Triathlon

The first recorded triathlon was in California on September 24, 1974.  It was organised by the San Diego Track and Field Club at Mission Bay and was created as an alternative to the rigors of athletic training on the track.  The event consisted of 5.3-mile run, followed by a 5-mile cycle race and 600 yards of swimming in the ocean. Since that first race, the sport of triathlon has increased exponentially in popularity.

Triathlon is an activity that combines swimming, cycling, and running in one event. Although triathlons vary in location, terrain, and other features, the majority of triathlons follow the format below.

Swim

Triathlons generally commence with a swim in either open water (lakes, rivers, oceans, seas, etc.) or in a pool. Swim courses can be many different shapes. In open water races, athletes begin at the same time in a mass start, or in staggered waves for safety. In pool swims, athletes can start singly, in small groups, or all together, providing there is enough space. Depending on the water temperature, competitors may be permitted to wear a wetsuit.

Transition (T-1)

Following the swim, athletes exit the water and complete a transition on to the bike; this is called T1. All the athlete’s equipment is placed in the transition area, which becomes a central focus during the event. Transition areas usually a rectangular shape, and a fair transition means that all athletes travel the same distance during the race to get through.

Cycle

Next is the cycle portion of the triathlon, which is generally conducted on public roads and often closed to traffic. Large parks with adequate roads may be suitable to give participants a traffic-free environment. Courses may be loops, out-and-back, or other variations.

Transition (T-2)

T2 is the second transition, from bike to run.  In most triathlons, athletes rack their bike in the original position. Usually, athletes change from cycling shoes to running shoes in the second transition.

Run

The race concludes with the run portion. Run courses are diverse and often involve a variety of different terrains.

Triathlon Distances

The Olympic, or “standard” distance in triathlon is a 1500 meter swim, 40 kilometer bike, and 10 kilometer run. There are also sprint distance (750 m, 20 km bike, 5 km run) and long distance (3 km swim, 80 km bike, 20 km run) triathlons.