Community

07 Mar

Posted at 13:04h in Community, News

Dear Athlete, This is your chance! You're invited to race the fifth edition of USA Triathlon's Military & First Responders National Championships on Sunday, June 1, as part of Leon's Triathlon in Hammond, Indiana! Located just 30 minutes outside of Chicago, Leon's Triathlon was founded in 1983 to honor and support Military, Veterans and First Responders who have given their best for our country. Coined "America's Race," the Leon's Triathlon team has built a spirit of community and commitment to give back to those who serve! You can race the Sprint Distance triathlon (500-meter swim, 11.6-mile bike, 5-kilometer run) or the Olympic Distance triathlon (1,500-meter swim, 23.2-mile bike, 10-kilometer run). No qualification is required! Discover all award categories here. Have a furry friend? Leon's Canine Triathlon is a tribute to the dedication and courage of service dogs and their handlers! Join the race with your friend or show up to share your support while they enjoy a day of excitement, community and inspiration! Not in the military? Members of the community who have not served, but would love to show their pride for the USA are invited to register, in addition to active duty and retired military, police, fire and EMS personnel! Additionally, Leon’s Triathlon is...

03 Feb

Posted at 09:59h in Community, News

US Veterans and Gold Star Families can now enjoy a free lifetime pass to over 2,000 national parks, wildlife refuges, and public lands. From the majestic peaks of the Rockies, the unique red rock landscapes in the Southwest, to the serene beauty of the Indiana Dunes along the South Shore of Lake Michigan, this pass provides free entrance for those who have served and their families to America’s most treasured and iconic landscapes. Whether hiking, camping or simply enjoying nature, the lifetime pass is a small token of gratitude for their service and sacrifice. For more information, visit NPS.gov. https://youtu.be/oWCxBz8Ht_0?si=vEhySJrYb1i72gyk...

11 Nov

Posted at 14:43h in Community, News

Be a Part of Triathlon History     What is it? We’re excited to announce the Chicagoland Tri-Series is here! Join in a new tri-state triathlon challenge to complete the “BEST OF THE MIDWEST” triathlon experiences at Leon’s Triathlon, the Pleasant Prairie Triathlon, and the Chicago Triathlon! Start your season at one of the unique and patriotic races in the country at LEON’S TRIATHLON, which also serves as the exciting MILITARY & FIRST RESPONDER’S NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS. Then continue your racing season at the midwest’s most popular SPRINT or OLYMPIC distance events, including STATE CHAMPIONSHIPS where age group, high school, and club triathletes can win state titles at both the PLEASANT PRAIRIE TRIATHLON and CHICAGO TRIATHLON! As an added bonus, the USA Triathlon (USAT) national and state championships provide an opportunity for a higher percentage of finishers to qualify for the USAT AGE GROUP NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS which is coming back to Milwaukee, WI in 2025 and 2026! Learn more at https://www.usatriathlon.org/2025-sprint-and-olympic-nationals The primary goal of the “CHICAGOLAND TRI-SERIES” (CTS) is participation - to motivate, accelerate, and celebrate triathlon becoming more accessible and fun for athletes of all ages and ability levels! All three races have historically been recognized as some of the three largest ADAPTIVE & PARA TRIATHLON...

05 Nov

Posted at 12:21h in Community, News

Veterans at West Beach B-Roll & Photos. Capture the spirit and dedication of Veterans at the stunning West Beach in our latest B-roll and photo highlights from Leon's Triathlon! This special tribute captures the resilience, strength, and commitment of our Veterans as they tackle each challenge at the Indiana Dunes. From the race’s starting line to the scenic paths along the shoreline, these powerful images show the determination and camaraderie that defines Leon’s Triathlon. Join us in honoring those who have served—stay tuned for more on this unforgettable tribute to our heroes. To see all the photos, click here....

31 Oct

Posted at 09:55h in Community, News

Thank you, High Star Traffic.   Thank you, High Star Traffic, for being such a great friend and supporter of Leon’s Heroes. Your unwavering commitment to our events that honor and support our military, veterans, and first responders has been invaluable. Your dedication and generosity make a real difference in the lives of those who have served our country, and we are deeply grateful for your continued partnership....

31 Oct

Posted at 09:52h in Community, News

Thank you, BP. We are deeply grateful to BP for their steadfast friendship and unwavering support of Leon’s. Their partnership means the world to us, and we truly appreciate their continued commitment to our shared goals. Thank you, BP, for being such an important part of our journey....

31 Oct

Posted at 09:03h in Community, News

A Special Thank You We wanted to share a couple spectacular photos of the flags Leon’s Heroes (Leon personally greeted us) put up at the Indiana Dunes National Park. My wife and I were I on a short trip from Indianapolis to Chicago this past weekend and stopped to see the dunes and encountered this amazing site. We were so honored and humbled by the display and what the flag means to so many. We were further floored to meet Leon and be fully embraced in the love and passion he has for the entire meaning of the flag. Thank you for sharing your story and your efforts so that we may all enjoy the beauty of your hard work. Blessings, Pat Kress ...

31 Oct

Posted at 08:54h in Community, News

A Heartfelt Thanks to the Navy Sea Cadets and 9/11 Survivor Don Bacso [embed]https://youtu.be/5hDBTSQzthI[/embed] We are deeply humbled and honored to have witnessed a profound moment at this year’s Obstacle Course event, where the Navy Sea Cadets had the privilege of escorting 9/11 survivor Don Bacso. This powerful gesture brought together two generations—the older, who have lived through history’s most defining moments, and the younger, who are committed to carrying forward the torch of remembrance, healing, and service to our nation. It is moving to realize that these Sea Cadets, at just 16 and 17 years old, are the same age as many from the Greatest Generation who stormed the beaches of Normandy. Their commitment and willingness to serve their country at such a young age is a legacy we must never forget, one we must always honor. In uniting the past and the future, the Sea Cadets, alongside Mr. Bacso, remind us of the sacred duty we have to honor our history, our military, and our first responders. They represent the heart of this event—the healing, the education, and the dedication to preserving the stories and sacrifices that have shaped our nation. We are forever grateful to the Navy Sea Cadets and Mr. Bacso...

30 Oct

Posted at 15:29h in Community, News

Honoring September 11: A Time of Reflection and Gratitude As we reflect on September 11, we remember the sacrifices and bravery of so many on that day. This year’s Obstacle Course Race was held in remembrance of those who gave everything, and we were deeply honored to have a BlackHawk at our VIP Race Reception and a military jet flyover during the event. Despite facing bad weather, just like our military and the Greatest Generation, we did not give up. We stayed humble and kept going. This is the spirit that got our country where it is today, and it was a true testament to the resilience we strive to honor. The experience in person is truly remarkable—standing at the Indiana Dunes National Park, surrounded by breathtaking landscapes, the presence of our nation’s heroes, and the spirit of camaraderie creates an unforgettable atmosphere. It’s more than just a race; it’s a chance to feel the profound impact of honoring September 11 in a way that touches the heart. We would also like to extend a special thanks to the ROTC and the Navy Sea Cadets for all their invaluable help in making this event possible. Their dedication and support remind us of the...

26 Oct

Posted at 13:17h in Community, News

Check out our latest video from Leon's Triathlon 2024, famously known as America's Race! From start to finish, this year's event was filled with incredible moments, inspiring athletes, and unforgettable memories. Whether you participated, volunteered, or cheered from the sidelines, this video is for you! 🎥 Watch now and relive the excitement of Leon's Triathlon 2024! Let's celebrate the spirit of perseverance and community that makes this race so special. https://youtu.be/veAvnbB0o4s...