2025 Whaling City Tri & Du
The Whaling City Tri & Du is a sprint distance triathlon and duathlon (and splash & dash) to be held on Sunday, July 20, 2025 at historic Fort Taber Park in New Bedford, MA, a vibrant and culturally rich city that is America’s #1 fishing port. With multiple opportunities to see athletes on the swim, as they ride the bike course, and complete an out and back run course, this is one of the most spectator-friendly multisport races in New England!
The triathlon is a terrific race for beginner and seasoned triathletes alike. The 0.25 mile swim takes place in Buzzards Bay, the 11.4-mile bike course is flat, fast and scenic and closed to traffic and the 3.1 mile run is all on sidewalks and walking paths offering gorgeous water views and a fantastic finish in historic Fort Taber Park.
The 2025 Whaling City Triathlon will also host the annual Tri Team Challenge which offers all participating teams a chance to win prizes worth thousands of dollars including $500 cash to the 1st place team.
Can’t be there on race day? Sign up to do the triathlon or duathlon VIRTUALLY and we’ll mail your swag and finisher medal directly to your front door! Details below.
Course Info & Maps
Event Distance and Course Maps:
The Swim: The swim will be 0.25 miles in Buzzards Bay. The swim is located on the east coast of the southern most tip of New Bedford, just outside the entrance to Fort Taber Park. Other than the Elite and team waves which will start the race, all other waves will be started following a time trial format with 3 athletes sent into the water every 10 seconds. After exiting the water, athletes will run to transition inside Fort Taber Park. Click here to see a map of the swim and transition including the swim in and bike out.
The Bike: The bike course is 2 loops of a 5.7 mile course (11.4 miles total). Click here to see a map of this bike course that will be closed to traffic and offer water views throughout most of the ride. Spectators that position themselves along East Rodney French Blvd will have an opportunity to see their favorite athlete 4 times as they ride the course. After completing the bike course athletes will return to Fort Taber Park through the main entrance and rack their bike in transition. From there they will head out onto the run. Click here to see a map of transition including the bike in and run out.
IMPORTANT: As cyclists approach Fort Taber Park at the end of their first loop the road (South Rodney French Blvd) will be split with cones to create 2 lanes. Cyclists preparing to start their 2nd loop will stay LEFT of this cone line and cyclists finishing their 2nd loop will stay RIGHT of the cone line. Signage and volunteers will be in place to help communicate this but cyclists should be aware of this section and approach it with caution to ensure they navigate themselves into the correct lane. Watch this video for a look at this section and some guidance from the Whaling City Triu & Du Race Director.
The Run: The run course is 3.1 miles. Athletes will exit Fort Taber Park, go west (left) on the sidewalk of South Rodney French Boulevard which then turns right/north on West Rodney French Boulevard. At about the 1.2 mile mark, athletes will do a 180 degree turnaround and head south on West Rodney French Boulevard back towards Fort Taber Park. Athletes will re-enter Fort Taber Park at the west entrance and run along the coastline to the finish. The run inside the park offers incredible views. The entire run is on sidewalks and walking paths and is flat and fast. Click here to see the RUN course. The run includes 2 aid stations offering your water, Gatorade Endurance and ice. The aid stations are located at/near mile 1 and mile 2 of the run course.
Triathlon Event Details
Event Date, Location and Start Time: Race day is Sunday, July 20, 2025 and the location is Fort Taber Park at the corner of South and East Rodney French Blvd in New Bedford, MA. New Bedford is located about 60 miles south of Boston and 30 miles northeast of Providence, RI. The race will begin at 7:30AM.
Overview: The Whaling City Triathlon consists of a 0.25 mile swim, 11.4 mile bike and 3.1 mile run. The swim is in a protected cove that is part of Buzzard’s Bay. The closed bike course is primarily along East, West and South Rodney Fremch Blvd offering terrific views of the water. The run is on the sidewalks of South and West Rodney French Blvd and then the walking paths of Fort Taber Park.
