The Katy Triathlon -- the oldest triathlon in Texas and the only non-profit triathlon in the greater Katy/Houston area – will be held for the 32nd time on August 31 – but in a new location.

The Labor Day weekend event will take place this year – and in future years – at the Katy Boardwalk, Katy Triathlon Chairman Paul Kurt told the Katy Times. Kurt co-chairs the event, which is a project of the Rotary Club of Katy, with daughter Christina Kurt.

“This year marks the 32nd Anniversary of the Katy Triathlon – a milestone we are thrilled to celebrate,” Kurt said in an email. “Since our founding, the Katy Triathlon has awarded over 222 scholarships in excess of $771,500 to graduating seniors and establishment of a $175,000 endowment fund. Our mission focuses on providing need-based and character scholarships to graduating [Katy ISD] seniors.In 2025 alone, we’ve proudly awarded $125,000 in scholarships to KISD seniors. It’s important to note that no administrative or management fees are taken from this event – every dollar raised goes directly to scholarships.” But in early summer, things didn’t look promising. Cane Island, home to the triathlon for the last five years, notified Kurt and the Rotary Club that it would not allow the event to be held there this year.

“Cane Island HOA Board and MUD Board has put the 2025 Katy Triathlon in jeopardy by denying the use of the lake for the swim portion,” Kurt told the Katy Times in a June 18 email. “We had been inquiring for months about approval and constantly received push back. What an injustice to our students in need!”

Kurt then contacted City of Katy Mayor Dusty Thiele, a fellow Rotarian, about the possibility of moving the event to the city-owned Katy Boardwalk facility at 24566 Kingsland at Katy Fort Bend Road in Katy, which features a lake that could be used for the swim portion of the triathlon. Various streets near the Boardwalk, including Kingsland, Katy Flewellen and Pin Oak Road could be used for the other portions of the competition.

The Katy Times reached out to Mayor Thiele for additional feedback on the situation.

Katy Times: What was your reaction when you learned that the Triathlon might be cancelled after Cane Island would not allow it to happen there this year? Thiele: I was surprised to hear the news when Paul Kurt with the Rotary Club of Katy reached out to see if there was any way the City could assist in preserving this long-standing partnership.

Katy Times: How quickly did the City respond with its offer of the Boardwalk as a site for the triathlon? Thiele: As soon as I was notified by Paul Kurt, the current Chairman of the Rotary Club of Katy Triathlon, I let him know I would explore what, if anything, could be done and review the proper procedures that would need to be followed.

Katy Times: What kinds of approvals did you need to do this? Thiele: The item was placed on the City Council agenda for formal approval. [Publisher’s note: the item was approved via consent agenda at the August 13 meeting of Katy’s city council.]

Katy Times: What needs to be done to the Boardwalk to make it ready for the Triathlon? Thiele: The Boardwalk is already in excellent condition to host this event.

Katy Times: Were special arrangements made for parking? Thiele: Arrangements were made for parking near Entry #7 at Katy Mills Mall.

Katy Times: When will the barrels and barricades blocking the Katy Ft. Bend Rd entry to the Boardwalk be removed? Thiele: That entry will remain closed for the event. Participants and spectators will use the pedestrian access between the Boardwalk and Katy Mills Mall for entry and exit.

Katy Times: What is the benefit to the City of having the Triathlon? Thiele: City Council approved the use of the Boardwalk lake so the Rotary Club of Katy could continue this cherished event without interruption.

Kurt told the Katy Times on August 14 that almost all spots in the Triathlon are taken and that he expects sponsorship dollars to exceed more than $100,000.00 this year. Learn more about the Katy Triathlon by visiting the website at www.katytriathlon.org.