Search
shop

Super League US portfolio grows as Los Angeles added to Chicago and New York

There's a new event at the prospective LA28 Olympic venue for Super League Triathlon.
News Director
Last updated -
Get the ultimate guide to destination racing

Super League Triathlon have continued their US expansion by “assuming the operation” of the 2024 Long Beach Legacy Triathlon in partnership with USA Triathlon.

The event, previously hosted by USA Triathlon, will take place at the proposed venue for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games.

The deal is described as “a long-term joint venture between Super League Triathlon and the sport’s governing body in the USA” which will “help grow short-course racing in the USA”.

And it marks another addition to Super League’s growing US portfolio after the acquisition of events in Chicago and New York, though the future of their Malibu Triathlon remains unclear.

‘We have the perfect platform’

Whatever happens to Malibu, the Long Beach Legacy Triathlon guarantees them a presence in California next year, with Long Beach just 20 miles south of Los Angeles.

And it will also provide a continuation of Super League’s partnership with Children’s Hospital Los Angeles (CHLA). Well over $1million was again raised this year for CHLA by the Malibu Triathlon which finally got the go-ahead after a protracted appeal.

The 2024 Long Beach Legacy Triathlon will take place on July 20-21, 2024 and will feature races for age group, elite and youth athletes as well as a World Triathlon Para Cup event.

Michael D’hulst, CEO and Co-Founder of Super League Triathlon, said: “The announcement of the Long Beach Legacy Triathlon is a significant day for short-course triathlon in the USA, as the most exciting race organiser in the sport commits to a long-term partnership with the sport’s governing body, USAT, to deliver a world class event at the proposed venue for the LA Olympics in 2028, all while adding to the $18m already raised for Children’s Hospital Los Angeles via Malibu Triathlon.

With Super League now boasting mass participation events in major US cities Chicago, New York and Long Beach, we have the perfect platform to grow short course triathlon in the USA.

“The partnership with USAT is one I am extremely excited about as we share common goals for the development of the sport and the potential for short-course racing to thrive building towards the Olympics in 2028.”

Victoria Brumfield, Chief Executive Officer of USA Triathlon, said: “USA Triathlon is thrilled to see the Legacy Triathlon evolve into the Long Beach Legacy Triathlon with Super League at the helm.

Long Beach Legacy Triathlon photo credit Super League
The Long Beach Legacy Triathlon [Photo credit: Super League]

“As we look toward the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games, having the ability to participate in a triathlon that follows the same path as the course for 2028 provides a memorable opportunity for athletes of all abilities to connect to the highest level of our sport.”

TRI247 says…

This is the latest significant step in the road map Michael D’hulst set out when we spoke to him a little earlier this year.

He told us then that Super League’s focus would be “on the biggest cities in the US”, adding: “We evaluated that and we said it’s much better to buy existing events because it’s cheaper and less risky than starting from the ground up. I mean, try to get permits now to organise an event in New York. Good luck!

“I think Chicago and New York are great platforms to introduce the professional racing to the participation side and get a similar atmosphere to what we get in Toulouse or London for Super League, where people come out and watch.”

He added: “Ultimately, the idea is to make short course great again in America. Back in the early 2000s, Olympic distance racing, sprint-distance races were big but now it’s all about 70.3. So we want to use our DNA and the collective of those iconic events to promote short course again. And I think the momentum from the Olympics will also support that.”

CEO Michael Dhulst Super League Neom 2023
Michael D’hulst speaking in Neom in 2023 [Photo credit: Super League Neom 2023]

D’hulst also revealed at that point that discussions were USAT were ongoing and this appears to be the next stage – and follows the US ‘development team’ the RTS Warriors competing in this season’s Super League Championship Series.

Of USAT, D’hulst said: “They have a ‘Project Podium’ where they want to recruit more local talent. And they recognise that Super League has been great in recruiting younger talent and really honing skills. So I think that is important. I think there’s also an undercurrent generally in the triathlon market where people are interested in shorter races again.”

It remains to be seen how many SLT Championship events take place in the US in 2024 and beyond but it’s clearly a key focus between now and the 2028 Olympics.

And it’s interesting that Malibu is barely referenced in this latest release – apart from the fact that the CHLA fundraising will be continued via the Long Beach Legacy Triathlon.

More of a ‘destination’ event and very different to cities such as LA, New York and Chicago, the challenge of getting a permit for Malibu proved tricky this year and sounds like it might be far from straightforward in the future, with the next hurdle coming in January.

Jonathan Turner
Written by
Jonathan Turner
Jonathan Turner is News Director for both TRI247 and RUN247, and is accustomed to big-name interviews, breaking news stories and providing unrivalled coverage for endurance sports.  
Discover more
Caroline Pohle Lena Meissner ironman 703 jonkoping sprint 2025
PremiumTriathlon’s mid-season report card: Tim Don on who’s raising the bar this triathlon race season
TRI-FIT VANGUARD tri suit review
The entry-level tri suit with a serious amount of performance for the price point – TRI-FIT VANGUARD review
Hayden Wilde bike supertri Boston 2024 photo credit supertri
Premium10 ways to make your road bike faster and more aero for triathlons
Kristian Blummenfelt photo credit: PTO Canadian Open
PremiumIs your gut health impacting your performance? The untapped potential of good gut health for triathletes
Laura Philipp and Kat Matthews on the run at the 2024 IRONMAN World Championship
PremiumHas triathlon reached peak performance? Tri experts and legends on how much faster triathletes could get
latest News
Triathlon superstar Hayden Wilde to make shock comeback at London T100
Lionel Sanders wins 70.3 St George 2025 photo credit Getty Images for IRONMAN
‘Intimidating’ to go into Worlds after four months off – but Lionel Sanders up for the challenge
Georgia Taylor-Brown Alex Yee Super League Triathlon Malibu 2021
Triathlon’s most decorated Olympic duo now honoured by their former University
Olav Aleksander Bu Photo credit: Roj Ferman | Surpas
Top triathlon coach Olav Aleksander Bu says it’s all about the team after Uno-X bag first Tour de France win
Danielle Lewis (USA) takes the win in Lake Placid.
IRONMAN Lake Placid 2025: Date, start time, how to watch and who’s racing
triathlon on your terms
Never miss out with our triathlon alerts & digest. Get a dose of adventure & inspiration with Boundless.
The 247 Group

The home of endurance sports

TRI247-LOGO_Primary-Black_RGB-1

CHOOSE YOUR MEMBERSHIP TO BECOME PART OF SOMETHING EPIC

We’re on a mission to elevate the world of endurance sport, becoming your go-to resource for expert training tips and inspiration, unbiased reporting and creating a platform for grassroots voices. But we can’t do it without you on board! Choose a TRI247+ membership option below and become part of something epic.

£7.95/month

Unlimited access. No ads. A whole library of tips, advice and inspiration at your finger tips, and the chance to shape the future of triathlon journalism.

100+ new articles/month

You’ll also gain access to our other premium websites:

Have an account? Sign in

£47.95/year
£95.40/year

50% Discount

100+ new articles/month

Unlimited access. No ads. A whole library of tips, advice and inspiration at your finger tips, and the chance to shape the future of triathlon journalism.

You’ll also gain access to our other premium websites:

Have an account? Sign in

Share to...