Categories: Athletes in the triathlon may register for any of the following categories:
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Open/Elite (for athletes looking to compete for the overall fastest time in the race)
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Age Group
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Athena (females, 165+ lbs)
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Clydesdales (males, 220+ lbs)
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Paratriathlon
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Friends, Families & Beginners.
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Relay team divisions (all male, all female or mixed).
Athletes who wish to compete to be the overall male or female winner should register for the Open/Elite category.
Age Group categories begin with 19 and under and then follow standard USA Triathlon age breaks in five year increments (e.g. 20-24, 25-29, 30-34, etc.). Your age group is determined by your age on December 31, 2023!
Minimum age is 10 years as of race day, but younger athletes may be accepted if they have demonstrated experience training/racing the distances they plan to race and/or are interested in participating as a member of a relay team. Email Jeff at info@outsiderendurance.com to request permission to register a youth under age 10.
The Friends, Families & Beginners category is for athletes just getting started in triathlon or who prefer to start the triathlon race in the same wave with a friend or family member. Athletes that choose the Families, Friends and Beginners category when registering will be grouped together in the same wave so they can start the swim together. These athletes will receive all timing splits, but are not be eligible for any age group awards.
The Swim Start Format: The swim is in Buzzard’s Bay and the swim start and finish are within the confines of Fort Taber Park. The swim is 0.25 mile counterclockwise loop. All athletes are required to wear the colored swim cap given to them at race packet pick-up. The cap color corresponds to the swim wave to which you are assigned. Athletes will be sent into the water in waves. The first wave will be for Elite Men & Women and this will be followed by waves of teams participating in the Tri Team Challenge. Team waves will follow a “mass start” format with all athletes starting at once. After all teams in the Team Challenge have entered the water, waves will follow a time trial start format with 3 athletes entering the water every 10 seconds (athletes in these waves “self-seed” based on personal preference… at the front, in the middle, etc). Below is the swim wave plan for 2023 The 2024 swim wave plan will be published about a week before the race.
Wet Suits and Historical Race Day Water Temperatures: All participants may wear a wet suit and be eligible for rankings and prizes if the water temperature is 78F or lower. If the temperature is between 78.1F and 83.9F, participants wearing a wet suit will not receive a ranking or be eligible for awards (they will still receive split times). If the temperature exceeds 84F or higher, no participants will be allowed to wear a wet suit.
The race day water temperature for the last 3 years has been: 74F (2023), 72F (2022) and 70F (2021). Note: The water temp has never exceeded 78F in the history of the race. As the 2023 race draws near, water temperature updates will be communicated to registrants.
Swim Caps: All participants will be given a swim cap that must be worn during the swim. The swim cap color corresponds to the wave each athlete is assigned to.
Timing: All triathletes will receive 6 timing splits: (1) the swim, (2) transition 1, (3) the bike, (4) transition 2, (5) the run and (6) overall.
Minimum Age: Minimum race age is 10; younger athletes will be considered with proven experience training and racing the distances necessary to complete the Splash & Dash. An athletes race age is their age as of 12/31/24.
Awards: Awards will be given to the top 3 male and female triathlon finishers in each Age Group as well as the Athena (females 165+ lbs) and Clydesdale (males 220+ lbs) divisions. All 3 members of the 1st place Mixed, Female and Male relay teams will also receive an award.
USA Triathlon Membership: The Whaling City Tri & Du is a USAT sanctioned event managed by a USAT certified Race Director. All athletes must (a) present a valid, current USAT Annual Membership Card at registration OR (b) purchase a 1-day USAT license. Athletes age 17 and under only have the option to purchase an annual license which is $10. Athletes age 18 and older can purchase a 1-day license for $15 or an annual license for $50.
Rules: USA Triathlon rules will apply. Please review the rules at www.USATriathlon.org. There will be USAT Officials present at the event. Three areas of common violations are (1) Drafting, (2) Blocking and (3) Centerline. To avoid drafting violations you must stay at least 3 bike lengths behind the competitor in front of you. When attempting to pass you must do so within 15 seconds. Blocking violations are assessed for failing to ride to the right (except when passing). Centerline violations can be avoided by not crossing the yellow centerline of the road. HELMETS ARE REQUIRED. Chin strap must be buckled at ALL times you are on the bike even in the transition area. Handlebars/aerobars must have bar-end plugs securely inserted into the bar. Taping over bar ends is not permitted. Lack of bar end plugs will result in disqualification.
