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Less than an hour from the hustle and bustle of the Big Apple lies the tranquil Mercer Country Park, in West Windsor, New Jersey. And it’s here where Challenge New Jersey takes place, offering both sprint and Olympic-distance race options within the safety and serenity of the park grounds. Triathlon writer Liz Barrett discovers why this race is voted one of the top five best triathlons in the US.
If you’re keen to try a tri American-style, then Challenge New Jersey could be the perfect introduction to multisport stateside. Annually selling out to 3,500 triathletes since its inception in 2006, the race is one of the 20 largest triathlons in the US.
But it also benefits from that small-town feel, taking place exclusively within the beautiful grounds of Mercer Park and offering a safe, flat and fast course and fantastic opportunities for friends and family to come along and support.
Once you’ve completed your race, the area is full of fantastic towns, including Princeton with its Ivy League university, and of course New York is just a short train ride away.
Location - Small town feel
US races don’t come more accessible to global tri fans than Challenge New Jersey. Within an hour from Newark airport, either by train or car, and you’re at the race location – Mercer Country Park within Mercer County, home to Princeton University and several Fortune 500 companies.
The park is also home to the US Olympic Rowing Team and has hosted many national and NCAA championships.
Plus, in less than an hour you can reach Philadelphia, Jersey Shore and its famous boardwalks, and of course Princeton, replete with all the art and culture that a top university town has to offer.
If nature’s more your thing, the state boasts numerous nature trails and parks for outdoor adventures.
Why race... Challenge New Jersey State
Here’s why you should add Challenge New Jersey to your race calendar:
Course - Fast, flat and safe
This is a fantastic course for Olympic-distance newbies and speedsters alike thanks to its pancake flat profile and peaceful park setting.
Swim - 1500m
The one-lap swim sets off in waves and takes place in the calm and current-free Mercer Lake, within Mercer Country Park.
BIke - 25.2 miles
The fast, flat bike on well maintained local and county roads travels around the perimeter of the park. The bike course is one loop for the sprint distance and two for the Olympic.
Run - 6.2 miles
The run course follows in the footsteps of the US Cross Country Championships and is entirely within the park on paved trails, running along the banks of the lake and through shaded wood areas.
Race training & prep
The course is known for being fast and flat, so focus on interval training and speed work to take advantage of the flat terrain. The race takes place in July, so it’s important that you acclimate to racing, and taking on nutrition, in hot conditions. The bike course is one of the fastest in the nation, so practise cycling at speed to ensure your safety on the course.
Competitors are allowed to swim in the practice area on race morning from 6:45am until their wave start. The area is located to the north of the boathouse and can only be entered wearing a timing chip. Athletes can only do practice swims on the race morning as Mercer Lake is not a public swimming lake. As the park is open, athletes can bike and run the course routes prior to race day.
Travel & accommodation
The official race hotel is Homewood Suites by Hilton. Located near the race site, these spacious suites include full kitchens, complimentary high speed internet, an on-site fitness center, an indoor pool and walking trails by Carnegie Lake.
Getting to the site is super easy, plus there’s free parking at Mercer County Park. You can enter either from the Hughes Rd entrance or the Old Trenton Rd park entrance, but it’s important to give yourself plenty of time to access the park on race day, due to congestion.
Spectators - never miss a second of the action
For travelling companions who might want a slice of the competitive action, there’s the Super Challenge – three types of races the day before the main sprint and Olympic-distance races.
There’s also the Race Expo and the Finish Festival to keep everyone suitably entertained throughout the day.
As for viewing spots – spectators can walk to the swim start from the main transition area; they can see the bike in and out; the run out (sprint); and the run out and mile 3 (Olympic).
Spectators can come and go after the race has started but just be aware that traffic will be heavy, so expect delays getting into the park.
Race-cation - Explore an Ivy League town
J.F.K, Jeff Bezos, Michelle Obama, Alan Turing, F Scott Fitzgerald – just a handful of the illustrious names to have studied at Princeton University, and in whose footsteps you can tread – if only momentarily – during your trip to New Jersey.
Whilst there, don’t miss the Princeton University Art Museum with its over 117,000 works of art. After soaking in all that culture, stop off at the Princeton Battlefield for a quick history lesson; this is where American and British troops fought each other on January 3, 1777, in the Battle of Princeton during the American Revolutionary War.
Just a 15-minute drive later and you can be at Sayen House and Gardens in Hamilton Township, Mercer County, New Jersey, which provides ‘a welcome sanctuary for nature lovers, garden enthusiasts, and history buffs alike’.
Challenge New Jersey offers athletes the chance to race on a fast, flat course that’s ideal for setting personal records. Whether you’re aiming for a podium finish or simply seeking the thrill of competition, this event promises a day of excitement, energy, and unforgettable triathlon action.
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