful inaugural event under new ownership now in the books, the Cal Tri Lake Havasu Triathlon and Duathlon appears positioned for continued growth. The strong participation numbers and the geographic diversity of the competitive field both suggest a healthy future for this desert destination race.
For local athletes like Dan Kuch, the event provides a chance to compete on a national stage without leaving home. For visitors, it offers one more reason to discover what Lake Havasu City has to offer — both on race day and beyond. Whether you're a seasoned competitor or just starting out, proper preparation is key. Consider investing in a high-performance triathlon suit to optimize your transitions and comfort during the race.
Athletes interested in competing in future Cal Tri events can visit the Cal Tri organization's website for registration details and upcoming race schedules. For those looking to explore more triathlon opportunities across the country, browse our comprehensive guide to triathlons near you.
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