Nantucket Triathlon 2026: Race Day, Course and Spectator Guide
Each summer, athletes gather at Jetties Beach for one of Nantucket’s most anticipated sporting events. The Nantucket Triathlon returns on Saturday, July 18, 2026, bringing participants and spectators together for an early-morning swim, bike and run through some of the island’s most recognizable coastal scenery.
The sprint-distance event begins at 6:30 a.m. at Jetties Beach, located at 4 Bathing Beach Road. The course includes a 450-yard swim, a 13.5-mile bike ride and a 3.4-mile run. The 2026 race field is sold out, and the event’s waitlist has closed because of limited availability.
Nantucket Triathlon 2026 at a Glance
Date: Saturday, July 18, 2026
Race start: 6:30 a.m.
Location: Jetties Beach, 4 Bathing Beach Road
Swim: 450 yards
Bike: 13.5 miles
Run: 3.4 miles
Registration: Sold out; waitlist closed
Post-race party: 10:00 a.m. at Cisco Brewers; tickets required
A Nantucket Summer Tradition
The Nantucket Triathlon was founded in 2009 by year-round island resident Jamie Ranney and his college friend Bill Burnett. What began as their vision for a destination race has grown into an annual Nantucket summer tradition that welcomes athletes from across the country.
With an open-water swim, a bike route toward Madaket and a run through the streets near Town, the race combines competition with a distinctly Nantucket setting. Volunteers, residents and spectators stationed throughout the course help create the supportive community atmosphere for which the event has become known.
Nantucket Triathlon Weekend Schedule
Race weekend begins on Friday, July 17, when all athletes must attend packet pickup between 4:00 and 8:00 p.m. Bikes must be placed in the transition area by 8:30 p.m., where security will remain overnight.
On Saturday morning, Bathing Beach Road closes to vehicle traffic at 5:00 a.m. The transition area opens at 5:15 a.m. and closes at 6:10 a.m., followed by the mandatory pre-race meeting and National Anthem at 6:15 a.m. The race begins at 6:30 a.m.
The transition area is expected to reopen at approximately 8:45 a.m., with the awards ceremony scheduled for approximately 9:00 a.m. The post-race celebration begins at Cisco Brewers at 10:00 a.m. and requires a separate ticket.
Nantucket Triathlon Course
450-Yard Swim
The race begins with a 450-yard open-water swim at Jetties Beach. Athletes are grouped by age and enter the water two at a time at five-second intervals. The start is self-seeded according to swimming ability.
Water temperatures are generally expected to be in the low 70s, and wetsuits are optional. After completing the swim, athletes exit the water and run toward the transition area in the upper parking lot near the tennis courts.
13.5-Mile Bike Ride
From Jetties, athletes begin a 13.5-mile out-and-back ride toward Madaket before returning to the transition area. Riders are required to remain single file except when passing and should stay alert as they travel through several intersections along the route.
3.4-Mile Run
The final portion of the race is a 3.4-mile run beginning and ending near Jetties Beach. The route passes through nearby Nantucket streets before directing competitors toward the finish chute.
There are several locations where runners and cyclists may overlap. Police officers, volunteers and race signage will be positioned at these intersections to direct athletes and manage the course.
Watching the Nantucket Triathlon
Spectators are welcome to cheer on competitors from designated areas near Jetties Beach and along the course. Because parking is extremely limited and several nearby roads will be closed, spectators are encouraged to walk, bike or use the WAVE shuttle when possible.
Bathing Beach Road will be closed to vehicles from 5:00 to 11:00 a.m. Madaket Road will be closed along the race route from 6:30 to 8:00 a.m., while portions of Cliff Road will remain closed until approximately 8:30 a.m. Additional temporary closures will affect streets around Brant Point and Town.
Visitors catching an early ferry should note that both Madaket Road and Cliff Road are expected to remain open until 6:30 a.m.
Supporting the Nantucket Community
The Nantucket Triathlon also supports initiatives benefiting the island’s year-round community. For 2026, athletes and supporters are helping fund the Henry W. Fee Jr. Memorial Scholarship, which assists a Nantucket High School graduate interested in contributing to the island’s workforce or small-business community.
This community focus, combined with the energy of race morning and the beauty of the course, has helped make the Nantucket Triathlon an enduring part of the island’s summer calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the 2026 Nantucket Triathlon?
The race takes place on Saturday, July 18, 2026, beginning at 6:30 a.m.
Where does the Nantucket Triathlon begin?
The swim, transition area and finish are located at Jetties Beach at 4 Bathing Beach Road.
How long is the Nantucket Triathlon?
The sprint-distance course consists of a 450-yard swim, a 13.5-mile bike ride and a 3.4-mile run.
Can I still register for the 2026 race?
No. The 2026 race is sold out, and the waitlist has closed. Prospective athletes can join the event’s mailing list for information about the 2027 race.
Is there parking at Jetties Beach on race morning?
No race-day parking is available on roads leading to Jetties Beach. Spectators are encouraged to walk, bike or use public transportation.