First Responders "Bring in the Backup" Triathlon 2027
- Date
- Saturday, July 31, 2027
- Start time
- 9:00 AM start (Chicago)
- Location
- Northwood, Iowa
- Entry fee
- From $60 · goes up to $65 on Jan 3, 2027
- Included with entry
- Includes a shirt
- Fundraising
- Takes optional donations when you register
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Events and entry fees
| Event | Distance | When | Entry fee | Cap |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aquabike | AquabikePool swim | Jul 31, 20279:00 AM | $60$65 after Jan 3, 2027 | – |
| Duathlon | DuathlonRun 1 mi · Bike 10.4 mi · Run 3.1 mi | Jul 31, 20279:00 AM | $60$65 after Jan 3, 2027 | – |
| First Responders "Bring in the Backup" Triathlon | Sprint TriathlonSwim 150 m · Bike 10.4 mi · Run 3.1 mi · Run 3.1 miPool swim | Jul 31, 20279:00 AM | $60$65 after Jan 3, 2027 | – |
| Relay - Sprint Triathlon | Sprint TriathlonSwim 150 m · Bike 10.4 mi · Run 3.1 mi · Run 3.1 miRelay or teamPool swim | Jul 31, 20279:00 AM | $95$105 after Jan 3, 2027 | – |
Entry fees exclude processing fees. Prices and dates come from the race's registration page and refresh nightly.
Race day planning
Entry fee schedule
- Aquabike and First Responders "Bring in the Backup" Triathlon: $60 until Jan 3, then $65 until May 1, then $70 until Jun 1, then $75 until Jul 1, then $80 until Jul 30.
- Duathlon: $60 until Jan 3, then $65 until May 1, then $70 until Jun 1, then $75 until Jul 1, then $78 until Jul 30.
- Relay - Sprint Triathlon: $95 until Jan 3, then $105 until May 1, then $115 until Jun 1, then $125 until Jul 1, then $130 until Jul 30.
Online registration closes Jul 30, 2027, unless the race fills first.
Light and altitude
Sunrise on race morning is at about 6:00 AM, and the Aquabike starts at 9:00 AM. The start sits about 1,210 feet above sea level.
Fees exclude processing fees. Comparisons use current entry fees and published results from races nearby.
Start location and course
8th Street South Northwood Swimming Pool Swensrud Park, Northwood, IA 50459
The pin marks the address the race lists, which is usually the start. The organizers have not shared a course map with us yet.
Where First Responders "Bring in the Backup" Triathlon ranks
- No. 12 of 50 on Cheapest aquabikes in the US
- No. 35 of 50 on Cheapest duathlons in the US
National lists computed from results, entry fees, course maps and water temperatures; they refresh through the day.
Typical race-day weather
Around July 31 the day usually runs from 65°F at dawn to 82°F in the afternoon, with measurable rain on about 24% of days. Cold snaps dip to 57°F and hot years reach 88°F.
Based on 75 days within a week of the date over the last 5 years, from historical weather for the start area. Not a forecast.
Race details
- Where
- 8th Street South Northwood Swimming Pool Swensrud Park, Northwood, IA 50459Map
- Course
- Road
- Start elevation
- About 1,210 feet
- Included with entry
- T-Shirt
- Donations
- Accepted when you register
- Distances
- Sprint Triathlon, Duathlon, Aquabike
- Editions
- 2027 (Jul 31, 2027), 2026 (Jul 25, 2026), 2025 (Jul 26, 2025), 2024 (Jul 27, 2024), 2023 (Jul 29, 2023), 2022 (Jul 23, 2022)
Organize this race? Add details or a correction
Quick answers
- When is First Responders "Bring in the Backup" Triathlon?
- Saturday, July 31, 2027, starting at 9:00 AM.
- How much does it cost?
- Entry starts at $60 before processing fees, and rises to $65 on Jan 3, 2027.
- When does registration close?
- Online registration closes Jul 30, 2027, unless the race fills first.
- Do athletes get a shirt or medal?
- Entry includes a shirt, according to the race's registration page. Check it for sizes and whether kids' races get the same.
- Can I donate to a cause when I register?
- Yes. The registration form offers an optional donation, usually for the charity or nonprofit the race supports. The race's own page names the cause.
- What distances are offered?
- Sprint Triathlon, Duathlon, Aquabike.
- Where does it start?
- 8th Street South Northwood Swimming Pool Swensrud Park, Northwood, IA 50459.
From the organizers
First Responders "Bring in the Backup" Triathlon represents all branches of the Military, Firefighters, Nurses, EMS, Dispatchers, Corrections, and Law Enforcement. The First Responders will lead off the race, followed by all other race participants as 'backup' to support the First Responders. We look forward to seeing everyone on by 9 a.m., Saturday, July 31, 2027, at Northwood, Iowa (Swensrud Park) Swimming Pool for this patriotic themed racing event. You do not have to be a First Responder to participate in the race.