1500m
10km
40km
A triathlon is a multi sport endurance competition consisting of swimming, cycling, and running. Triathletes compete to get the fasted time in each discipline including transition time for the fasted overall time of the entire course.
Triathlons vary in distances. According to International Triathlon Union and USA Triathlon, the main distances consist of:
Sprint: 750m swim; 20km cycle; 5km run
Olympic: 1500m swim; 40km cycle; 10km run
Half Ironman (Long Course): 1900m swim; 90km cycle; 21.1km run
Ironman (Ultra Distance): 3800m; 180km; 42.2km
Transition is the portion of the race that occurs in between disciplines. There are two transitions during a triathlon regardless of the distance. A transition area is used to store bicycles, performance apparel, and any other accessories essential for preparing and gearing for the bike and run portions of the race. The first transition (T1) occurs after the triathlete has completed the swim portion of the triathlon and heads over to the transition area in order to get ready for the cycling portion of the race. The second transition (T2) occurs once the triathlete has completed the cycling portion of the race and gets ready for the running section. Triathletes must try to waste as little time between T1 and T2 as the transition times are included in the overall completion time of the race. Practicing these transitions is often overlooked by new triathletes, but should be trained just as the other disciplines of the race.
The demanding nature of the sport requires the focus and training of each discipline, along with a combination workouts and general strength and conditioning to ensure highest level of endurance, strength, and power possible on race day.
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