Cypress Sprint and Youth Triathlon 2025 Draws Hundreds for Family Fun, Fierce Competition at Bridgeland’s Festival Park
The energy at Festival Park in Bridgeland was electric this past weekend as nearly 500 athletes ranging from age 6 to 76 took to the start lines of the sold-out 2025 Cypress Sprint and Youth Triathlon, presented by the Bayou City Triathlon Series. Now in its 17th year, this beloved Cypress-area race weekend proved once again why it’s considered one of Greater Houston’s premier multisport events—welcoming elite athletes, first-timers, kids, and even four-legged friends.
Held July 26–27, 2025, the Cypress Tris weekend featured a wide variety of events tailored for all ages and abilities, from Saturday morning’s adorable Doggie Splash’N Dash to the Super Sprint Triathlon, Aquabike, and Duathlon on Sunday. The event continues to thrive in the heart of Bridgeland, where fast, flat courses and scenic views of Lake Bridgeland combine to create a top-tier race experience in Northwest Harris County.
Saturday’s Highlights: Kids and Canines Take Center Stage
Kicking off early Saturday morning, the Doggie Splash’N Dash brought smiles all around as local athletes and their furry companions splashed into a 200-meter swim followed by a one-mile run around the lake. This crowd-favorite tradition continues to be a uniquely Cypress way to celebrate triathlon weekend.
Later in the morning, young competitors took on the Cypress Youth Triathlon, with short and long course options depending on age. Children ages 6–10 raced a 50-yard swim, 2-mile bike, and half-mile run, while the older group, ages 11–15, doubled the distance with a 100-yard swim, 4-mile bike, and 1.15-mile run. Both courses featured closed streets and pool-based swim starts for added safety.
"The course was flat and fast, which is great for our younger racers just getting into the sport,” said one event volunteer, noting how the family-focused triathlon in Cypress continues to grow in popularity year over year.
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Sunday Showdowns: Sprint Triathlon, Duathlon and More
By Sunday morning, the field was stacked with experienced triathletes and ambitious newcomers alike. The Sprint Triathlon, the marquee race of the weekend, featured a 550-meter open water swim, 11-mile bike ride, and 5K runthrough shaded Bridgeland streets.
New for 2025, the updated bike course eliminated the Fry Road section in favor of a safer, faster out-and-back route along Bridgeland Lake Parkway, extending just past the Grand Parkway. The result? Quicker splits and cleaner transitions that gave elite competitors a chance to shine.
Among the men’s top finishers was Ben Beretvas of Glen Head, NY, who took first overall with a commanding time of 54:31.7. Close behind, David Diaz of Katy, TX finished in 59:52.1, earning second place with a blazing 25 mph average on the bike. Carlos Castillo of Sugar Land, TX rounded out the podium with 59:56.6, thanks in part to his strong 6:09 run pace.
The women’s field was just as competitive. Kelly Fitzpatrick of Houston led the charge with a winning time of 1:03:10.2, followed by Daniela Castillo of Sugar Land in 1:05:03.4, and Chandlyr Kulpa of Houston, who clocked 1:05:09.2.
Participants in the Cypress Sprint and Youth Triathlon over the July 26-27, 2025 weekend. (Photo: Daniel Arizpe)Community, Competition, and Sold-Out Success
This year's Cypress Triathlon Series offered multiple race formats to welcome newcomers to the sport. For those not quite ready to swim, the Cypress Duathlon (1-mile run, 11-mile bike, 5K run) and the Aquabike format (swim and bike only) provided solid alternatives. Meanwhile, the Super Sprint Triathlon—a shorter, more intense event with a 200-meter swim, 7-mile bike, and 2.1-mile run—appealed to seasoned athletes seeking a quick, high-speed challenge.
With nearly 500 athletes registered and all races completely sold out by July 24, the weekend affirmed its place as one of the most popular triathlon weekends in Texas. The event’s continued success also reflects the strength of the triathlon community in Cypress and Bridgeland, as well as the broader Houston region.
Race director feedback emphasized the welcoming nature of the weekend. “This event is competitive, but it's also very inclusive. The course layout, the support, and the community here in Bridgeland really help make this a great place for both first-timers and veterans alike.”
A pre-race clinic held the weekend prior offered a deep dive into swim technique, transition strategies, and nutrition, helping calm race-day nerves for many participants. With Bayou City Triathlon Series continuing to grow, locals are already looking ahead to the next race in the series.
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A Family Affair
The Cypress Triathlon isn’t just a race—it’s an annual celebration of fitness, family, and fun in the heart of Northwest Houston. Whether it was kids proudly crossing the finish line, dogs bounding through the Splash’N Dash, or elite athletes breaking the hour mark in the Sprint, the weekend had something for everyone.
As the final race wrapped up Sunday morning and medals were handed out at Festival Park, the community spirit that defines Cypress multisport culture was on full display.
Stay tuned with My Neighborhood News for updates on next year’s Cypress Triathlon Weekend and other family-friendly community events in Bridgeland and Northwest Harris County.
Tiffany Krenek has been on the My Neighborhood News team since August 2021. She is passionate about curating and sharing content that enriches the lives of our readers in a personal, meaningful way. A loving mother and wife, Tiffany and her family live in the West Houston/Cypress region.