Duathlon Event Details
Event Date, Location and Start Time: Race day is Sunday, July 20, 2025 and the location is Fort Taber Park at the corner of South and East Rodney French Blvd in New Bedford, MA. New Bedford is located about 60 miles south of Boston and 30 miles northeast of Providence, RI. The race will begin at 7:30 AM.
Overview: The Duathlon consists of a 1.1 mile run, a 11.4-mile bike and then a 3.1 mile run. The 11.4 mile bike leg and the 3.1 mile run leg are the exact same courses traveled by athletes in the triathlon. The first run leg of 1.1 miles utilizes many of the same walking paths and sidewalks of the 3.1 mile run.
The Start: The Duathlon start will be one wave of male and female duathletes and will start at 7:45am.
Timing: All duathletes will receive 6 timing splits: (1) the first run, (2) transition 1, (3) the bike, (4) transition 2, (5) the second run and (6) overall.
Timing: All duathletes will receive 6 timing splits: (1) the first run, (2) transition 1, (3) the bike, (4) transition 2, (5) the second run and (6) overall.
Categories & Awards: Awards will be presented to the top 3 males and females overall and in the following categories: age 19 and under, 20-34, 35-49 and 50+. Your race age is your age as of 12/31/23. Minimum age for participation in the Duathlon is 10 years old, but exceptions will be considered (contact us at info@Outsiderendurance.com).
USA Triathlon Membership: The Whaling City Tri & Du is a USAT sanctioned event managed by a USAT certified Race Director. All athletes must (a) present a valid, current USAT Annual Membership Card at registration OR (b) purchase a 1-day USAT license. Athletes age 17 and under only have the option to purchase an annual license which is $10. Athletes age 18 and older can purchase a 1-day license for $15 or an annual license for $50.
Rules: USA Triathlon rules will apply. Please review the rules at www.USATriathlon.org. There will be USAT Officials present at the event. Three areas of common violations are (1) Drafting, (2) Blocking and (3) Centerline. To avoid drafting violations you must stay at least 3 bike lengths behind the competitor in front of you. When attempting to pass you must do so within 15 seconds. Blocking violations are assessed for failing to ride to the right (except when passing). Centerline violations can be avoided by not crossing the yellow centerline of the road. HELMETS ARE REQUIRED. Chin strap must be buckled at ALL times you are on the bike even in the transition area. Handlebars/aerobars must have bar-end plugs securely inserted into the bar. Taping over bar ends is not permitted. Lack of bar end plugs will result in disqualification.
Splash & Dash Event Details
Event Date, Location and Start Time: Race day is Sunday, July 20, 2025 and the location is Fort Taber Park at the corner of South and East Rodney French Blvd in New Bedford, MA. New Bedford is located about 60 miles south of Boston and 30 miles northeast of Providence, RI. The race will begin at 7:30 AM.
Overview: No bike? No problem! The Splash ‘n Dash offers athletes the opportunity to swim the 0.25 mile swim course in Buzzard’s Bay and then run 3.1 miles. The swim and run courses are the exact same courses utilized by athletes that are participating in the triathlon. Athletes in the Splash ‘n Dash category will be grouped in the last wave and sent into the water after all athletes in the triathlon have started the race.
The Swim Start Format: Athletes will be sent into the water in waves. The first wave will consist of triathletes in the Open/Elite wave who will all start at once. Team waves for teams competing in the Team Challenge will follow the Elite wave and follow a mass start format (all athlete at once). Once all teams have waves have started, subsequent waves will follow a time trial start format with 3 athletes entering the water every 10 seconds.
Athletes in the Splash & Dash will be in the last wave sent into the water following a 10 minute pause (approximate) after the Friends, Families & Beginners wave (for those in the triathlon). The complete 2023 swim wave schedule is below. The 2024 swim wave schedule will be announced 1-2 weeks before the event.
