Brief team history:
San Diego State’s Triathlon Club is dedicated to introducing triathlon to athletes at all levels, fostering a vibrant community of endurance sports enthusiasts, and supporting a spectrum of goals—from boosting fitness and picking up new sports, to training for elite-level competition
and collegiate racing. Whether you're aiming to get healthier, try something new, or join a competitive training cohort, our inclusive club has a place for you. We provide structured practices in swimming, cycling, and running, alongside valuable team bonding through social events, regular coached sessions, and race weekends. Founded as an SDSU sport club competing in the West Coast Collegiate Triathlon Conference (WCCTC), the team travels to compete in sprint- and Olympic-distance races hosted locally, regionally, and nationally. We aim to build a strong, inclusive community where members can set and achieve their personal goals, find teammates to motivate and challenge them, and represent our school in collegiate competitions. In addition to athletic achievements, the team is known for its inclusive and supportive environment, making it a cornerstone of the university's athletic and student life.
Recent successes or struggles:
The team struggled with low participation during COVID because of canceled races and virtual schooling. However, since 2021, SDSU Triathlon has tripled its membership and continues to grow each year. We compete in five to six races annually and are proud to say that last year, 30 athletes competed together at a local race in San Diego. We also budget to travel as a team, often relying on personal vehicles and hotel stays before races. Fortunately, we have been able to send athletes to Collegiate Triathlon Nationals in states such as Mississippi and Florida. Traveling together to compete against schools from across the country is an invaluable experience that strengthens our team and demonstrates that we can compete at the highest collegiate level. Most notably, one of our athletes placed 6th nationally in 2026, highlighting both the talent on our team and the value of providing athletes with opportunities to compete on the national stage. As our program continues to grow, expanding access to these competitive experiences will remain essential to developing our athletes and representing SDSU at the highest level.
Breakdown of highest costs:
The primary expenses include transportation, such as flights or long drives, which can be especially costly when traveling with bulky triathlon equipment. Additionally, accommodation for multiple days is often necessary, as races require participants to arrive in advance for preparation. Race entry fees themselves can be significant, particularly for high-profile events such as regionals and nationals. Other expenses include meals, the cost of kits, bike transport, and lodging. Nationals will again be in Mississippi which costs about $1000 per athlete to travel and participate. Racing at Triathlon Club Nationals is an incredible experience that brings together top collegiate talent from across the country, and we want to give as many SDSU athletes as possible the opportunity to compete, represent our school, and be part of that unforgettable event. These athletes are training tirelessly, and this race is a significant opportunity for them to showcase their hard work and dedication
A main goal for the club this year is to expand the roster by making the sport more accessible to new athletes. To achieve this, we’re seeking funding to build a supply of shared equipment—such as bikes, wetsuits, and other essentials—that can be loaned to incoming members who may not have the means to purchase their own. By removing financial barriers, we aim to grow a more inclusive and competitive team.
Together, these costs create a substantial financial burden, highlighting the need for careful budgeting and, often, external funding to make participation possible. With your generous support, we can ensure that our team has the resources they need to compete at their best, represent our community, and achieve their goals on a larger stage. Your tax-deductible contribution will make a direct impact on their success and the growth of our athletic program!
