The Woodlands Township announces Open Water Swim Day, First Timer's Clinic, and Complimentary Race Clinics May 3

THE WOODLANDS, TX – Though the annual IRONMAN Texas triathlon will be happening later this month, The Woodlands Tri will occur in May, and The Woodlands Township has announced some events that will help you prepare for it.

On Saturday, May 3, you can practice your open water swimming for the upcoming triathlon on Open Water Swim Day, taking place 8 to 10 a.m. Here you can practice for the 500-meter swimming leg of the event. No instruction will be provided. Walk-up registration is welcome via credit card payment only. Participants will be able to swim the course as much as needed during the allotted time period. Red Cross Certified Lifeguards and The Woodlands Fire Department will be onsite. This event is for ages 13 and up, with a $15 fee.

To preregister for Open Water Swim Day, visit https://www.active.com/the-woodlands-tx/water-sports/swimming/open-water-swim-2025.

Additionally being offered is a First Timer’s Clinic: Race Review & Open Water Swim Practice. Instructor Sandra Sutherland, an IM and USAT certified coach, will be on site 8 to 10 a.m. This course educates triathletes in the fundamentals of completing sprint-distance triathlons. Participants will learn swim, bike, run, transition techniques, and maps, as well as how to checklist for race day. Take away a weekly workout plan while you’re there! This event is for ages 13 and up. The fee is $35 for a Woodlands resident, $40 for a non-resident, and includes the fee for Open Water Swim Day. Unlike the previous event, however, preregistration is required; there will be no walk-ups allowed.

To register for the First Timer’s Clinic, visit https://anc.apm.activecommunities.com/wcscparksandrec/activity/search/detail/68237.

Finally, there will also be two Complimentary Clinics to help with your victory at the triathlon:

Finish Strong Coaching Pre-Race Meetings – Have questions about Race Day? Finish Strong Coaching will be offering informative Q&A Sessions during Open Water Swim. Pre-Race Meetings will take place at 8:30 and 9:30 a.m. Everyone is encouraged to attend a Pre-Race Meeting, especially first-time triathletes. The meetings are not long, focus on safety, and give competitors a chance to ask questions. The meetings will conclude with a brief transition overview including how to properly rack your bike and improve transition times.

Bikeland Flat Tire Clinics – Bikeland of The Woodlands will be offering Flat Tire Clinics during Open Water Swim at 8 and 9 a.m. Participants will be given a brief overview of how to properly manage flat tires while on the course or during other cycling activities.

To sign up for one of the Finish Strong Coaching or Bikeland Clinics listed above, please email races@thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov.