Triathlon Explained.
​Triathlon is a sport that involves three disciplines: swimming, cycling, and running. It is a fun and challenging way to test your fitness & endurance whilst being a great benefit for health & wellbeing. There are different types of triathlon events that vary in the distance and difficulty of each discipline. Here are some of the common types of triathlon events and what they entail:
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Super Sprint Distance: This is the shortest type of triathlon event, usually consisting of a 400m swim, a 10km bike, and a 2.5km run. This type of triathlon is ideal for beginners who want to try the sport for the first time, or for experienced triathletes who want to work on their speed and technique.
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Sprint Distance: This is the next level up from the super sprint triathlon, typically involving a 750m swim, a 20km bike, and a 5km run. This type of triathlon is also suitable for beginners who want to challenge themselves a bit more, or for intermediate triathletes who want to improve their transitions and stamina.
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Olympic (Standard) Distance: This is the standard type of triathlon event, also known as the 5150, that features a 1.5km swim, a 40km bike, and a 10km run. This type of triathlon is the most popular and competitive, as it is used in the Olympic Games and the ITU World Triathlon Series. This type of triathlon requires a good level of fitness and preparation, as it tests your endurance, speed, and strength.
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Middle Distance: This is the half distance of the Ironman triathlon, also known as the 70.3, that comprises a 1.9km swim, a 90km bike, and a 21.1km run. This type of triathlon is challenging and demanding, as it requires a high level of fitness and preparation. This type of triathlon is suitable for advanced triathletes who want to push their limits and experience a longer and harder race.
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Long Course Distance: This is the ultimate type of triathlon event, also known as the 140.6, that consists of a 3.9km swim, a 180km bike, and a 42.2km run. This type of triathlon is the most difficult and prestigious, as it tests the physical and mental limits of the triathletes. This type of triathlon is suitable for elite triathletes who want to achieve the highest level of accomplishment and recognition in the sport.
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Get the basic kit. To participate in a triathlon, you will need some essential equipment and gear. Here are some of the basic items you will need:
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A swimsuit, goggles, and a swim cap. You will need a pair of goggles that fit well and prevent water from entering your eyes. A swim cap can help reduce drag and keep your hair out of your face. Some triathlon events may provide you with a swim cap with your race number on it.
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A bike, helmet, and shoes. You will need a bike that is suitable for your triathlon distance and terrain. You can use any type of bike, such as a road bike, a mountain bike, or a hybrid bike, as long as it is in good condition and meets the safety standards. You will also need a helmet that fits properly and protects your head. You will also need a pair of shoes that are compatible with your bike pedals and comfortable for cycling.
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A running outfit and shoes. You will need a running outfit that is breathable, lightweight, and comfortable. You can wear the same outfit that you wore for swimming and cycling, or you can change into a different one in the transition area. You will also need a pair of running shoes that are cushioned, supportive, and fit well. You can use elastic laces or a quick-release system to make it easier to put on and take off your shoes.
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​A race belt, bib number, and timing chip. A race belt is a belt that you can attach your bib number and timing chip to. A bib number is a number that identifies you as a participant in the triathlon event and timing chip is a device that records your time and splits for each segment of the triathlon. These are usually provided by the race organiser when you check in on race day. A race belt can help you avoid pinning your bib number to your clothing and damaging it. It can also help you switch your bib number from the back to the front when you transition from cycling to running.
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A transition bag, towel, and water bottle. A transition bag is a bag that you can use to store and carry your equipment and gear to and from the transition area. A transition area is a designated area where you can change your clothes and equipment between each segment of the triathlon. A towel can help you dry yourself and your feet after swimming and before putting on your shoes. A water bottle can help you stay hydrated and replenish your fluids during the triathlon.
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A triathlon suit or kit. A triathlon suit or kit is a one-piece or two-piece outfit that is designed for swimming, cycling, and running. It is made of quick-drying, stretchy, and aerodynamic material that can reduce chafing and improve your performance. A triathlon suit or kit can save you time and hassle in the transition area, as you do not need to change your clothes. However, it is not mandatory to wear a triathlon suit or kit, and you can use any combination of clothing that you prefer.
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There are different governing bodies and event organisers or brands that regulate and promote triathlon around the world.
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Here are some of the main ones:
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World Triathlon: This is the international governing body for triathlon and all related multi-sport disciplines, such as paratriathlon, duathlon, aquathlon, and cross triathlon. World Triathlon is recognised by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) as the sole authority for triathlon. World Triathlon is responsible for setting the rules, standards, and policies for triathlon, as well as organising and sanctioning the World Triathlon Series, the World Triathlon Championships, the World Triathlon Cups, and the Olympic and Paralympic triathlon events1.
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Continental Confederations: These are the regional governing bodies for triathlon that are affiliated with World Triathlon. There are five continental confederations: Africa Triathlon Union (ATU), Asian Triathlon Confederation (ASTC), European Triathlon Union (ETU), Oceania Triathlon Union (OTU), and Pan American Triathlon Confederation (PATCO). Each continental confederation is responsible for developing and promoting triathlon in its region, as well as organising and sanctioning continental championships, cups, and games1.
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National Federations: These are the national governing bodies for triathlon that are affiliated with World Triathlon and their respective continental confederation. There are more than 170 national federations that represent triathlon in their countries. Each national federation is responsible for developing and promoting triathlon in its country, as well as organising and sanctioning national championships, races, and teams1.
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Ironman: This is the most famous and prestigious brand and event organiser for triathlon, especially for the long-distance triathlon events. Ironman is owned by The Ironman Group, a sports event promotion company that is owned by Advance Publications, a media company. Ironman organises and sanctions the Ironman and Ironman 70.3 series, which are the world’s largest and most popular long-distance triathlon events. Ironman also organises and sanctions other multi-sport events, such as the Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon Series, the Standard Chartered Singapore Marathon, and the Velothon Series2.
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Challenge Family: This is another leading brand and event organiser for triathlon, especially for the long-distance triathlon events. Challenge Family is owned by TEAMChallenge GmbH, a family-owned company based in Germany. Challenge Family organises and sanctions the Challenge series, which are long-distance triathlon events that are known for their high-quality and athlete-friendly races. Challenge Family also organizes and sanctions other multisport events, such as the Challenge Women, the Challenge Sprint, and the Challenge Relay.
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Professional Triathletes Organisation (PTO): This is a not-for-profit organisation that represents the professional triathletes who compete in non-drafting triathlon events. PTO aims to improve the working conditions, benefits, and opportunities for professional triathletes, as well as to increase the exposure and popularity of the sport. PTO organizes and sanctions the Collins Cup, which is a team competition between the best triathletes from Europe, USA, and Internationals. PTO also supports and partners with other triathlon events, such as the Ironman, Challenge, and Super League series.
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These are some of the main governing bodies and event organisers or brands for triathlon.
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There are also many other local, regional, and independent triathlon events and organisations that contribute to the growth and diversity of the sport. Triathlon is a global and dynamic sport that offers various opportunities and experiences for athletes, fans, and stakeholders. In the UAE we have;
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Information on this page has newly created content & also collated information from various sources & websites to provide a mini wiki on triathlon for the new athletes to the sport. If you would like to see more information to support the start of your triathlon journey, please let us know via our Contact Page.
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Sources;
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