Olympic distance

Triathlon as at the Olympics – in downtown Cologne: At first swimming in the river Rhine off Cologne’s skyline, then cycling in downtown and finally running always focussed on Cologne Cathedral. And then the spectacular and emotional finish with Cologne Cathedral in the background! There is no more Cologne!

Swim start

Deutzer Hafen

Swim

2.2 k

Bike

TBD

Run

9.5 k

Finish

Tanzbrunnen

Entry fees

Starting slot 1 – 100

Fully booked

Starting slot 101 – 400

Fully booked

Starting slot 401 – 1,300

Fully booked

Race information

Organisational issues

organiser, host and race management: Kölner AusdauerSport GmbH, Girlitzweg 30 – Tor 5, 50829 Cologne, GERMANY

location: downtown Cologne

regional association’s approval number (NRWTV-Genehmigungsnummer): 10-26-01-06544

Competition regulations

The competition regulations of the German triathlon association, the Deutsche Triathlon Union (DTU) – sports regulations, organisers‘ regulations, anti-doping code, race marshals‘ regulations – as well as legal order and rules of procedures and disciplinary code will apply. Upon registration you will accept these regulations, provisisions and rules to be binding.

Adherence to these regulations will be controlled by referees of the association. The court of arbitration will be composed of representatives of the national/regional association DTU/NRWTV, the referees and the organiser.

These regulations will serve the purpose for a uniform and equal conduct of the sport and cannot be contested. Acceptance of and adherence to these regulations form the basic prerequisite for participating in the event.

Entry requirements

The sprint distance competition will be open for you as a recreational triathlete as long as there will be no health risks. The equipment of all participants will have to comply to the German national association’s sports regulations.

You can take part when you will have reached the required age.

The participant limit will be 1,400: 1,300 starting slots are in free sale, further 100 are reserved for our partners, sponsors and travel agencies.

On race day it will be compulsory to wear the official race number and the rented transponder.

It will be obligatory for all athletes to attend the race meeting approx. 15 minutes before the first swim start at Deutzer Brücke. Please follow the loudspeaker announcements.

You will be responsible for the technical safety of your personal equipment and make sure that the equipment will be in line with the rules.

Health

We recommend an adequate sports medical examination to all participants prior to the participation.

On the current occasion and for showing respect for the other participants it is desirable that the runners get vaccinated early enough and follow the corresponding hygiene measures prior to the race.

Participants from risk areas have to consider quarantine provisions or abstain from the start.

Minimum age

For the sprint distance you will have to get 16 years in 2026.

Age groups

There will be an overall scoring. Most relevant for the categorisation will be the year of birth:

AG 16-17: 16 – 17 years	AG 50: 50 – 54 years
AG 18-19: 18 – 19 years	AG 55: 55 – 59 years
AG 20: 20 – 24 years	AG 60: 60 – 64 years
AG 25: 25 – 29 years	AG 65: 65 – 69 years
AG 30: 30 – 34 years	AG 70: 70 – 74 years
AG 35: 35 – 39 years	AG 75: 75 – 79 years
AG 40: 40 – 44 years	AG 80: 80 – 84 years
AG 45: 45 – 49 years	AG 85: 85 – 89 years

The competition regulations of the German triathlon association, the Deutsche Triathlon Union (DTU) – sports regulations, organisers‘ regulations, anti-doping code, race marshals‘ regulations – as well as legal order and rules of procedures and disciplinary code will apply.

Adherence to these regulations will be controlled by referees along the entire courses.

Appeals against penalties or disqualifications as well as the preliminary result can be filed the first 30 minutes after the end of the race directly to the court of arbitration. Afterwards no appeal will be possible any more.

A violation of these provisions will directly lead to disqualification:

starting without any race number or transponder
manipulating a transponder or chronometry
abandoning or shortening the course (lacking interval times)
starting from the wrong wave ahead
altering the race number such as concealing or deviating the sponsors bar
transferring the race number and/or transponder to another person
undershooting the required age
violations against the DTU sports regulations and other provisions, among others:
- blocking, hindering or endangering other participants
- accepting assistance from anyone other than officials
- being accompanied or using pace-making services on the courses
- starting under a false name
- using any technical device distracting you from paying full attention to the surroundings like phoning, sending and receiving text messages, listening to music, using social media, taking photos via smartphones, smart watches, iPods, walkie-talkies etc.
- exceeding the time limits for a section or the entire time frame
- receiving more than two time penalties
- using illegal, performance-enhancing substances (doping)
- not wearing the official swim cap
- wearing illegal swimming aids like flippers, gloves, socks, stockings, paddles, snorkles
- swimming around the buoys from the wrong side
- swimming over other participants
- using any device which makes the bike not only human powered
- drafting behind or next to other participants
- not wearing a bike helmet or wearing an unfastened helmet
- cycling with illegal, extraordinary equipment
- overtaking on the right side
- jumping over the barriers of the transition zone
- disposing items outside the refreshment or littering zones