Wet Suits and Historical Race Day Water Temperatures: All participants may wear a wet suit and be eligible for rankings and prizes if the water temperature is 78F or lower. If the temperature is between 78.1F and 83.9F, participants wearing a wet suit will not receive a ranking or be eligible for awards (they will still receive split times). If the temperature exceeds 84F or higher, no participants will be allowed to wear a wet suit.
The race day water temperature for the last 3 years has been: 74F (2023), 72F (2022) and 70F (2021). Note: The water temp has never exceeded 78F in the history of the race. As the 2024 race draws near, water temperature updates will be communicated to registrants.
Swim Caps: All participants will be given a swim cap that must be worn during the swim. The swim cap color corresponds to the wave each athlete is assigned to.
Timing: Splash & Dash athletes will receive 4 timing splits: (1) the swim, (2) transition 1, (3) the run and (4) overall.
Minimum Age: Minimum race age is 10; younger athletes will be considered with proven experience training and racing the distances necessary to complete the Splash & Dash. An athletes race age is their age as of 12/31/24.
Categories & Awards: Awards will be distributed to the fastest 3 male and female Splash & Dash athletes overall.
USA Triathlon Membership: The Whaling City Tri & Du is a USAT sanctioned event managed by a USAT certified Race Director. All athletes must (a) present a valid, current USAT Annual Membership Card at registration OR (b) purchase a 1-day USAT license. Athletes age 17 and under only have the option to purchase an annual license which is $10. Athletes age 18 and older can purchase a 1-day license for $15 or an annual license for $50.
Rules: USA Triathlon rules will apply. Please review the rules at www.USATriathlon.org. There will be USAT Officials present at the event. Three areas of common violations are (1) Drafting, (2) Blocking and (3) Centerline. To avoid drafting violations you must stay at least 3 bike lengths behind the competitor in front of you. When attempting to pass you must do so within 15 seconds. Blocking violations are assessed for failing to ride to the right (except when passing). Centerline violations can be avoided by not crossing the yellow centerline of the road. HELMETS ARE REQUIRED. Chin strap must be buckled at ALL times you are on the bike even in the transition area. Handlebars/aerobars must have bar-end plugs securely inserted into the bar. Taping over bar ends is not permitted. Lack of bar end plugs will result in disqualification.
Tri Team Challenge
The TRI TEAM CHALLENGE — offering teams chance to win $500 cash, race entries and more! Attention teams! Designed to build team spirit, facilitate bonding and generate some friendly competition among teams, the Tri Team Challenge invites clubs to come together and compete to win some terrific prizes including $500 cash to the first place team. To qualify as an official team your team must enter 10 athletes in the triathlon of which at least 3 must be female. All official teams in the challenge receive the following benefits:
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Team members racked together in transition
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An early swim wave exclusively for your team
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A pre-race team photo taken at the swim start
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A VIP parking pass (for the person saddled with bringing the team tent 🙂
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A chance to win prizes including $500 cash!
Click here for complete details. Results from the 2023 Tri Team Challenge can be found with a click here.
Registration Fees
In addition to a safe, well-organized and scenic event with a bike course closed to traffic, your registration fee includes:
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race shirt. (Female & unisex)
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swim cap
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Water bottle wrapped in a cold hand towel at the finish
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Finisher medal
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Race photos
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Post-race food & drink
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A chance to win valuable sponsor giveaways
This is a USAT sanctioned event and all participating athletes must have either a valid annual USAT membership OR will be required to purchase one when registering for the race.
Triathlon Individual (Adult):
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$125 from opening of registration to 1/1/25
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$135 from 1/2/25 to 6/1/25
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$145 from 6/2/25 until close of online registration
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$155 for “walk-up” registrations during packet pick-up on Saturday, 7/19, 2:30pm-5:00pm or race morning, Sunday, 7/20, 5:30am-6:30am at the Fort Taber Community Center.
