About America's Race
Hosted each June in Northwest Indiana, just 20 minutes from downtown Chicago, the event is known to be incredibly fast thanks to a flat and traffic-free course.
Leon’s Triathlon pioneered the first National Amateur Championship, which to this day continues in the sport and is governed by the USA Triathlon Federation. Leon’s also hosted one of the First Military Championships in the sport in 1996. Both were televised on ESPN worldwide.
Leon Wolek with his mom, Julie.
About Leon’s Triathlon
We do all we can to maintain both the high standards you are accustomed to, while making the price affordable. Start your triathlon season with America’s Race—Leon’s Triathlon—and save when you register for 2025! Just 30 minutes from downtown Chicago, this iconic event offers a calm swim in Wolf Lake (~69°F), a smooth bike course on a memorial highway, and a scenic run lined with over 1,000 American flags. Perfect for first-timers, the race features a supportive atmosphere, inspiring military participants, and a patriotic finish line. Kick off your season here and finish with the legendary Chicago Triathlon!
Swim
The Swim Course is held in Hammond’s Wolf Lake, allowing athletes to compete in open water without worrying about any possible waves or currents.
Bike
The Bike Course is a newly paved traffic free bike course on a gold star memorial highway, giving athletes the chance to focus on fast bike splits.
Run
And, we save the best for last with a super flat and breathtaking Run Course around beautiful Wolf Lake.
Canines
Race with your dog. For those interested, we have added a canine version of the race to our events.
Leon’s Triathlon History
Leon and his family noticed that all 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, known as America’s Race. Like his father he gave his support and after a 15-year hiatus, Leon’s is back.
2021 Obstacle Course Race
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 whom 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.
10 Things to Know About America’s Race
- The Chicago Skyway gets one from downtown Chicago in under 30 minutes to complimentary parking courtesy of the event.
- The tradition of old school work ethics and patriotism woven into every fabric of the event celebrating the 40th anniversary.
- Truly one of the very few para friendly triathlons in America with a significant number of our heroes.
- A great experience for Chicago land triathlon enthusiasts.
- Fee includes American made, union printed, military grade event apparel.
- Volunteers available before, during, and after event to assist.
- Opening ceremonies include the Chicago Police, other military organizations, and law enforcement agencies including one of the largest American flags being held by patriots from the public and organizations showing unity of America.
- Conveniently located to nearby Gary/Chicago International Airport and Chicago’s Midway Airport.
- The production staff, that produced coverage for NBC Sports Chicago, got it right when they said they earned the title AMERICA’S RACE.
- We are humbled and honored to work with our long time friends at the North America building trades and Helmets to Hardhats launching the Industrial Athletes Championship.
Join the Race or Volunteer
Be part of Leon’s Triathlon and experience the thrill of America’s Race! Whether you’re competing or cheering from the sidelines, your presence makes a difference. Register today to secure your spot or sign up to volunteer and support our athletes.