Registration deadline

As long as the participant limit will not be reached earlier 5:59 p. m. on September 5, 2026 will be the registration deadline. Late entries will not be possible any more.

Prior to August 23, 2026 an upgrade to the longer distance is possible as long as the participant limit will not be reached. In case of an upgrade you are to pay the difference of the already charged amount and the current amount of the longer distance as well as a service fee of € 25.00.

Race packets

Picking up the race packets will be on Saturday, September 5, 2026, from 12:00 p. m. to 7:00 p. m. and on Sunday, September 6, 2026, from 6:00 a. m. until 60 minutes before the start in Tanzbrunnen event location.

Change of data (e. g. new club) will be possible prior to Saturday, September 6, at 6:59 p. m. You can easily modify your data via the edit link in your email confirmation.

Chronometry

Your time will be measured with a transponder by race result AG.

Please fasten the transponder with a hook-and-loop tape safely at your left ankle.

You will have to hand in the transponder after the race in the post-finish area/exit of the refreshment village. When loosing or not returning the transponder until Wednesday, September 10, you will have to pay additional € 80.00.

Note: Make sure that you will cross all chronometry mats along the course and in the transition zone. Lacking interval times may result in disqualification!

Time limit

The cut-off time for the cycling course is at 4:00 p.m. The race will end et 5:00 p.m. when you have to be in the finish.

Starting blocks

You will be allocated according to your age group and sex.

Starting times

Starting times (may be subject to change)

1:30 p.m. sprint distance: 5 starting blocks, every 15 minutes

The start for the sprint distance will be next to Deutz Bridge (Deutzer Brücke).

Provisional schedule (may be subject to change)

Saturday, September 5, 2026

12:00 p. m. to 6:00 p. m. pick-up of race packets in Tanzbrunnen
12:00 p. m. to 6:00 p. m. bike check-in

Sunday, September 6, 2026

6:00 a. m. to 30 minutes before the corresponding start pick-up of race packets and bike check-in
8:00 a. m. start of the middle distance and middle distance relay
10:30 a. m. start of the Olympic distance and Olympic relay
11:00 a. m. to 5:00 p. m. activities in Tanzbrunnen
1:30 p. m. start of the sprint distance
approx. 5:00 p. m. end of race
1:00 to 6:00 p. m. bike check-out

Swimming

Swimming will take place in the river Rhine in downtown Cologne. The temperature tables and notices for the use of wetsuits of DTU’s sports regulations will apply.

Wearing a wetsuit will be mandatory (There will be a rental of wetsuits at the Tri.EXPO. Further information will follow.). Wearing the swim caps handed out by the organiser will be mandatory.

It will be obligatory for all athletes to attend the race meeting approx. 15 minutes before the first swim start at Deutzer Hafen. Please follow the loudspeaker announcements.

A check-in for swimming will be strictly necessary. The back of the hand/upper arm will be marked upon check-in.

You will not be allowed to wear race numbers when swimming.

Accompanying boats and assistants on land will observe the swimming. Should you get a cramp or get in need of help do not hesitate to draw attention to yourself and talk to the assistants.

There will be different start locations, courses and directions for swimming for the different competitions.

You will have to swim approx. 1.5 kilometres: Due to the competition regulations of the German triathlon association DTU, the current velocity of the river Rhine has to be considered for the length of the swimming course. Thus, the distance has to be enlarged for a current in the direction of swimming. The distances of our swimming courses are calculated according to the distance modifications for current velocity (“Distanzänderungen bei Strömungsgeschwindigkeiten”) in the appendix of the organiser regulation [Veranstalter-Ordnung (VaO)] of the DTU: 750m = 1,500m (with current).

For all competitions the swim exit will be at Rheinpark. Please make sure you will pass the timing mat and we can be sure that you will be safely back on land.

We, the organiser, will be entitled to withdraw you from swimming when it will be obvious that you cannot finish the swimming split or you will hazard yourself.

