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.
Military Reunion Race
In 1997 the Armed Forces Sports Committee decided to conduct Military Triathlon Championships within their own event programs. The annual race which was redesignated as the “Armed Forces Triathlon Championships” allows each service to send their best active-duty triathletes to race for the opportunity to qualify for the US Armed Forces Team and compete at the Military Triathlon World Championships. The Armed Forces Championship race became “Draft Legal” racing to meet Olympic and World Triathlon requirements in 2005.
This year, USA Triathlon has for the first time titled a Military and First Responder National Championship and Leon’s Triathlon will be the designated event for 2021. Special awards will be presented to the top three Active Duty and top three Veteran / Retired finishers. Athletes will start in their own age-groups or small / individual starts if required depending on race day protocol.
The Military Reunion was created as a way to bring together the original military participants along with other active duty, retired, and veterans to share in camaraderie and sport.
Consider following Leon’s Triathlon Military Reunion group page for information on the event, photos of previous years races and an easy way for participants to collaborate and reacquaint with former athletes.
Triathlete Magazine Article – October 1996
