Iowa Games Triathlon
Polk City, IA
- Sprint
- Triathlon
- Official race website
The mission of the Iowa Games is to provide sports and recreation opportunities for all Iowans through Olympic-style festivals, events and programs. The Iowa Games began in August of 1987 as a weekend event, featuring 16 sports and 7,104 participants (nearly a record number at that time for a first-year … MORE
Local Historical Weather (Jul 11):
| 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | |
| H (°F) | 74 | 89 | 83 | 93 | 91 |
| L (°F) | 66 | 65 | 64 | 70 | 68 |
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Awesome race for first timers!
I love this race and will continue to do it each year! The price just can't be beat for a triathlon. If you're considering trying out a triathlon this is … MORE
I love this race and will continue to do it each year! The price just can’t be beat for a triathlon. If you’re considering trying out a triathlon this is the one to do! Lots of first timers but also good competition for seasoned triathletes. You can see my other review for course descriptions.
Great for first timers!
I've done this triathlon the past 3 years. I think it is a great triathlon for first timers as it has a more low key feel to it due to … MORE
I’ve done this triathlon the past 3 years. I think it is a great triathlon for first timers as it has a more low key feel to it due to the fact that it’s not sanctioned. It also has a shorter swim than most sprint tris I’ve encountered- again great for first timers!
Swim – 1/4 miles swim at Big Creek Lake Park. The first time I did this one I was surprised when I made it to the first buoy and could still stand! It’s a mass start but generally pretty small groups. The water is generally really warm as it is mid July and not wetsuit legal.
Bike: The bike is out and back on country roads. You generally get a pretty strong headwind in one direction because you’re out in the country. Rolling hills but nothing major. Farm scenery.
Run: Loop through Big Creek State Park. Pretty prairie and lake views. It’s generally very hot by this point. Very flat!
Overall – I will continue to do this triathlon as the price just can’t be beat! It’s always fun to cheer on first timers and to compare your results to the year before. Plus the Iowa Games medals (if you place in your age group) are always pretty rad!