Should swimming not be possible due to low or high tide or other unpredictable reasons the race will be modified to a duathlon. Please take note of the loudspeaker announcements on race day.

Cycling

Wearing a helmet will be mandatory according to DTU’s sports regulations.

You will be entitled to only use a bike complying with DTU’s sports regulations.

Please fix the race numbers for the bike and helmet visibly prior to the check-in and wear the body number on the back of your body.

The roads for cycling will be fully closed for car traffic and the German highway code will apply.

Please follow the instructions of the police and law enforcement forces.

According to DTU’s sports regulations drafting will not be allowed.

Timing mats and video surveillance will provide for controls.

You will have to cycle approx. TBD kilometres.

Running

The running circuit will lead over paved and closed ways along the riverbank and over Hohenzollern Bridge (Hohenzollernbrücke). The course will be fenced to the greatest possible extent and compose crossing points for passers-by.

Please wear the race number visibly in the front of your body.

It is strictly forbidden to be accompanied or coached on the running course. Wearing torso garments will be mandatory.

Timing mats and video surveillance will provide for lap controls.

You will have to run 2 laps ( = approx. 9.5 kilometres).

Transition zone

The bike check-in will be on Saturday, September 5, 2026, from 12:00 p. m.to 6:00 p. m. and on race day from 6:00 a. m. until 30 minutes prior to the start.

The transition zone will be located in the Rheinpark in Cologne-Deutz.

Visual bike, helmet and race number checks (bike and helmet) will take place upon check-in to the transition zone. The officials will clarify the compliance with the DTU’s sports regulations. In case there will be any violations to these provisions you will not be granted access to the start.
Note: Bike and helmet can only be checked in together!

You will only be entitled to store competition-relevant items in the transition zone. The kickstands will be sorted according to competitions and volunteers will allocate free spots.

You will not be allowed to use or transport items made of glass, particularly bottles, on the courses. Please take note of the littering zones at the refreshment stations.

You will only be able to pick up your bike after the race again by presenting your race number.

The check-out will be from 1:00 to 6:00 p.m. The transition zone will be closed at 6:00 p. m. Afterwards the bikes will not be guarded any more.

Finish area

The finish area will be located in the Tanzbrunnen event location next to the transition zone.

You will find refreshments there and can recover again.

The award ceremonies will take place on stage in Tanzbrunnen.

For safety reasons, wetsuits are compulsory for all swimmers in the Rhine.
The wetsuit requirement is independent of the water temperature; the association has granted us special authorisation for this.

The wetsuit must fulfil the requirements of the German Triathlon Union (DTU) sports regulations (SpO) (in German only). It must not be thicker than 5 mm and must cover at least the torso.
ATTENTION: A tri suit is NOT considered a wetsuit and therefore does not authorise you to start!

Our partner sailfish will offer a wetsuit hire service. This must be returned after the race.
Please note: The supply of wetsuits for hire at the trade fair is limited. First come, first serve! (no pre-booking possible)

50 € rental fee + 150 € deposit (in cash)

If you do not return the wetsuit, it will be considered purchased.

Upon registration you will assent to the regulations and declare your willingness to follow the instructions of officials.

Your training and health status come up to the requirements of the competition. You will be responsible for the technical safety of your equipment.

You assent that you will not claim for any demands against us as the organiser, our assistants, agents, other persons or corporations as far as no liability claims will be raised.

The entry fee will not be charged when your registration could not be submitted.

You assent to the competition rules and the liability exclusion.

In the cases of force majeure we, the organiser, will be entitled or in the case of regulatory instruction obligated to modify the format of the event or even cancel the event. You will then have no claim for damages.

Should the race be cancelled due to force majeure (pandemic, thunderstorm, terror warning etc.) or due to other reasons the organiser is not liable for we will reimburse the entry fee and additionally booked services minus the administration fee of € 50.00.

We, the organiser, will reserve the right to interrupt or cancel the event in the cases of windstorms, thunderstorms or other unpredictable reasons. No entry fees will be reimbursed.

Upon registration and being aware of this provision you will renounce any recourse claims.

When not taking part the entry fee will not be reimbursed.

Upon registration you will recognise the DTU’s sports regulations and the organisers‘ regulations.

You will participate at your own risk.

We, the organiser, will not assume any liability for accidents, theft or other cases of damage. We, the organiser, and our legal representatives and vicarious agents will only be responsible for premeditated or grossly negligent behaviour.

