Loggerhead Triathlon Celebrates 40 Years in Jupiter With Anniversary Race at Carlin Park

JUPITER, Fla. — One of Florida’s longest-running triathlons is celebrating a major milestone in Jupiter this month.

The Tampa General Hospital Loggerhead Triathlon will celebrate its 40th anniversary on Saturday, Aug. 22, 2026, at Carlin Park in Jupiter, bringing hundreds of athletes, volunteers and spectators together for one of Palm Beach County’s longstanding summer sporting traditions.

Presented by Tampa General Hospital and produced by the Palm Beach North Chamber of Commerce, the Loggerhead Triathlon dates back to 1985 and has grown into a fixture on the Southeast Florida racing calendar.

The event has attracted generations of triathletes to Jupiter for its oceanfront course, competitive atmosphere and community support. According to the Palm Beach North Chamber, more than 600 athletes participate in the Loggerhead Triathlon each year, with more than 150 volunteers helping make the event possible.

This year, those athletes and volunteers will also be celebrating four decades of racing in Jupiter.

A 40-Year Jupiter Tradition

Since its beginnings in 1985, the Loggerhead Triathlon has drawn competitors to Jupiter year after year, becoming one of the longest-enduring triathlons in Florida.

Its location is a major part of that history.

Starting from Carlin Park along the Atlantic Ocean, competitors experience a course that combines an open-water swim with cycling and running through the Jupiter area.

Over the years, the event has developed a reputation as a destination race while remaining closely connected to the Palm Beach North community.

The Palm Beach North Chamber says the race has also helped develop and attract high-level triathletes while maintaining the family-friendly atmosphere that has kept competitors returning to Jupiter.

Loggerhead Triathlon Course

The traditional Loggerhead Triathlon consists of three legs:

• 3/8-mile ocean swim
• 13-mile bike ride
• 3.1-mile run

The relatively compact distances make the race attractive to experienced competitors looking for a fast event while also providing an approachable opportunity for athletes entering the sport.

The main race is scheduled to begin at 7:15 a.m., with activities continuing through the morning at Carlin Park.

Awards will be presented to the top three overall competitors in each division.

More Than One Way to Compete

Athletes who don't want to complete the traditional triathlon on their own have several other options for participating in the 40th anniversary event.

The Relay Team division allows participants to divide the swimming, cycling and running portions among team members.

A Duathlon eliminates the ocean swim and instead begins with a 1.2-mile run, followed by the 13-mile bike course and 3.1-mile run.

The AquaBike division includes the 3/8-mile ocean swim and 13-mile cycling portion without the final run.

The race is open to participants ages 14 through 99.

First-Time Triathletes Welcome

Organizers are also encouraging people who have never participated in a triathlon to consider making the 40th anniversary race their first.

The Loggerhead Triathlon includes a dedicated First Timer Division, giving newcomers their own start wave and additional support.

A First Timer Seminar is also offered to help new competitors understand what to expect and prepare for race day.

The program is designed to make an event that can initially seem intimidating more accessible to people interested in trying the sport for the first time.

Young athletes also have an incentive to participate. Competitors ages 14 to 19 can register for $99, with the special pricing intended to encourage a new generation of triathletes.

Registration for the 2026 Loggerhead Triathlon

Registration remains available for the Aug. 22 race.

Individual triathlon, Duathlon and AquaBike registration is currently listed at $139, plus applicable registration fees. Relay Team registration is listed at $189, plus fees.

Organizers advise athletes that there will be no race-day registration, cancellations or refunds, and participants should review the event's registration and transfer policies before signing up.

Athletes can register and find additional race information at LoggerheadTriathlon.com.

Packet Pickup Before Race Day

Participants will have two opportunities to pick up their race materials before the event.

The first packet pickup will take place Thursday, Aug. 20, from 4 to 7 p.m. at Guanabanas, 960 N. Highway A1A in Jupiter.

A second packet pickup is scheduled for Friday, Aug. 21, from 4 to 6 p.m. at Carlin Park.

Participants are required to present photo identification when picking up their packets. All members of relay teams must also be present with photo identification to receive their race materials.

Road Closures Planned for Race Morning

Residents and motorists traveling through Jupiter on the morning of Aug. 22 should also prepare for temporary road closures associated with the race.

According to information published by the Palm Beach North Chamber of Commerce, County Road A1A from the main Carlin Park entrance at Van Kessel Parkway south to Donald Ross Road is scheduled to be closed from 6:30 to 10 a.m.

County Road A1A and the road toward Inlet Park from Van Kessel Parkway to the inlet are expected to be closed from 6:30 to 11 a.m.

Drivers who normally travel through the area Saturday morning should plan additional time or consider alternate routes.

Carlin Park Hosts the Anniversary Celebration

Carlin Park, located at 400 Florida A1A in Jupiter, will once again serve as the center of race-day activity.

In addition to the competition, the event brings athletes' families, volunteers, sponsors and supporters together along Jupiter's coastline.

A Health & Wellness Expo is also scheduled to take place on race day, adding exhibitors, activities and giveaways to the anniversary event.

For the Palm Beach North Chamber of Commerce, the milestone is about more than the athletes crossing the finish line. The 40th anniversary recognizes the volunteers, sponsors, competitors and community members who have helped sustain the Loggerhead Triathlon over four decades.

For Jupiter, it is another example of a local tradition that has grown well beyond the town while maintaining its connection to the community where it began.

After 40 years, hundreds of athletes will once again head to the starting line at Carlin Park on Aug. 22 — continuing a Jupiter summer tradition that has endured for generations.

2026 Loggerhead Triathlon at a Glance

What: Tampa General Hospital Loggerhead Triathlon — 40th Anniversary
When: Saturday, Aug. 22, 2026
Race Start: Approximately 7:15 a.m.
Where: Carlin Park, 400 Florida A1A, Jupiter, FL 33477
Triathlon Course: 3/8-mile ocean swim, 13-mile bike ride and 3.1-mile run
Other Divisions: Relay Team, Duathlon and AquaBike
Ages: 14–99
Organizer: Palm Beach North Chamber of Commerce
Presented by: Tampa General Hospital
Registration: LoggerheadTriathlon.com