Understanding the Various
TRIATHLON DISTANCES
Richard Mallett
UNDERSTANDING THE VARIOUS TRIATHLON DISTANCES Millions of people around the world sign up and participate in triathlons every year. While a small percentage are always looking to complete the Ironman World Championship in Hawaii – the pinnacle event in the sport – many are just hoping to finish the events and call themselves an ‘Ironman’.
Richard Mallett
This popular triathlon has various distances suited for all skill levels:
SPRINT TRIATHLON The sprint triathlon is suitable for the fitness amateur or the weekend enthusiast looking to push themselves with a new workout. On average, it comprises a 750-metre swim, a 20-kilometre bike race and a 5-kilometre run. Triathletes can complete these in about one and a half hours depending on their fitness levels, the weather and course conditions.
OLYMPIC TRIATHLON The Olympic distance triathlon is a step up in the level of effort and dedication required, and many Ironman competitors choose to use it for their training purposes. On race day, triathletes can expect to swim 1.5 kilometres, ride 40 kilometres and run 10 kilometres. The race can take between three and four hours to complete.
HALF IRONMAN TRIATHLON The Half Ironman triathlon is the perfect test for anyone training for the ultimate Ironman race. Participants are expected to swim 1.9 kilometres, bike 90 kilometres and run a standard halfmarathon distance (21.1 kilometres). At this level, triathletes can take between five and seven hours to complete the race.
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