Marcel Dinkins Big Apple Triathlon Finish Beats Swim Fear

The Peloton instructor completed the Sprint distance in New York City after working through her fear of open water swimming.

The Marcel Dinkins Big Apple Triathlon story is one of showing up while afraid. On Saturday, October 10, the Peloton instructor completed the Sprint distance in New York City after working through her anxiety about open water swimming.

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A post shared by MARCEL DINKINS | FITNESS INSTRUCTOR | PODCAST HOST (@officialmarcelfit)

Dinkins shared the result in a post-race Instagram chat. “I was afraid. I was uncertain but I DID IT ANYWAY,” she wrote. She described her experience as a way to conquer a fear and move the goal post for herself, and called it one small link in a huge chain. Her message to others was direct: “If I can I’m CERTAIN you can.” Har fan group, Marcel’s Army, had the back of their Designated Hype Person all the way!

The Course Behind the Marcel Dinkins Big Apple Triathlon Experience

The Big Apple Triathlon is presented by Alpha Win Racing and sanctioned by USA Triathlon. The Sprint distance, which the event lists as its most popular option, begins with a 1,500 meter swim in the Hudson River. Athletes then bike 12.4 miles on the West Side Highway and run 2.5 miles to a finish in Central Park.

The organizers describe the Sprint as a fit for first-timers. Other options include an Olympic distance with a 24.8 mile bike and a 6.2 mile run, a relay, an aquabike that skips the run, and a Sprint Duathlon that is new for 2026. The race sells out at 2,500 athletes.

Facing the Open Water Swim

The swim was the part of the day Dinkins addressed most openly. In an Instagram video before the race, she wrote that she would be swimming 1,500 meters in open water the next day and needed a moment to take that in. She said fear is natural and the goal is to get past it. She spoke eloquently about terror vs anxiety. (Is leading a meditation in her future? Hmm…)

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A post shared by MARCEL DINKINS | FITNESS INSTRUCTOR | PODCAST HOST (@officialmarcelfit)

Fellow Peloton instructors responded in the comments. Tunde Oyeneyin told her to redirect the energy and enjoy the day, Emma Lovewell wrote that she had it, and Joslyn Thompson Rule called the video a beautiful self-reflection. Many members who appeared to be experienced triathletes or open water swimmers gave very helpful, specific advice for this part.

Race Day Training

The Marcel Dinkins Big Apple Triathlon followed months of preparation that The Clip Out has tracked. In July, her triathlon training reached a milestone when she pushed past fatigue to conquer a tough hill climb on her own.

Dinkins framed the race as one step in a longer progression rather than a single result. Congratulations on finishing this amazing accomplishment, Marcel, we can’t wait to see what you do next!

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