The Sandman Triathlon & Duathlon

06/08/2026

Dive in, Race Hard, and Support Our Future Lifeguards!

🌊 Racing with a Purpose
Every single registration helps support local Junior Lifeguard programs. These incredible youth development programs teach kids invaluable skills in ocean safety, physical fitness, first aid, and teamwork. By racing the Sandman, you are directly investing in the next generation of first responders and ocean stewards who keep our beaches safe.

Expect to see some of these amazing Junior Guards out on the course, bringing the energy, volunteering at aid stations, and cheering you all the way to the sand!

🗓️ Event Details & Highlights:
The Course: A breathtaking ocean swim, a fast and scenic bike leg, and a thrilling beach finish.

Divisions: Options for all levels, including individual sprint distances and relay teams.
Not ready to swim? We also have a duathlon option.

The Impact: A portion of all event proceeds goes directly to funding equipment, scholarships, and training for local Junior Lifeguard chapters.

🎒 Spots are filling up fast!
Don't wait until the price increases or the field sells out. Secure your spot on the start line today, support an incredible cause, and let's make this year's Sandman Triathlon the best one yet.

https://runsignup.com/Race/CA/Aptos/SandmanTri

The Sandman Tri is on Sunday August 23, 2026. It includes the following events: Sandman Tri, Sandman Duathlon, and Sandman Team.

05/25/2026

🌊 Race in Paradise, Support a Great Cause! 🏊‍♂️🚴‍♂️🏃‍♂️

Looking for your next finish line? Imagine diving into the Monterey Bay, cycling along the coast, and running on the sand with the iconic SS Palo Alto concrete ship in the background.

The Sandman Triathlon at Seacliff State Beach is one of the most scenic courses in Northern California—but it’s more than just a beautiful race.

Every single registration helps fund:

Local Junior Lifeguard Programs

Youth Water Safety Education

Scholarships for kids who wouldn't otherwise have access to ocean safety training.

Whether you're hitting the full Tri, taking on the Duathlon, or teaming up with your best training partners, you’re racing for a healthier, safer community.

Spots are filling up fast for this August. Grab yours today and race with purpose!

👉 Register Now: https://runsignup.com/Race/CA/Aptos/SandmanTri

The Sandman Tri is on Sunday August 23, 2026. It includes the following events: Sandman Tri, Sandman Duathlon, and Sandman Team.

05/14/2026

The Clock is Ticking: Beat the Price Jump!
We know you’ve been thinking about it. You’ve seen the posts, you’ve checked the course map, and you’ve felt that itch to test yourself against the elements.

Now is the time to commit. Registration is live, but the current rates won't last forever.

Price Increase: May 31st
The countdown is on. You have until midnight on May 31st to lock in the current registration tier. After that, the price goes up.

Why pay more later for the same finish line feeling? Secure your spot now and put that extra cash toward your post-race celebration.

💪 Why Wait?
Accountability: Nothing fuels a training block like a race on the calendar.

Peace of Mind: Avoid the last-minute rush and ensure your shirt size is reserved.

The Challenge: The Sandman is a unique beast. Ocean, trail, and sand—it’s the ultimate way to prove your grit.

Your Path to the Finish Line :
Sign Up: Click the link below.
Train: Embrace the sand.
Conquer: Cross the line and claim your medal.

👉 REGISTER HERE:https://runsignup.com/Race/CA/Aptos/SandmanTri

Don't let the May 31st deadline slip by. Join us for an unforgettable morning on the coast!

The Sandman Tri is on Sunday August 23, 2026. It includes the following events: Sandman Tri, Sandman Duathlon, and Sandman Team.

04/29/2026

Summer PRs are earned in the spring. ☀️👟

While the Sandman Triathlon might feel like a lifetime away, your performance on race day depends on the work you do right now. Spring is the "Goldilocks" season for training: the weather is mild, the days are getting longer, and you have time to build a solid base without the risk of mid-summer burnout.

