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September 11, 2021

OCR NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP

Run American’s Race on September 11th at National Park’s West Beach. This event is part of a national recognition of the 20th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks and honors our military veterans and first responders.

Very Proud to
Partner With

NEVER FORGET – WE HONOR OUR MILITARY

“I was humbled to attend the 2021 Leon’s Triathlon. The dedication and strength visible in hundreds of veterans who have sacrificed so much for their country, their community and their neighbors made me proud to call them brothers and sisters. Their motivation shows to the rest of us that we can do anything and do it well if we dedicate ourselves to that task. I have each of the triathletes in my prayers that they may finish the race every day of their lives.”

Thank you,

Dennis A. Wimer
Director
Indiana Department
of Veterans Affairs

A VERY SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT

The Freedom Artist – Mark Paul John

We are so excited and honored to share with you that we will be unveiling new artwork being created explicitly for our September 11 race by Mark Paul John. Mark is known as the Freedom Artist, and he is currently hard at work on this new piece. It is certain to be breath-taking and humbling. 

Mark Paul John is a self-taught artist, born and raised on the south side of Chicago. He is best known for creating a charcoal drawing of three FDNY firefighters hoisting up the American flag after the attacks in NYC at ground zero on 9-11-2001. This is known as “American Pride.” He has donated prints of his “American Pride” drawing to firehouses, police departments, military installations and worthy charitable organizations across the world. 

We would like to say a heartfelt “Thank You” to Mark Paul John for donating his time and talent to be a part of our September 11 race. We are humbled and grateful for your friendship and servant heart.

Here is a preview of what is coming!

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Hammer Nutrition Partnership

Leon’s is grateful for our partnership with Hammer Nutrition. This partnership goes back many, many years. Hammer Nutrition is an endurance sports nutrition company founded in 1987 by Brian Frank.

 

Hammer Nutrition provides unparalleled products, knowledge, and service to health conscious athletes all over the world. Over the years, the product line has grown from fuels & supplements to now include clothing, body care products, EMS units, accessories, and more.

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Chesterton Brewery Partnership

We are so excited to announce our new collaboration with Chesterton Brewery. They have created a new American IPA to be released on Friday, September 10 in honor of our heroes.

TEAM RWB

Part of the Sept.11 Race

At the crossroads of America, an inspiring event will occur in conjunction with Leon’s Triathlon, Team Red, White & Blue, and the Indiana Dunes National Park.

INDIANA DUNES NATIONAL PARK

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Our Sponsors

 

  • Northwest Indiana Paddling Association
  • Kuraray
  • NBC Sports Chicago
  • Community Veterans Memorial
  • Home Depot
  • RWB
  • Jeep
  • Team Rubicon
  • Teamsters
  • IBrew Local 697
  • IUPATDC 91
  • American Red Cross
  • Lucas Oil
  • Patriots
  • Rags
  • PR Foundation
  • Road
  • Total Disposal
  • USO
  • Versa Climber
  • Veteran Roasters
  • Walmart
  • WESCO International, Inc.

 

Race Details

Everything you need to know.

Leon’s Triathlon 2021 Military Reunion Race

Doug Marocco and Leon Wolek 1996

Leon’s Triathlon hosted the Military Triathlon National Championships in conjunction with its race from 1994-1996. The best triathletes from the Army, Navy, Air Force and Marine Corps came to represent their service for individual and team honors. Special mention to the 1995 race which served as the qualifier for the inaugural Military World Games held in Rome, Italy to commemorate the 50th Anniversary ending World War II. The gathering was the largest event held outside of the Olympic Games and brought together over 4000 athletes from 93 countries competing in 17 different sports.

Leon’s Mom says “Thank You!”

Attention Law Enforcement

Are you active or retired Law Enforcement? Come join us and compete against fellow sheepdogs!

The BlueLine wave will have its own start for those who choose to race in this group. The wave will have awards for top 3 Male and Female competitors as well as the top 3 Clyds and Athena for both sprint and Olympic distance races.

There will also be a team competition for Law Enforcement race teams. To be part of the Team Cup Challenge (Olympic distance only for 2019) you must have a minimum of 5 (max of 10) sworn members active or retired to be eligible for the BlueLine Cup challenge. Top four times per team will be used. Team BlueLine will sponsor the BlueLine wave and Cup challenge.

This is a great opportunity-please join us!

Leon’s Triathlon and Dare2tri- a Partnership for Injured Veterans

Dare2tri is committed to providing resources and paratriathlon training services to injured service members and veterans with physical disabilities and visual impairments. Dare2tri’s goal is to empower injured service members and veterans through active participation in sport, recreation, competition, and the greater community.

Dare2tri is proud to partner with Leon’s Triathlon to offer an official Dare2tri Race2Raise Team. When you join Dare2tri Race2Raise you get to achieve your own health and wellness goals and support Dare2tri athletes, many of whom are injured military, in achieving their goals. Dare2tri transforms the lives of people with physical disabilities by helping them get active through the sport of triathlon.

 

Set a goal, challenge yourself and while doing so, you make a difference in the lives of injured veterans so they too can set and reach goals.  Race alongside these amazing men and women and support one another on the journey to the finish line!

Get Involved

Get help, or make a difference!

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Volunteer

Help make a difference in the life of a Veteran- volunteer for Leon’s Triathlon!

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Create a Team

Enter the Team Cup Challenge and race with a team!

Presented By

Testimonials

  • “Leon’s triathlon was my first ever triathlon and after that I became addicted. The feeling I got crossing that finish line changed my life and my perspective. It was the start of a whole new chapter in my life. It started me on a path that has opened more doors than I thought possible. Just this year, I became the men’s wheelchair National Champion in paratriathlon. No matter where I go in my racing career I will always be out there at Leon’s Tri.”

    Eric Fife (veteran, SCI)

  • “I've raced in Marathons all over the United States in my racing chair, biked in competitions in Ohio and Michigan and swam short distance at wheelchair Games.  Being able to compete in Leon's Triathlon fulfilled my bucket list to put all those events together in one competition.  There is no other way to express how proud and happy I was to be able to train with fellow veterans at the Dare2tri Military Camp, then go on to complete an OPEN water swim, I was scared to even think about, then bike and push to a cheering crowd then to say - AWESOME.  When I finished, my competition buddy's , Alisha, mom said "You are now a Triathlete "-  I couldn't stop smiling and nodded in enthusiastic agreement.”

    Holly Koester (veteran with Spinal Cord Injury)

  • “As an individual living with a physical disability, my amputation presents challenges and opportunities every day. In 2018, I met the Dare2tri family by chance at Leon’s Triathlon, my second tri ever. That day changed my life in more ways than I could have ever imagined! I was welcomed with open arms full of love, patience, and hospitality. Something that I have never witnessed before at any race or event. This is just the beginning of an amazing story and I am still in chapter one! I will forever be grateful to Dare2tri and my family. I’m always looking for new ways to give back to such an inspirational and loving community!”

    Uriah Steffen (BK amputee, civilian)

  • “Racing at Leon’s tri is like a triathlon dream come true. Everything from the pre race events, the fast and flat course, running along the lake with hundreds of American flags and having Leon himself congratulate you as you cross the finish line. It’s a race I hope to go back to year and year!”

    Melissa Stockwell (AK amputee, veteran, Purple Heart recipient, 2016 Paralympic Bronze Medalist)