Cal Tri Austin & PinkStrong: A Powerful Partnership for First-Time Triathletes
45% First-Timers! How Cal Tri Austin & SBR Fun Events Are Growing the Sport Together Cal Tri Austin & PinkStrong Du Finisher March 30 2025 Kicking Off the Tri Season with Collaboration & Community
Last Sunday’s Athletica Cal Tri Austin at Walter E. Long Lake wasn’t just the start of Texas' multisport season—it was a celebration of new beginnings, community, and collaboration. At SBR Fun Events , we were proud to partner with Cal Tri Events , the nations largest short course producer, to bring our PinkStrong Duathlon into their season opener, creating a unique "race within a race" experience. But what stood out the most? Nearly 45% of participants were first-timers , tackling their very first triathlon or multisport event. That’s what SBR Fun Events and Cal Tri Events are all about—getting more athletes to the start line, breaking down barriers, and making multisport accessible to everyone. A Shared Vision for Growing Multisport
For years, SBR Fun Events has championed women in endurance sports through our PinkStrong Duathlon, traditionally held around the same time as Cal Tri Austin. This year, we saw an exciting opportunity—what if race directors worked together, shared resources, and elevated the athlete experience?
That idea led to a groundbreaking collaboration , with Cal Tri inviting us to host PinkStrong as a special wave within their event . This gave our athletes a chance to experience a larger race atmosphere and a new course , while Cal Tri went above and beyond by donating 100% of our PinkStrong Duathlon revenue back to SBR Fun Events —a generous commitment to supporting our work in the Austin triathlon community. Start of PinkStrong Duathlon Run-Bike-Run wave at Athletica Cal Tri Austin 2025 Making It Work: The Power of Collaboration
Merging our events required flexibility and creative problem-solving. Cal Tri Austin’s standard race distances didn’t perfectly match PinkStrong’s format , but their team worked with us to find solutions that honored our event while integrating seamlessly into theirs. This athlete-first approach was key to making it all come together. Through this collaboration, we saw firsthand what makes Cal Tri Austin stand out:
✅ Exceptional Value – Keeping races affordable without sacrificing quality.
✅ Athlete-First Approach – Offering a pre-race swim/transition clinic, along with flexible transfer & deferral policies. ✅ True Inclusion – With 19 race formats (including PinkStrong!), athletes of all abilities found their perfect challenge. ✅ Commitment to Development – Every participant received 30 days of free AI coaching from Athletica , an incredible training resource. PinkStrong Athlete on the Cal Tri Austin Bike Course Cal Tri Austin - An Unforgettable Race Day
With nearly 500 athletes, ages 7 to 83, representing 30 states and five countries , the energy on race day was undeniable. Whether it was a 7-year-old crossing the finish line of his first sprint triathlon with his dad or a family of five each taking on different race formats , the event proved that multisport is truly for everyone. Our PinkStrong women’s squad, tracking at about 80+ registered athletes, tackled the hilly bike course with grit and determination , supporting each other every step of the way. The fist bumps, high-fives, and finish-line smiles showed that this was more than just a race—it was a celebration of endurance, empowerment, and community . Looking Ahead—Building the Future of Multisport Like any new partnership, there were learning moments and unexpected challenges along the way. But at the heart of it all, the athletes showed up, pushed their limits, and proved why growing multisport participation is so important . We’re grateful for the experience and proud of the community, camaraderie, and opportunities this event created. From first-timers gaining confidence to seasoned racers taking on new challenges , this event was about the athletes—and that’s what truly matters . A huge thank you to Cal Tri Events for opening the door to new possibilities and to Athletica for bringing the energy and coaching support. 🚴♀️🏊♂️🏃♀️ Here’s to more partnerships, more growth, and more incredible race experiences ahead!