Aquabike Individual (Adult):
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$95 from opening of registration to 1/1/25
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$105 from 1/2/25 to 6/1/25
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$1115 from 6/2/25 until close of online registration
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$125 for “walk-up” registrations during packet pick-up on Saturday, 7/19 2:30pm-5:00pm or race morning, Sunday, 7/20, 5:30am-6:30am at the Fort Taber Community Center.
Triathlon Individual (Youth, Age 10-19):
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$95 from opening of registration to 1/1/25
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$105 from 1/2/25 to 6/1/25
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$115 from 6/2/25 until close of online registration
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$125 for “walk-up” registrations during packet pick-up on Saturday, 7/19, 2:30pm-5:00pm or race morning, Sunday, 7/20, 5:30am-6:30am at the Fort Taber Community Center.
Triathlon Relay Team:
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$165 from opening of registration to 1/1/25
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$175 from 1/2/25 to 61/25
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$185 from 6/2/25 until close of online registration
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$205 for “walk-up” registrations during packet pick-up on Saturday, 7/19, 2:30pm-5:00pm or race morning, Sunday, 7/20, 5:30am-6:30am at the Fort Taber Community Center.
Duathlon Individual (Adult):
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$115 from opening of registration to 1/1/25
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$125 from 1/2/25 to 6/1/25
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$135 from 6/2/25 until close of online registration
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$145 for “walk-up” registrations during packet pick-up on Saturday, 7/19, 2:30pm-5:00pm or race morning, Sunday, 7/20, 5:30am-6:30am at the Fort Taber Community Center.
Duathlon Individual (Youth, age 10-19):
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$85 from opening of registration to 1/1/25
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$95 from 1/2/25 to 6/1/25
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$105 from 6/2/25 until close of online registration
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$115 for “walk-up” registrations during packet pick-up on Saturday, 7/19, 2:30pm-5:00pm or race morning, Sunday, 7/20, 5:30am-6:30am at the Fort Taber Community Center.
Splash & Dash:
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$65 from opening of registration to 1/1/25
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$75 from 1/2/25 until close of online registration
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$85 for “walk-up” registrations during packet pick-up on Saturday, 7/19, 2:30pm-5:00pm or race morning, Sunday, 7/20, 5:30am-6:30am at the Fort Taber Community Center.
Event Schedule
Below is a tentative schedule for the 2025 Whaling City Tri & Du.
Saturday, July 19, 2025
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2:30pm-5:00pm: Packet pick-up inside the Fort Taber Community Center located at 1000 South Rodney French Blvd (immediately on your right as you come through the entrance to Fort Taber Park).
Sunday, July 20, 2025 (race day!)
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5:30am: Packet pick-up begins at the Fort Taber Park Community Center; transition opens and body marking available
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6:50am: Pre-race announcements from the Race Director (athletes must be in or near transition to hear pre-race announcements)
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7:00am: Packet pick-up concludes
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7:00am-7:20am: Swim warm-up
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7:30am: First swim wave sent into the water
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7:45am: Male athletes in the duathlon start
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7:50am: Female athletes in the duathlon start
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10:00am (est.): Awards ceremony
NOTE: There will be no bike mechanic on site during packet pick-up hours on Saturday, but tech support will be available on race morning to help with any last minute minor technical issues (e.g. tires needing inflation, quick derailleur adjustment, etc.).
Directions & Parking
Directions and Parking:
From Boston, MA and points north : Take I-93 South to Rte 24 South. Take exit 12 off Rte 24 South to get on Rte 140 South. You’ll travel on Rte 140 South for about 18 miles and then merge onto I-195 East via exit 2A towards Cape Cod. After traveling on I-195 East for 1-2 miles you will get off at exit 15 for downtown New Bedford which puts you onto Rte 18 South. Rte 18 South becomes John F Kennedy Memorial Blvd. Continue south on John F Kennedy Memorial Blvd for 1-2 miles and then turn left at the intersection for Cove Street (this left is at a traffic light). Cove Street becomes East Rodney Frendch Blvd (the beach and Buzzards Bay will be on your left). Take East Rodney French Blvd to the entrance to Fort Taber Park.
