Registration Opens for 33rd Annual Katy Triathlon, a Race That Helps Local Students Cross Their Own Finish Lines
For more than three decades, the Katy Triathlon has given local athletes a reason to swim, ride and run with purpose. Registration is now open for the 33rd annual event, set for Sunday, Sept. 6, 2026, at The Katy Boardwalk.
Behind the competition, finisher medals and post-race celebration is a mission that reaches well beyond the course. The Rotary Club of Katy uses the event’s net proceeds to provide need-based and character scholarships for graduating Katy ISD seniors, helping local students take their next steps toward college and career goals.
The Rotary Club takes no administrative or management fees from the Katy Triathlon. After third-party event expenses are paid, the remaining proceeds support scholarships. Organizers report that the race has helped fund more than $771,500 in scholarships, along with a $175,000 endowment with Katy ISD that supports the district’s Dual Credit Program.
Three Race Options Welcome Different Types of Athletes
The 2026 Katy Triathlon will offer three ways to compete, opening the event to traditional triathletes as well as athletes who prefer to skip either the swimming or running portion.
The full triathlon includes a 500-meter open-water swim, a 12-mile bicycle course and a 3-mile run.
The duathlon begins with a 2-mile run, followed by a 12-mile bicycle ride and a 3-mile run. The aquabike division features the 500-meter open-water swim and 12-mile bicycle course without the final running segment.
Triathlon entrants may compete individually or as part of a relay. Relay divisions include three-person men’s, women’s and mixed teams, as well as two-person teams in which one participant completes two portions of the race.
Age-group divisions begin at 14 and younger and continue in five-year increments through age 80 and older. The event also includes a Clydesdale division for men weighing at least 220 pounds and an Athena division for women weighing at least 165 pounds. Men’s and women’s divisions are available for both the duathlon and aquabike.
Registration Prices Increase as Race Day Approaches
Individual registration is $95 through June 30, while relay registration is $115. From July 1 through Aug. 1, prices increase to $105 for individuals and $125 for relay teams.
The final registration period runs from Aug. 2 through Aug. 30, with entry fees of $130 for individuals and $150 for relays.
Under USA Triathlon rules, registrations are nonrefundable and cannot be transferred.
Race-Day Schedule and Swim Waves
The Katy Boardwalk is located at 24566 Kingsland Blvd, Katy, TX 77493. The transition area is scheduled to open at 5:15 a.m. and close at 6:30 a.m.
Published swim-wave times begin at 6:45 a.m., with groups entering the water in scheduled intervals:
- 6:45 a.m.: Men ages 20–29, white caps
- 6:49 a.m.: Women ages 40 and older, yellow caps
- 6:53 a.m.: Men ages 40–49, red caps
- 6:57 a.m.: Women ages 30–39, green caps
- 7:01 a.m.: Clydesdale and Athena divisions, purple caps
- 7:05 a.m.: Women ages 20–29, blue caps
- 7:09 a.m.: Men ages 50 and older, black caps
- 7:13 a.m.: Men ages 30–39, pink caps
- 7:17 a.m.: Athletes ages 19 and younger, three-person relays, aquabike competitors and two-person relays, silver caps
The event information also lists a 7:30 a.m. start time. Registered athletes should review their final race instructions and assigned wave information before arriving.
Parking will be available on the south side of Katy Mills Mall, with additional details expected in participant instructions.
Packet Pickup Is Required Before Race Day
Athletes must collect their race materials before Sunday because there will be no race-day packet pickup.
Packet pickup will be held at the Memorial Hermann Sports Complex in Katy from 6:30 to 9 p.m. Friday, Sept. 4, and from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 5. Organizers have emphasized that no exceptions will be made for race-day pickup.
Participants traveling to Katy may also reserve accommodations through the event’s room block at the Courtyard by Marriott Katy Mills. The preferred group rate is available for stays from Sept. 5 through Sept. 8 and includes complimentary parking.
Awards, Amenities and a Post-Race Celebration
Triathlon competitors ages 12 through 39 will be eligible for overall male and female awards. Separate overall awards will recognize male and female masters competitors ages 40 through 59 and grandmasters competitors ages 60 and older.
The top three men and women in each triathlon age group will receive awards, along with the top three Clydesdale and Athena competitors. Awards will also go to the top three male, female, mixed and two-person relay teams.
The duathlon will recognize the top three men and women, while aquabike awards will go to the top two male and female finishers. The Katy Triathlon is also a USA Triathlon qualifier for the top 15% of competitors in eligible age groups.
Race amenities include a dry-FIT shirt, drawstring bag, sweat towel, downloadable event photographs, chip timing and a finisher medal. After crossing the finish line, participants can gather for a post-race party featuring a DJ, music and snacks.
Eight Decades of Service in Katy
Founded in 1946, the Rotary Club of Katy marked its 80th anniversary in 2026. The organization brings together local business and professional leaders who support Katy-area students, families and nonprofit organizations through scholarships, grants, fundraising events and hands-on service projects.
Education has remained a central part of that work. In addition to the Katy Triathlon, scholarship funding has been supported through Rotary events such as the Katy Rice Harvest Festival and Wild West Brewfest. The club awarded more than $100,000 to Katy ISD graduates in 2026, following a $125,000 scholarship presentation to 23 seniors in 2025.
That history gives the Katy Triathlon a significance that is easy to miss from the sidelines. A registration does more than secure an athlete’s place at the starting line. It contributes to a community-supported path for Katy ISD students who may need financial help to continue their education.
Sponsors and Race Leadership
Memorial Hermann Katy is the presenting sponsor of the 2026 Katy Triathlon, with Houston Methodist West serving as the champion sponsor.
The race leadership team includes Race Director Dave Rainey, Race Chair Callie Kuehler and Sponsorship Chair Teresa Curry. The event also depends on sponsors, volunteers and spectators who help competitors through the early-morning transitions and cheer them toward the finish.
For Katy families, athletes and supporters, the annual race offers a chance to be part of something both competitive and deeply local: a community tradition designed to help students pursue opportunities long after the final participant leaves the course.
Stay tuned to My Neighborhood News for more Katy events supporting the local community.
Tiffany Krenek has been on the My Neighborhood News team since August 2021. She is passionate about curating and sharing content that enriches the lives of our readers in a personal, meaningful way. A loving mother and wife, Tiffany and her family live in the West Houston/Cypress region.