We, the organiser, will not assume any liability for your health risks by taking part in the event.

We, the organiser, will not assume any liability for non-paid stored items.

Should swimming not be possible due to unpredictable reasons the competition will be modified to a duathlon. No entry fees will be reimbursed in this case.

We will store and process the personal data of your registration to carry out and perform the event, particularly the data necessary for payment (via raceresult AG) and communications.

Without the following consent a participation in our event is not possible:

You explicitly agree to the publication of your last name, first name, sex, year of birth, age category, club, race number and result (position and times) in all race-related media such as online media (e. g. web site, app, live stream, social media), print media and TV.

Those who learn a lot need to keep a level head! And to keep this, as is well-known, you have to do sports. Therefore, we would like to award triathlon students in Cologne and introduced the Cologne student cup (‘Kölner Studi-Werk Cup’ in German 🇩🇪) in cooperation with the Kölner Studierendenwerk for the single-starter competitions middle, Olympic and sprint distance.

When you are currently and particularly on race day (proof required!) matriculated at a Cologne-based university you may register online prior to August 23, 2026 for cheaper rates (after the first entry fee contingency 10% off the entry fee) if the participant limit has not already been reached beforehand.

Note: This scoring is not available for elite triathletes.

And we will have fancy prices for the fastest Cologne would-be graduates from us and our partners:

1st place: €150.00 contribution towards semester fees from us
2nd place: €75.00 contribution towards canteen meals from Kölner Studierendenwerk
3rd place: a performance diagnostics from UniSport

Note: Should you already be registered for the race we still may enroll you for the special Cologne student scoring. A reimbursement will however not be possible.

There are two options available to you this year: re-registration/starting slot sale on the starting slot exchange and entry fee insurance.

Re-registration/starting slot sale on the starting slot exchange

If you are unable to participate in the event, you now have the option of offering your starting slot on our official starting slot exchange.

Please note the following points:

Once you have offered your starting slot on our starting slot exchange, this step cannot be reversed.
A starting slot on the starting slot exchange is publicly visible to everyone. You cannot reserve it for one person. Already have a buyer? Then agree on exactly when you will release the starting slot.
Your entry fee will only be refunded once someone has bought your starting slot. Any additional services booked will not be refunded. Pre-ordered shirts can be collected at the Tri.EXPO during the event.
The new buyer will incur the following fees: current price category and an additional re-registration fee of €25.00.
Deadline: Your starting slot can be purchased on the starting slot exchange until and including August 23, 2026. If your starting slot has not been purchased by another person by then, your participation will be reactivated.
Note: Once a starting slot has been purchased via the starting slot exchange, it cannot be offered again via the exchange for technical reasons.
Free starting slots or discounts granted cannot be passed on via the starting slot exchange.

The sales process – You offer your starting slot on the starting slot exchange

You can offer your starting slot on our official starting slot exchange via the link in your email. It will then be publicly visible for purchase.
If your starting slot is purchased, you will receive an email confirmation and a link to the refund form.
After you have completed the refund form, we will transfer the entry fee to you within 14 days.

The purchase process – You purchase a starting slot from the starting slot exchange

Select an available starting slot in the relevant competition on our official starting slot exchange by clicking on the link there.
Enter your details in the registration form and select a payment method.
After successful registration, you will receive a confirmation of registration from us.

Go to the starting slot exchange here.

Entry fee insurance

In the event that you are unable to start your entry fee is insured. The insurance covers illness, accident, unemployment, short-time working, pregnancy or significant damage to property. Additional services booked are not included.

The amount of the insurance fee depends on the amount of the entry fee.

IMPORTANT: A refund in the event of a claim can only be made to an IBAN account.

Please find further information on the coverage of the policy here.

What is to do in the case of an insured event?

As long as you have booked this insurance and you cannot take part in the race please send us an email with the corresponding information. You will then receive a deregistration form from us which you can then submit for your claim via the online tool (in German 🇩🇪 only) when having an IBAN code:

copy of your confirmation of registration
deregistration form
proof of illness, damage etc. (e. g. medical certificate)
bank details (IBAN and BIC)

Course

– on left and right riverbank of the Rhine

flat and fast
swimming, cycling and running – entirely in downtown Cologne
Cologne Cathedral, Rheinauhafen, Rhine, Hohenzollernbrücke, Deutzer Brücke, Severinsbrücke, Rheinpark, Kölnmesse, Tanzbrunnen, Musical Dome – everything that needs to be in there.

View course