All Things 2026 San Diego Triathlon Challenge: Schedule, Routes, Parking & FAQs

Mariah Wyckoff

The San Diego Triathlon Challenge fueled by Toyota returns to La Jolla, California, October 23–25, 2026. Whether you’re participating, fundraising, volunteering, cheering on friends and family, or joining us for the weekend, use this guide to find the latest schedule, routes, parking information, clinics and answers to common questions.

An aerial view of a triathlon swim event by a coastal area with swimmers in the water, spectators on a sandy beach, and a park with trees and a playground in the background.

SDTC Weekend at a Glance

SDTC is more than one day at La Jolla Cove. The weekend includes adaptive sports clinics, community events and activities leading into Sunday’s San Diego Triathlon Challenge fueled by Toyota.

Friday, October 23: Adaptive Open Water Swim and Adaptive Surf clinics at La Jolla Shores, followed by the Heroes of Sport Awards in the evening.

Saturday, October 24: Adaptive sports clinics and activities, including the Össur & CAF Running and Mobility Clinic, Adaptive Tennis & Pickleball and Adaptive Pool Swim, along with SDTC registration and packet pickup.

Sunday, October 25: San Diego Triathlon Challenge fueled by Toyota, Tour de Cove presented by EōS Fitness, 5K Walk + Roll presented by Nike, Jami Marseilles Challenged Athlete Kids Run + Roll presented by Philadelphia Insurance Companies, Toyota Sports Festival, CAF Village, Family Fun Zone and more at La Jolla Cove.

View the Full 2026 Weekend Schedule of Events

Sunday at La Jolla Cove

There are plenty of ways to participate in SDTC on Sunday, whether you want to take on multiple portions of the course, choose an individual event, ride at Tour de Cove or join the 5K Walk + Roll.

  • Duathlon: 5K Run + 30-mile Bike + 8-mile Run
  • Bike-Only: 30 miles
  • Run-Only: 8 miles
  • Tour de Cove presented by EōS Fitness: Three 90-minute stationary cycling sessions
  • 5K Walk + Roll presented by Nike: A family-friendly 3.1-mile event for all ages and abilities
  • Jami Marseilles Challenged Athlete Kids Run + Roll presented by Philadelphia Insurance Companies

Registration is still open for SDTC weekend activities.

Register for SDTC 2026

2026 Swim Update

The swim portion of the 2026 San Diego Triathlon Challenge has been canceled. Full Triathlon participants have automatically been converted to the Duathlon: 5K Run + 30-mile Bike + 8-mile Run.

Participants registered for Swim-Only or the swim portion of a relay are being contacted directly by CAF regarding their participation options. All other SDTC weekend activities, including the adaptive sports clinics at La Jolla Shores and other locations, will continue as scheduled.

Routes & Course Information

Current route maps and course information for the 5K run, 30-mile bike, 8-mile run and other SDTC weekend activities are available on our 2026 Routes page.

View 2026 Routes & Maps

Bike participants: The bike portion takes place on an open course. Helmets must be worn and fastened at all times, headphones are not permitted, and participants must follow the rules of the road. Pedal-assist e-bikes are permitted; throttle e-bikes are not.

Parking & Arrival Information

Driving to SDTC? Street parking and several public garages and lots are available around La Jolla Cove. We recommend arriving early, especially on Sunday morning.

We’ve put together a parking guide with some of the closest garages and lots for attendees who are not staying within walking distance of the event.

View SDTC Parking Options

Packet Pickup & Sunday Check-In

Saturday, October 24: SDTC registration and packet pickup will be available from 10:00 am–2:00 pm at La Jolla Country Day School.

Sunday, October 25: Athlete check-in begins at 6:00 am at La Jolla Cove.

Adaptive Sports Clinics

SDTC weekend includes opportunities for athletes with physical disabilities to participate in adaptive sports clinics, connect with coaches and other athletes, and experience different sports.

