San Diego is the Birthplace of Triathlon
The History of Triathlon - Interview with Bob Babbitt from Triathlon Club San Diego https://www.triclubsandiego.org/news/70-tcsd-conversations/2344-bob-babbit
The Birthplace of Triathlon: Celebrating 50 Years of the Mission Bay Triathlon
In the world of endurance sports, triathlon stands out as a unique blend of physical challenges, combining swimming, biking, and running into one grueling race. Today, this sport boasts millions of participants worldwide and has become a symbol of athleticism and determination. However, many may not realize that this global phenomenon had humble beginnings in 1974 in San Diego's Mission Bay.
The First Triathlon: A Historic Experiment
It all began on a warm summer day in September 1974 when a group of athletes and fitness enthusiasts gathered at Fiesta Island in San Diego’s Mission Bay for what would later become known as the world’s first triathlon. Organized by the San Diego Track Club, the event was the brainchild of Jack Johnstone and Don Shanahan, who wanted to create a race that combined multiple athletic disciplines in a single competition.
With no official guidelines or distances in place, they decided on a course that featured a 6-mile run, a 5-mile bike ride, and a 500-yard swim. A small group of 46 participants took part in this experimental race, not knowing they were helping launch a global sport. Among the pioneers was John Collins, who would later go on to establish the first Ironman race in Hawai’i.
The Growth of Triathlon: From Mission Bay to the World
What started as a modest local event quickly captured the imagination of endurance athletes everywhere. The triathlon format’s appeal was undeniable, challenging athletes to master three sports in one race. By the late 1970s, triathlon competitions had begun popping up around the United States and internationally, with the Mission Bay Triathlon serving as a blueprint for the sport’s development.
In 1981, the sport received a significant boost when the first Ironman World Championship was televised, showcasing the incredible stamina of triathletes like John Howard, a former Olympian cyclist. This exposure brought triathlon into the mainstream and further solidified its place in the pantheon of endurance sports.
The Mission Bay Triathlon: A Living Legacy
Every year since that historic day in 1974, athletes have gathered at Mission Bay to celebrate the sport’s birthplace by competing in the Mission Bay Triathlon. The race is a tribute to the founders and early pioneers who dared to create something entirely new and has become a symbol of San Diego’s role in the history of triathlon.
Today, the Mission Bay Triathlon welcomes athletes of all ages and abilities, offering multiple race distances and multisport events. Participants range from first-time triathletes to seasoned veterans, and the event remains one of the most beloved in the triathlon calendar. From kids as young as seven to seasoned competitors in their 80s, athletes of all ages come together to honor the legacy of the sport.
The 50th Anniversary: A Milestone Celebration
In 2024, the Mission Bay Triathlon will mark its 50th anniversary, a significant milestone not only for the event itself but for the entire triathlon community. The anniversary celebration promises to be a memorable weekend, with a pre-race dinner, expo, and special appearances from legendary figures in the sport. The event is expected to attract a sell-out crowd, with participants eager to be part of this historic moment.
Triathlon icons like Julie Moss, whose dramatic finish at the 1982 Ironman helped bring the sport worldwide attention, will be in attendance alongside Kathleen McCartney, Denise Mueller-Korenek, and Bob Babbitt, co-founder of the Challenged Athletes Foundation (CAF), who will serve as Master of Ceremonies.
For more information on the 50th anniversary celebration and to purchase tickets for the dinner and race, visit www.missionbaytriathlon.com.
A Legacy That Continues to Inspire
The Mission Bay Triathlon remains a living testament to the sport's origins and the vision of those early pioneers who believed that athletes could push their boundaries across multiple disciplines. As we celebrate 50 years of triathlon, the event not only honors the past but also inspires the future, encouraging new generations of athletes to challenge themselves and explore what they are truly capable of.
Whether you’re a triathlon veteran or a newcomer to the sport, the Mission Bay Triathlon is an opportunity to connect with the roots of this incredible sport and be part of its enduring legacy.
