We have lots of opportunities to volunteer. We especially need help setting up flags around the venue for the day of the race.
Please contact Leon Wolek at leonstriathlon@aol.com or Megan Goodan at mgoodan@southshorecva.com with any questions or if you or your organization would like to volunteer.
Register to Race
We will have Leon’s Heroes Obstacle Course Race on Sunday, September 11, 2022 at Indiana Dunes National Park. All apparel that you receive in connection to these races are proudly 100% American made. Sign up for our race!
Registration is now open. Opening ceremony starts at 9:30am and the event starts at 10:00am.
Are You A Jeep Or Ram Enthusiast?
Join Us For Our Sept. 11 Race!
Both Jeeps and Rams play a vital role in the lives of our military and first responders. Jeeps have a storied past in the military that began back in 1940. And, earlier this year, Ram trucks announced their “Built to Serve” trucks which honor our firefighters, police officers, and emergency medical service providers.
We also know how much Jeep and Ram owners love their vehicles! Sign Up for Our “Most Patriotic” Jeep or Ram Contest!
With this in mind, we wanted to extend a special invitation to Jeep and Ram owners to come out to our Sept. 11 race. You can either participate in the race or simply come out to show your support of our military, veterans, and first responders. This is a family-friendly and dog-friendly event, so load up your Jeep or Ram and join us for a day you will never forget! Join us for an epic chance to show your support. We are looking for the most patriotic Jeeps or Rams for our Sept. 11 race. Sign up today by clicking the link below.
Are You A Dog Lover?
Check Out Our Sept. 11 Race!
This year, we have added special canine events to our Sept. 11 race. We know how much our dogs mean to us and the military and first responders. These new events will accommodate dogs and their owners! They have been created with input from knowledgeable people who work with dogs.
So, bring your pup out and join us for some fun!
We will have vets on site to make sure all the dogs are safe and well-cared for. We will even have kiddie pools to make sure they are kept cool. And, a very special thanks to the MAAC Foundation for their support in this endeavor.
Thank you U.S. Veteran Reserve Corps!
Leon’s would like to offer a special thank you to the U.S. Veteran Reserve Corps. Their dedication to our races, as well as to this country, simply highlight who they are. Originally formed back in 1863 as the Invalid Corps, the men and women who are part of the U.S. Veteran Reserves, consists of those who have served honorably and steadfastly in, or retried from, the U.S. Armed Forces, federal, state, and local governments, as well as civilians with specialized professional skills, all of whom share an earnest desire to serve their communities and country.
Their rich and storied past includes guarding over the body of President Lincoln on his final journey to Springfield, Illinois. (See photo below.) They are part of the fabric of Leon’s races, and who they are and what they do links to the heart of the races themselves. We are honored by your friendship and dedication. You can learn more about the U.S. Veteran Reserve Corps by clicking here.
National Broadcast Documentary
We are honored to present to you the National Broadcast Documentary for 2021. Take some time to watch this broadcast, we think you will be blessed by it and glad that you watched it.
K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry
We are pleased to announce our partnership with the LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs. It is a national human-care ministry embracing the unique, calming nature and stills of purebred Golden Retrievers. They are doing amazing work with our military and veterans. Learn more by clicking their logos below.
Introducing Leon’s Heroes
Leon’s Heroes is an organization that is a new branch of Leon’s Triathlon. Leon’s Heroes aims to promote patriotism and honor the U.S. Military, Veterans, First Responders and Law Enforcement.
Leon’s Heroes are the men and women who put their lives on the line to defend our nation and constitution. We aim to create a feel of patriotism anywhere we go.
Read More
The first Leon’s Triathlons were held in Leon’s hometown of Hobart IN, at the Isaac Walton, just off of I-65. The Wolek family attended many triathlons with Leon as a participant. While attending the events, they promoted Leon’s Triathlon. Leon’s Triathlon grew year after year until it outgrew the Isaac Walton. Fortunately, they were invited by Mayor Tom McDermott Sr. to host Leon’s Triathlon in Hammond at Wolf Lake to accommodate the continued growth. The family worked very closely with the Cities, Counties and State to set the standard in the sport.
Leon and his family noticed that all of the major events focused on the pros and not the amateurs. They thought the amateurs needed to be showcased, so they pioneered the First National Amateur Championship, which to this day continues in the sport. They also hosted one of the First Military Championships in the sport. Both were televised on ESPN worldwide and had Military flyovers after the singing of the National Anthem. Because of its completely closed course, the closing of a six lane freeway, and all three events starting and finishing at the same staging area, Leon’s Triathlon came to be known as the fastest triathlon in the world.
Because of economic development and political changes, there were some challenges that resulted in the racecourse logistics. The Wolek family felt it was time to retire the Leon’s Triathlon’s.
Throughout the next 15 years people wrote, called and emailed asking when Leon’s Triathlon would be back.
Leon finally decided to request a meeting with the current Mayor of Hammond, Tom McDermott Jr. Because of the support from his father, Mayor McDermott Sr., his son grew up knowing all about Leon’s Triathlon. Like his father he gave his support and after a 15 year hiatus, Leon’s is back.
In 2021 Leon added an obstacle course race to honor the 20th anniversary of the September 11th attacks on our country. With the addition of the obstacle course race, we have rebranded the triathlon to include the sister obstacle course race, and we are moving forward as Leon’s Heroes.
While growing up Leon didn’t have Superman or Batman as a hero, it was his father and military buddies at the American Legion Post 454 in New Chicago, IN who inspired him. Leon’s Heroes are the men and women who put their lives on the line to defend our nation and constitution. We aim to create a feel of patriotism anywhere we go.
While working on promoting the first annual obstacle course race, Leon befriended Vern at Chesterton Brewery, Veteran’s Brewing for Veteran’s, and Leon’s Heroes American IPA was born.
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.
Chesterton Brewery Partnership
We are so excited to announce our new collaboration with Chesterton Brewery. They have created a new American IPA that was released on Friday, September 10, 2021 in honor of our heroes.
United Steelworkers Partnership
We would like to extend a heart-felt thank you to our friends at United Steelworkers Local 6787. We are grateful for your support in our work.
Our Sponsors
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!
Volunteer
Help make a difference in the life of a Veteran- volunteer for Leon’s Triathlon!
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