Friday, October 23:

  • Adaptive Open Water Swim • 8:00 am–12:00 pm • La Jolla Shores
  • Adaptive Surf • 8:00 am–12:00 pm • La Jolla Shores

Saturday, October 24:

  • Össur & CAF Running and Mobility • 9:00 am–12:00 pm • La Jolla Country Day School
  • Adaptive Tennis & Pickleball • 9:00 am–12:00 pm • La Jolla Country Day School
  • Adaptive Pool Swim • 1:00 pm–4:00 pm • Lawrence Family Jewish Community Center

View Adaptive Sports Clinic Information

Coming to Cheer?

You don’t have to be participating in an event to be part of SDTC. Friends, family and supporters are encouraged to join us Sunday at La Jolla Cove to cheer on participants and experience the CAF community.

Beginning at 8:30 am, explore the Toyota Sports Festival, CAF Village, CAF Store, Family Fun Zone and Expo Tents. You can also catch Tour de Cove, the Kids Run + Roll, 5K Walk + Roll and other activities throughout the morning.

Please leave pets at home. Dogs are not permitted at San Diego Parks during event hours.

Quick FAQs

Can I still register?

Yes. Registration is still open for SDTC weekend activities. Register online here.

Can friends and family attend?

Absolutely. Friends, family and supporters are encouraged to join us at La Jolla Cove and cheer on participants throughout the day.

Where should I park?

Street parking and public garages and lots are available around La Jolla Cove. We recommend arriving early. View our SDTC Parking Guide.

Where can I find course maps?

Current maps and route information are available on the 2026 Routes page.

When can I pick up my packet?

Packet pickup is available Saturday from 10:00 am–2:00 pm at La Jolla Country Day School. Athlete check-in also opens at 6:00 am Sunday at La Jolla Cove.

What happens if it rains?

SDTC will proceed rain or shine. In the case of severe weather, updates will be communicated by email and through CAF channels.

Can I bring my dog?

No. Dogs are not permitted at San Diego Parks during event hours, so please leave pets at home.

Still have questions? Visit the SDTC FAQs or email events@challengedathletes.org.

Join us at SDTC 2026
Register now to secure your spot, or donate today to help athletes with physical disabilities pursue their sports dreams.
Frequently asked questions

SDTC is CAF’s flagship community weekend, combining a triathlon, Tour de Cove, 5K Walk + Roll, and Kids’ Run. It’s a fundraiser and a celebration of inclusivity in sport.

Sunday, October 25, 2026
La Jolla Cove, 1100 Coast Blvd

Duathlon: 5K Run + 30-mile Bike + 8-mile Run

    • 5K Run
    • 30-mile Bike
    • 8-mile Run
    • Relay

Yes. SDTC allows relay teams of 2–3 participants. Each completes one segment. Tour de Cove also allows relay teams.

You do not have to be part of a relay; you can also participate in just the 5K run, just the bike, or just the 8-mile run

  • SDTC & Tour de Cove: $500 per participant
  • Fundraising Team Challenge: $1,500 average per team member
  • Helmets must be worn and fastened
  • No headphones, drafting, or arrow bars
  • This is an open course—follow road rules
  • Pedal-assist e-bikes permitted; throttle e-bikes not allowed
  • No one under 16 years old on the bike course due to open roads. Participants on the bike course who are under 18 must be with a parent or legal guardian throughout the ride.
  • Anyone under 16 years must have a parent or assigned handler with them on the swim and run portions.

Spectators are welcome to cheer on participants. Volunteers are essential for athlete support, check-in, water stations, and more.

  • The minimum age to register and participate in the race is 12 years old for the swim and run, and 16 years old for the cycling portion.
  • No one under 16 years old on the bike course due to the open roads. Participants on the bike course who are under 18 must be with a parent or legal guardian throughout the ride.
  • Anyone under 16 years must have a parent or assigned handler with them on the swim and run portions.
  • As a special consideration, and only for challenged athletes who are 10-12 yrs old, we will offer a short swim option of (approximately) 400 yards, and they must have a handler with them. This is to give challenged athletes an experience within the race setting, just as we offer for the kids’ run.

Yes. Checks and cash are accepted with an offline donation form. Please make checks payable to Challenged Athletes Foundation and send to:

CAF, Attn: Finance Dept
9591 Waples St, San Diego, CA 92121

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Thank you for joining us for the San Diego Triathlon Challenge (SDTC) fueled by Toyota on October 25, 2026
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