History
History
The Story of the Žilina Triathlon
The story of the Žilina Triathlon began in 1998, when coaches from the swimming club organised the first race, mainly for their own club members. From a small three-discipline race, the event has grown step by step into a major triathlon festival with Slovak national championships, international participation and hundreds of athletes.
Since 1999, the race has followed the standard format with transition areas. In 2006, Richard Varga won the overall standings at our event for the first time; over the next 15+ years he became an icon of Slovak triathlon.
The 10th edition in 2008 kicked off the era of the Žilina Triathlon at Vodné dielo Žilina (Žilina Reservoir). It became a true triathlon with an open-water swim, and the number of participants grew every year.
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1998
edition zero
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The event is named "Žilinský malý trojboj" (Žilina Small Three-Discipline Race). Athletes completed the disciplines separately, with a break after each one. |
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1999
1st edition
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A triathlon with everything it should have – including the standard format with transition areas. |
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2000
2nd edition
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Renamed "Žilinský malý triatlon" (Žilina Small Triathlon). |
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2002
4th edition
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International athletes take part for the first time. |
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2004
6th edition
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New bike course – instead of the route to Višňové, the ride took place in the city streets for the first time. |
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2005
7th edition
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Renamed "Žilinský triatlon" (Žilina Triathlon), first attempt at chip timing, and new youth and open categories. |
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2006
8th edition
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Transition area moved to the OC Dubeň car park. Run course rerouted towards the University of Žilina campus. Richard Varga wins the overall standings for the first time. |
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2007
9th edition
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Record turnout – 180 athletes. |
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2008
10th edition
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Move to Vodné dielo Žilina. After 10 years, the event leaves the Municipal Indoor Swimming Pool complex and moves to Vodné dielo Žilina (Žilina Reservoir). It becomes a true triathlon with an open-water swim. |
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2011
13th edition
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One of the best-organised editions in the event's history. |
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2012
14th edition
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The event gains a title partner and is renamed "Garmin Žilinský triatlon". |
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2013
15th edition
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The event expands to two days and adds CROSS triathlon races. |
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2017
19th edition
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Record turnout of 520 participants. |
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2018
20th edition
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The Žilina triathlon becomes part of the 2018 Junior European Cup in triathlon. |
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2019
21st edition
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The Žilina triathlon continues as part of the 2019 Junior European Cup in triathlon. |
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2021
23rd edition
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The COVID edition. Despite difficult conditions, the event went ahead with a typical field of athletes – one of only a few events in Slovakia to do so. |
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2022
24th edition
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A relay triathlon is included for the first time. |
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2023
25th edition
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Renamed "Žilina Triathlon Festival". The event now features side activities and a street food festival. |
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2024
26th edition
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Joint Slovak and Czech Championships. Žilina hosted the joint Slovak and Czech Sprint Triathlon Championships. The event saw a record 650 athletes. |
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2025
27th edition
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The Žilina Triathlon Festival keeps growing and carries on the tradition, bringing new challenges and an even better experience for athletes, fans and whole families. |
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2026
28th edition
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A Record-Breaking ŽTF The Žilina Triathlon Festival rewrote its history. Over two days, 769 athletes lined up at the start – the most in the event's history. The 28th edition brought the highest turnout ever, great performances and an atmosphere created by athletes, fans and volunteers alike. Thank you for being part of the record-breaking ŽTF 2026. |
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2027
29th edition
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ŽTF 2027 COMING SOON After a record-breaking year, we're not stopping. The 29th Žilina Triathlon Festival is in the works. The date, races and registration opening for ŽTF 2027 will be announced soon. SEE YOU AT THE START LINE AGAIN. |