Bucks County Triathlon Club kicks off season at annual Meet and Greet

The Bucks County Triathlon Club (BCTC) officially launched its 2026 season with its annual Meet and Greet, a gathering that marked the start of another year of training, racing and community for one of the region’s most active multisport organizations. The event, which took place Saturday, February 21 at St. Cyril of Jerusalem Catholic Church’s Rec Hall in Jamison, brought together longtime members, first-time triathletes and local race directors to outline the club’s plans for the months ahead, while also reinforcing what has been at the core of BCTC since its founding: camaraderie, inclusion and a shared passion for endurance sports.

“The meet and greet is the start-off for the year,” said Anthony Accardo, founder and president of the Bucks County Triathlon Club. “It’s where we go over all our plans for the upcoming season, announce our club races, and welcome new members into the group.”

Founded in 2012 by Accardo, a Washington Crossing resident, the Bucks County Triathlon Club was created to make what can be an intimidating, challenging, and lonely sport more accessible and more social. Accardo said the idea grew out of his own experience as a runner looking for something more engaging. So, he joined forces with a group of individuals who had just started participating in local triathlons to establish the BCTC.

“Planning and training with other like-minded individuals is a big plus to keep you motivated to do bigger events and improve your performance,” described Accardo. “To have this camaraderie within a group really helps your mindset, especially on race day and leading up to race day,

From a dozen members in its first summer, BCTC steadily grew after introducing its first Meet and Greet and offering early membership incentives. By the end of its first year, the club had grown to about 100 members. Today, including family members, the club numbers roughly 250.

The club draws athletes ranging in age from 18 to the mid-70s, with an average age between 40 and 55. While BCTC includes highly accomplished competitors, including athletes who have qualified for national championships, completed multiple Ironman races and even raced at the Ironman World Championships in Kona, Accardo emphasized that the club is built for all abilities.

“You don’t have to be in great shape to join,” he said. “You can join and get the training you need here to become successful at a triathlon. This club is open to anyone. We will mentor you and help you succeed.”

That philosophy is reflected in how the club trains. Members have access to weekly group swims, bike rides and runs, with workouts designed to accommodate beginners through experienced athletes. BCTC partners with local organizations such as the Bucks County Speedsters and the Bucks County Roadrunners Club for track workouts, hill training and speed sessions, and regularly brings in experienced coaches and former professional athletes to lead swim sessions at the George School in Newtown during the winter months.

“One of the things we really try to communicate is that we have all abilities,” Accardo said. “We have no-drop (bike) rides so no one gets dropped. We circle back if someone is a little slower. Everyone is included.”

About 75 percent of BCTC members compete in multisport events such as triathlons, duathlons and swim-run races, while others participate primarily in running or cycling events. 

Accardo cited the SOS Triathlon as the longest and most demanding race he has completed, an eight-stage endurance event in New York that combines long bike rides, multiple trail runs, lake swims and a final climb to the top of Sky Top Tower at the Mohonk Mountain House. He said, “The Bucks County Triathlon Club played a key role in my preparation for this race by providing training partners and support,” noting that he has encouraged other club members to compete alongside him during the past 13 years, a shared experience that has helped keep him motivated through one of the sport’s toughest challenges.

He added, “It’s intimidating to get into open water with sometimes hundreds of people all swimming in one direction. To have someone there with you that you know can ease your tension and your mind, and to have someone cheering you on, is a huge benefit.”

Beyond training, BCTC provides tangible race-day support, including discounted registration fees, designated club areas at races and shared amenities such as tents, bike pumps and refreshments. For many members, Accardo said, that support makes a significant difference.

During the Meet and Greet, the club announced its full slate of races and events for the year. These included several signature BCTC-hosted events, all of which were introduced to members that evening.

In the spring, the club announced plans for its Earth Day 10K, a trail and road race held in Washington Crossing Park that is open to the public and designed to highlight the area’s natural terrain. The race has grown steadily over the years and remains a focus for the club’s continued expansion.

Early summer will bring the BCTC Splash and Dash, a youth-friendly swim-run event that introduces children and adults to multisport racing in a fun, low-pressure environment. The event includes age-appropriate distances for kids as young as six, along with an adult division and a social atmosphere at the finish.

Mid-summer, BCTC will host its Train Together, Tri Together social event, combining multiple training options — including swim-run, cycling and running activities — with food, games and family-friendly activities. Accardo described it as one of the club’s biggest social gatherings of the year.

In the fall, the club will again host its WXT Ultra, a trail ultramarathon offering longer-distance running options and drawing athletes from across the region.

In addition to hosting its own events, BCTC announced some of its designated “club races” for the season during the Meet and Greet, including popular regional triathlons such as Steelman at Nockamixon State Park and several races in New Jersey. These races serve as focal points where members gather, race together and support one another.

Geographically, the club draws members from across Bucks County, with strong representation from Newtown, Yardley and surrounding communities, as well as participants from nearby New Jersey. Training locations rotate throughout the area, including river swims near New Hope, rides near Washington Crossing and Bull’s Island over the bridge in New Jersey, and runs coordinated with local running clubs.

For Accardo, the club’s continued success comes down to consistency and community.

“We’ve been pretty steady in what we do,” he said. “We’re a consistent model of these multiple sports in the area. Training together, racing together, holding each other accountable; that’s what keeps people coming back.”

More information about the Bucks County Triathlon Club, upcoming events and membership opportunities can be found on the club’s website at www.buckscotriclub.com.