The Expanding Spirit of Chicago's Premier Triathlon

The numbers tell one story—growth from 7,500 participants in 2024 to over 8,000 in 2025. But the real narrative lies in the atmosphere that draws athletes from across the globe to compete in downtown Chicago.

"I find in Chicago, people are very motivated for sports, and everywhere you come, there's open doors for sure," explained Michael D'hulst, co-founder and CEO of Supertri, the company that has operated the Chicago Triathlon since 2023. D'hulst, who participated in Sunday's Olympic distance event himself, sees Chicago's unique energy as a key factor in the event's continued expansion.

This year's triathlon marked a significant milestone in the event's 42-year history. Unlike 2019 and 2023, when "unfavorable" weather conditions forced the cancellation of the swim portion and converted the event to a duathlon (run-bike-run), 2025 participants enjoyed ideal racing conditions with temperatures in the low 60s.

The event's growth trajectory aligns with D'hulst's ambitious vision: making the Chicago Triathlon one of the world's largest triathlons. With Chicago's passionate sports culture and downtown lakefront providing an ideal racing venue, the foundation for that growth appears solid.

Young Inspirers Leading the Charge

At just 13 years old, Dylan Thompson embodies the future of triathlon. A Houston resident who has been racing since age 6, Dylan represents the next generation of athletes through his participation in Supertri NXT Gen, a program designed to support the sport's future stars.

"I just want to inspire people," Dylan said, expressing his mission to motivate others toward healthy living and athletic participation.

For his father, Matt Thompson, watching his son compete carries deep emotional significance. "It makes you emotional, like it's touching with somebody who wants to emulate you," Matt reflected, highlighting the powerful family dynamics that often drive athletic participation.

Dylan's presence at the Chicago Triathlon represents more than just impressive young talent—it symbolizes the sport's potential for growth. As Matt Thompson noted, while the triathlon community remains relatively small, young athletes like Dylan play a crucial role in expanding and spreading that community.

The father-son partnership demonstrates how triathlon creates connections across generations, with shared training, goals, and the mutual inspiration that comes from pursuing challenging athletic objectives together.

Racing with Purpose: The Corporate Challenge Impact

For the second consecutive year, the Chicago Triathlon featured a Corporate Challenge partnership with Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, transforming athletic achievement into direct community impact.

The results speak to the growing commitment of participants to causes beyond personal goals. This year's Corporate Challenge raised over $84,000, a significant increase from 2023's $55,000 total. Each Corporate Challenge participant commits to raising a minimum of $250, with all funds supporting the Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders at Lurie Children's Hospital.

"Every year more than 220 new children are treated through the Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders at Lurie Children's," explained Joanna Riester, vice president of the Lurie Children's Foundation. "That growing number of kids need support."

The impact extends far beyond the dollars raised. Corporate teams create accountability partnerships, encourage new participants to join the sport, and demonstrate how athletic events can serve broader community missions. Riester's ambitious goal of raising $1 million through the Corporate Challenge in coming years reflects the potential for this model to create substantial healthcare funding.

This integration of athletic competition with charitable giving represents a growing trend in endurance sports, where participants seek meaning beyond personal achievement. The Chicago Triathlon's success with this model provides a blueprint for other events looking to maximize community impact.

Personal Journeys: From First-Timers to Champions

The Business and Future of Triathlon

Under Supertri's ownership since 2023, the Chicago Triathlon represents more than just an annual event—it's part of a strategic vision for growing triathlon's global reach. D'hulst's dual role as CEO and participant demonstrates the company's hands-on approach to understanding what drives athlete satisfaction and event success.

The growth from 7,500 to 8,000+ participants in a single year indicates strong momentum, but D'hulst's vision extends far beyond current numbers. His goal of making Chicago one of the world's largest triathlons requires sustained growth, enhanced participant experience, and continued community integration.

Chicago's advantages as a triathlon destination include:

• Ideal downtown lakefront venue for swimming
• Scenic and safe cycling routes along Lake Shore Drive
• Strong sports culture that embraces major athletic events
• Corporate community willing to participate in charitable challenges
• Tourism infrastructure to support visiting athletes

The triathlon community remains relatively small compared to other endurance sports, but this presents opportunity rather than limitation. As Dylan Thompson and his father noted, growth potential exists through inspiration, accessible entry points, and community building around shared athletic goals.

Looking Forward: Lessons in Community and Achievement

The 2025 Chicago Triathlon's success provides several key insights for understanding why this event continues to grow and inspire:

Accessibility Across Ages and Abilities: From 13-year-old Dylan Thompson to 44-year-old Tim Arthurs, the event demonstrates how triathlon accommodates participants across age ranges and ability levels. Multiple distance options, relay formats, and age-group competition create entry points for various participant types.