When Dr. Adrian Tabares steps into the American River on Oct. 19 for his first Ironman competition, he’ll be chasing a goal that has been years in the making. The grueling event—consisting of a 2.4-mile swim, a 112-mile bike ride, and a full 26.2-mile marathon run, totaling 140 miles—draws nearly 3,000 athletes from around the world to Sacramento. For Dr. Tabares, a dual board certified physician practicing primary care and sports medicine with Sutter Health, it’s the culmination of a lifelong passion for athletics, discipline, and balance.
Growing up in rural Wisconsin, Dr. Tabares had no access to formal youth sports because his family couldn’t afford them. But his energy and determination carried him into high school wrestling, football, and track and field. Wrestling, in particular, sparked his love of conditioning and running, which became a lifelong outlet. “Running was how I funneled energy and managed stress,” he recalls. “Even in college, after tough exams, I’d lace up and go for a run to reset.”
That foundation eventually grew into marathons, triathlons, and now his first full Ironman. Along the way, Dr. Tabares has been motivated by his role as a physician.
“I’ve always believed I need to model the lifestyle I encourage for my patients—staying active, eating well, and finding balance,” he says. “I want them to see that big goals, even if they seem far off, are achievable with the right mindset and effort.”
His medical journey mirrors that philosophy. Inspired by his family medicine doctor growing up, Dr. Tabares pursued healthcare through persistence and mentorship, eventually completing residency at UC Davis. It was during residency that he competed in his first triathlon and “caught the bug” for multisport training.
“What I love about triathlon is the variety. If I don’t feel like running, I can bike or swim. It keeps me motivated.”
Training for the Ironman has been a family effort. His wife, a registered nurse and the mother of their two young children, has been his greatest supporter—managing the home front during his early-morning workouts and long training days. “She’s really the foundation of our family,” Dr. Tabares says. “Her support allows me to pursue this dream while still being present as a husband and father.”
Dr. Adrian Tabares and his daughter share a smile while running.
His professional home at Sutter has also been key to making this goal possible. “One of the reasons I chose Sutter was the flexibility and balance it provides,” he explains. “I’m able to care for patients in a meaningful way, while also having the autonomy to adjust my schedule when I need to—whether it’s for family or for training. Honestly, I don’t think I could attempt an Ironman without that balance.”
For Dr. Tabares, the October competition is not just about crossing the finish line at the State Capitol—it’s about the journey. “I genuinely enjoy the training. Watching myself progress, realizing I can go farther than I thought possible—that’s what motivates me. The Ironman is the celebration on top.”
And when he dives into the water with thousands of other athletes this fall, he’ll also carry with him the same message he shares with his patients: big goals are achievable, as long as you keep moving forward.