From CT and RI : Take I-95 North to exit 19 for I-195 East. Take I-195 East to exit 15 for downtown New Bedford which puts you onto Rte 18 South. Rte 18 South becomes John F Kennedy Memorial Blvd. Continue south on John F Kennedy Memorial Blvd for 1-2 miles and then turn left at the intersection for Cove Street (this left is at a traffic light). Cove Street becomes East Rodney Frendch Blvd (the beach and Buzzards Bay will be on your left). Take East Rodney French Blvd to the entrance to Fort Taber Park.
Parking: Parking will be available in lots just outside the park entrance along East Rodney French Blvd, on Brock Street and in other locations near or in the park. The final 2020 parking plan will be included with the Athlete Guide sent to registered athletes the week of the event.
About New Bedford & Where to Stay
New Bedford, MA is a historic, culturally rich city that can be a great destination for a summer weekend getaway. Watch this segment from Chronicle for a glimpse of what the city has to offer and visit Desitination New Bedford for a calendar of events, delicious places to dine, where to shop and more.
We have partnered with Fairfield Inn & Suites New Bedford to secure a discounted rate for athletes traveling to New Bedford. Reservations must be booked by 5/30/23.
Volunteering
Volunteers:
Do you have family or friends coming to cheer you on? Consider asking them to volunteer! Volunteering makes you a part of the action while cheering on athletes and helping ensure a successful event experience.
For a list of volunteer jobs and to sign up, contact us at info@Outsiderendurance.com.
Event Policies, Cancellation, Refunds, Deferrals & Transfers
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Refund Protect: Refund Protect is a program made available by haku, our registration partner, that will protect 100% of your registration investment due to illness (including COVID-19), injury, flight disruption and other reasons based on specific terms and conditions. There is a cost to purchase Refund Protect. Details on this program can be found here.
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Refunds: This event is non-refundable. You must purchase refund protect (third-party insurance) to receive a refund. This product is less expensive than our old previous cancellation fee & allows you to have more flexibility to cancel closer to race day.
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Deferrals: Athletes may request a deferral of their 2025 Whaling City entry to the 2026 Whaling City event up until 5/10/25. Deferral requests must be submitted in writing to info@Outsiderendurance.com. The deferral schedule and deferral fee are as follows:
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Athletes requesting deferral between 1/1/25 & 5/10/25 will pay a $50 deferral fee at the time they defer to the 2026 race. Athletes will then be sent a complimentary registration link for the same category of the 2026 Whaling City Tri & Du when registration opens. Deferrals will only be granted 1 time per race entry. Athletes may not roll over a deferral beyond the next sequential race.
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No deferrals will be granted after 5/10/25.
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Cancellation: If the 2025 Whaling City Tri & Du is canceled for adverse weather, natural catastrophe or terrorism registered athletes may receive a full or partial refund through our partnership with haku, our registration partner, and their relationship with Adventure Advocates (note: cancellation due to COVID-19 or other infectious diseases are not covered by this policy). Click here for more details on this refund program. Should a partial or full refund not be possible, Outsider Endurance would extend athletes a partial credit towards entry in the 2025 Whaling City Tri & Du.
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Course Changes: Event Management reserves the right to alter, cancel or eliminate any portion of a race at any time in the interest of athlete safety or for other reasons beyond our control. No refunds will be issued if changes are made to a race due to these circumstances.
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Category Changes: Category change requests (e.g. triathlon to duathlon; Elite/Open to Age Group) must be submitted by Friday, 6/30/25.
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Transfers to Other Outsider Endurance Races: Registered athletes that are unable to race may transfer to another 2025 Outsider Endurance race. Transfer requests must be made no later than 6/1/25. If the registration fee for the race transferred to is LESS than the registration fee already paid, the difference in price is forfeited. If the registration fee for the race transferred to is MORE than the registration fee paid you will be required to pay the difference in registration fees. Note that any USAT fees collected during the registration process are transmitted directly to USAT and are, therefore, not refundable by Outsider Endurance (contact USAT for a refund request). Online processing fees are also non-refundable.
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The exchange, transfer or sale of entries to other athletes is strictly prohibited.
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