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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.

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.

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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.

Attend Our Viewing Party

We are having a documentary viewing on Thursday, November 11. Won’t you join us? You are invited to attend a viewing party of the nationally broadcast documentary. Learn more by clicking on the flyer.

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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.

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!

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Testimonials

  • “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)

  • “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)

  • “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)

  • “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)