Event Description
The Jewish Community Center (JCC) and the City of Albuquerque are partnering to bring back the Jay Benson Triathlon after a four-year hiatus. The event began in 1977 and was an Albuquerque athletic community institution for over 30 years. It will make its comeback this year on Kirtland Air Force Base with a 5 km run, 20 km bike, and 400 meter swim on Sunday, May 12, 2019.
The run is flat and very fast. The bike is mostly flat with gentle hills towards the end of the course. The swim is 8 lengths of 50 meters each. As this event is flat and fast, it is perfect for beginners or those new to the sport of triathlon.
2019 marks the 38th running of the sprint triathlon. The first event took place in 1977 when John Shunny, editor of the Sandia Labs News, decided to launch the local event. John’s friend, Jay Benson, took part in the first two triathlons before his untimely passing from Diabetes in 1979. The triathlon was renamed in 1979 to honor Benson’s memory.
The Jay Benson Triathlon continued annually on Kirtland Air Force Base until 2013. After the Boston Marathon terror attack in 2013, the triathlon was canceled due to heightened security on the Air Force base. The event was revived in 2014 at the West Mesa Aquatic Center but has not been held since.
Event details and schedule
Due to the location of the Air Force base, all participants will undergo a background check after registering. Approved participants and spectators will be on a list at the Gibson Gate. Participants and spectators will be asked to provide their ID's. YOU WILL NOT BE ABLE TO ENTER WITHOUT ID.
Please arrive early and plan to park in the DOE parking area. The DOE parking area is marked in a green box on the map of the Pool and Transition Area.
All course maps will be available on the event website.
The Pre-Race Meeting will be held at 7:30 am.
The first wave will begin at 7:45 am.
Awards will begin at 11:00 am.
Wear your swimsuit and run/bike clothes. Have your sunscreen already applied.
*Social security numbers will be required for participants and spectators. Information will only be used by Kirtland Airforce Base. The social security numbers will be used for background checks which will allow participants/spectators access to the base entrance.
*Waivers will be signed online during registration.
*Jay Benson Triathlon Kickoff - Monday, February 25, 2019 at JCC from 6-8 pm -Receive a discount code at the Kickoff for $10 off registraion price -Discount will be available for one day only -Receive info on JCC Triathlon Training Program -Recieve info on JCC Membership and Summer Camp Details
JCC 5520 Wyoming Blvd. NE, Albuquerque, NM 87109
*Packet Pick Up will be at Sport Systems on Saturday, May 11th
*THERE WILL NOT BE A PACKET PICK UP ON THE DAY OF THE TRIATHLON
Sport Systems 6915 Montgomery Blvd NE, Albuquerque, NM 87109
