Whether you are thinking about doing a triathlon for the first time or you are already an experienced triathlete, California’s Central Coast has become a stronghold of triathlon activity every year.

With Santa Barbara having numerous opportunities to compete within short driving distances, S.B. has become a haven for triathletes and endurance athletes.

Here’s a catalogue of triathlons in the area with basic information about each one.

Have you seen our Endurance Sports Homepage? Click Here for latest news and information for the triathlon community in Santa Barbara.
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2011 TRIATHLONS

(Ordered by event date; all events within 200 miles of Santa Barbara)

Kendra Payne Memorial Triathlon
Sunday, March 20 * Campus Point, Goleta * Website

Unfortunately, this year’s event was forced to cancel in the face of extremely stormy conditions that day. The Kendra Payne is sponsored by the UCSB Triathlon Team and is their main fundraiser for the year.

Wildflower Triathlon
Sunday, May 1 * Lake San Antonio, Southern Monterey County * Website * Results

One of the longest running triathlons in the world, the Wildflower is one of the most prestigious events around during the year. Next year will be the 30th running.

Morro Bay Triathlon
Sunday, June 5 * Coleman Park, Morro Bay * Website * Results

Back for its second year in 2011. Adding a short-course race in addition to an Olympic-Distance course. Competitors can opt to kayak swimming leg of Olympic Course.

Ventura Triathlon
Sunday, June 26 * Ventura Harbor, Ventura * Website * Results

This year’s event is the 13th annual Breath of Life Ventura Triathlon. Long course is Olympic distance while short course features challenging distances: 750 yard swim, 12.7 mile bike ride, 3.1 mile run. Both distances use a fast, flat course.

Oxnard Triathlon
Sunday, July 17 * Oxnard Beach Park, Oxnard Shores * Website * Results

Otherwise known as the Strawberry Fields Triathlon, this event has both an Olympic distance course and a short course. In addition, a duathlon. Good choice for beginner triathletes as biking and running courses have minimal elevation gains.

San Luis Obispo Triathlon
Sunday, July 24 * Sinsheimer Park, San Luis Obispo * Website

Sprint Course only, running for the 32nd year in 2011. It is a 1/2 mile swim, 15.3 miles cycling, and 3.1-mile run. Swim portion is done at the SLO Swim Center in a pool.

Goleta Beach Triathlon
Sunday, July 31 * Goleta Beach, Goleta * Website * Results

A newcomer in 2011, the Goleta Beach Tri is introducing an Olympic-distance race, a sprint course, and duathlon to the summer calendar. Benefits the Santa Barbara County Park Foundation.

Tri-the-Bull Triathlon
Saturday, August 6 * Pioneer Valley H.S., Santa Maria * Website

In its third year, this is a sprint-course only event. Swim leg performed in assigned lanes in pool.

Santa Barbara Triathlon
August 26-28 * East Beach, Santa Barbara * Website

The Santa Barbara Tri sells out every year as its reputation has been built around a challenging but scenic course. A full weekend of activities surround the SB Tri, including a sports expo and a parent/kids race.

Nautica Malibu Triathlon
September 17-18 * Zuma Beach, Malibu * Website

The 25th year for Malibu. This extremely popular tri sold out in May. Malibu features an International-distance race on Saturday followed by a “classic distance” race on Sunday.

Carpinteria Triathlon
Sunday, September 25 * Beach State Park, Carpinteria * Website

The Carpinteria Triathlon comes late in the season and is considered fairly challenging due to its difficult bike and run courses. Both the olympic and sprint courses offer the competitor a challenging ride, although the sprint course is also very well suited for the novice triathlete. Carpinteria is a beautiful beach town on the Central Coast located between Santa Barbara and Ventura.