Why start training now?

Injury Prevention: Gradually building volume now prevents panic training in July.

Technique Focus: Use these months to dial in your swim stroke and bike handling.

Heat Adaptation: Let your body adjust to rising temperatures naturally as the season shifts.

Don't wait for the heatwave to start your engine. Let’s get to work! 🏊‍♂️🚴‍♂️🏃‍♂️

Registration is LIVE! 🚨
Head to https://runsignup.com/Race/CA/Aptos/SandmanTri to secure your spot on the start list. Don't wait until the sun is at its peak to start your engine—sign up today and make 2026 your strongest season yet!

04/14/2026

Sandman 2026: The countdown is ON!
Thinking about doing your first triathlon? There is no better place to start than the Sandman at Seacliff State Beach. It’s scenic, beginner-friendly, and has an atmosphere like no other.

Pro-Tip for First-Timers: Don’t overcomplicate your gear! You don’t need a $5,000 bike to be a triathlete. Focus on getting comfortable in your wetsuit and practicing your "transitions" (the swap between swim-to-bike and bike-to-run). A little practice in the backyard goes a long way!

!!!Registration is officially open!!!
https://runsignup.com/Race/CA/Aptos/SandmanTri

Spots for this local favorite fill up fast, so set your alarms and get ready to join the Sandman family.

Who’s joining me on the start line? 👇

02/12/2026

🌊 From "Terrified" to "Triumphant!"
We know that first-race jitters are real—especially when it comes to the open water. But at the Sandman Triathlon, we turn that fear into a landmark achievement (literally!).

Check out what one of our incredible first-timers had to say about their experience:

"I was terrified of the ocean swim until I saw the Cement Ship. It’s a landmark!"

Why Swim With Us?
Whether you're a seasoned pro or diving into your very first triathlon, our course is designed to keep you focused and motivated. Having the iconic Cement Ship as your North Star makes the swim manageable, memorable, and—most importantly—fun.

🗓️ Event Details
Race Date: August 23, 20206

Location: Seacliff State Beach

Distances: Sprint

🚀 Join the Finish Line Club
Don't let the "what-ifs" hold you back. Join a community that cheers for the last finisher just as loud as the first.

Link to Register coming soon

02/03/2026

Built on Sand, Salt, and Spirit. 🌊
Since 1985, the Aptos fitness legacy hasn’t just been about personal bests—it’s been about the community that shows up on the sand at 8:00 AM. From the first splash at the Sandman to the miles through Rio Del Mar, we’ve been here building a healthier Aptos for nearly 40 years.

Be part of the legacy that defined the Santa Cruz triathlon scene. Join us and find your strength where the cliff meets the sea.

01/20/2026

We’re gearing up for the Sandman Triathlon! We aren't just racing for medals; we're racing to ensure our local kids have the skills they need to navigate the surf.

Registration opens soon. By joining us, you’re directly funding the Junior Lifeguard program. Keep a close eye on this page—spots will go fast once we go live!

01/13/2026

The wait is over. The tradition returns. On August 23, the Sandman reclaimed Seacliff State Beach.
Whether you're a seasoned veteran or a first-timer, it's time to start training for the Central Coast's most iconic race. The rest of the Cement ship is calling, are you ready?
Registration opens soon!! Turn on post notifications so you don't miss the link.

08/28/2023

Dynamic Father and Son Duo sighting out at the Sandman Triathlon and Duathlon today! 👀

We always like to see our youngsters follow in our footsteps, right?!

taking 🥈 Overall in the Triathlon today and his son Alex, just 13 years old, taking 🥇 Overall in the Duathlon!

They came out and rocked it! 🤙🏼💯🔥

Thanks to everyone who came out and rocked it! 👊🏼

Thanks for showing up and supporting the Sandman Triathlon and Duathlon!

Post pics and tag us at