Inaugural National Living Donor Triathlon

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Clemson Triathlon and South Carolina Transplant Foundation to Host Inaugural National Living Donor Triathlon at 2025 Event

CLEMSON, SC – The Clemson Triathlon, South Carolina’s longest-running triathlon, is proud to announce an exciting addition to its 2025 event. For the first time in its 25-year history, the triathlon will feature the Inaugural National Living Donor Triathlon, sponsored by the South Carolina Transplant Foundation. This groundbreaking event will spotlight the life-saving impact of living organ donors and celebrate their incredible generosity. 

The Executive Director of the South Carolina Transplant Foundation, Zachary Sutton, became a volunteer for DonateLife SC, an early sponsor of the race, and got interested in transplant after completing the Clemson Triathlon in the early 2000s while a student at Clemson University. Ultimately, Zachary became the first altruistic kidney donor in South Carolina while a physician assistant student at the Medical University of South Carolina in 2008. 

This special category within the Clemson Triathlon is designed for living donors who can compete with athletes invited from all over the nation. Open to participants of all experience levels, the Living Donor Triathlon encourages beginners to participate and offers a unique relay team option for groups of three individuals. This relay format allows participants to share the challenge, with each teammate completing one segment of the triathlon: a 1,000-meter swim, a 21-mile bike ride, or a 6-kilometer run.

“We’re thrilled to partner with the South Carolina Transplant Foundation to host this inspiring new category at the Clemson Triathlon,” said Jeremey Davis, President of Set Up Events- South Carolina. “Living donors are true heroes, and this event is a way to honor their selflessness while encouraging health, wellness, and camaraderie among them and the triathlon community.”

The Living Donor Triathlon category will also feature exclusive prizes to recognize participants and celebrate their achievements. The event will take place at the beautiful Snow Family Outdoor Fitness and Wellness Complex on the Clemson University campus, and athletes will enjoy a scenic course through Lake Hartwell and its surrounding areas. Known for its supportive atmosphere and welcoming community, the Clemson Triathlon remains a favorite for seasoned competitors and newcomers.

Living donors and other interested participants from the United States are invited to join this landmark event. Registration is now open at Clemson Triathlon, and spaces are limited, so early sign-up is encouraged.

Event Details:

• Date: Saturday, June 21, 2025

• Location: Snow Family Outdoor Fitness and Wellness Complex, Clemson University

• Distances: 1,000-meter swim, 21-mile bike ride, 6-kilometer run (individual or relay)

Getting to Clemson is simple and convenient. If flying, the nearest major airport is Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport (GSP), approximately an hour’s drive from Clemson. Visitors can rent a car from the airport, take I-85 South to exit 19B, and then follow US-76 West directly to Clemson. For those driving from nearby cities, Clemson is easily accessible via major highways and just off I-85, making it a perfect destination for a weekend trip. 

For more information about the Clemson Triathlon and the Living Donor Triathlon category, please visit our website at Clemson Triathlon or contact Zachary Sutton. 

Join us in celebrating the incredible contributions of living donors and be part of this historic event. Together, we can make a difference!