No Swimming Required: How Sacramento's Great American Triathlon Keeps a Community Tradition Alive

When Eppie’s Great Race finished its final lap in 2018, many Sacramento residents thought they’d lost a beloved tradition. But instead of fading away, the race evolved. The sixth annual Great American Triathlon, held Saturday along the American River Parkway, proved that a simple shift—replacing the traditional swim with a paddle—can breathe new life into a classic event while making it accessible to far more people.

The 24.4-mile course takes athletes on a journey through Sacramento’s heart. A 5.8-mile run starts at William B. Pond Recreation Area in Carmichael and heads toward the Guy West Bridge near Sacramento State. Competitors then bike 12.5 miles to Lower Sunrise Recreation Area before finishing with a 6.1-mile paddle down the American River to River Bend Park. What matters most isn’t the distance—it’s who shows up. Teenagers raced alongside octogenarians. First-time athletes crossed the line next to seasoned competitors. Rally teams made it possible for people of different abilities to participate together. And the stories? A 70-year-old cancer survivor who’d always wanted to run Eppie’s finally got her chance. A birthday boy celebrating turning 44 by racing the course. These are the moments that turn an athletic event into something that defines a community.

The Great American Triathlon also supports what makes Sacramento tick. Race proceeds benefit the American River Parkway Foundation, Court Appointed Special Advocates of Placer County, and CASH Sacramento. Whether you’re someone who wants to test yourself athletically, reconnect with a Sacramento tradition, or simply cheer from the sidelines next year, this race has a place for you. Have you thought about participating, or do you know someone whose story from Saturday deserves to be shared?