Triathlons

While the specifics of triathlons vary based on the location, the level of experience and the age of the competitors affects the distances that will be covered in that event. There are some standard race distances though that are set for each category. This information was complied to assist triathletes with being able to properly prepare and train for the various events they were going to participate in.

Since it is important for children to get into shape as well as adults there are triathlons for them as well. The Sara Lee Iron Kids Triathlon Series is the most popular for children. Participants range in age from 7-14. The event has been in place for more than 20 years. During that span of time over 40,000 children have completed the event.

For kids triathlons the standard race distance depends on the age of the child. The swimming portion ranges from 100 to 500m, the bicycling is from 5 to 15km, and the running part is from 1 to 5km. For older youth from 15 to 18 and adult beginners the standard racing distance is 300m swimming, 8km bike riding, and a 2km run.

There are two separate sprint categories that triathletes can choose from. One is the standard sprint and the other is the super sprint. With the super spring the standard race distances are 400m swimming, 10km bike ride, and 2.5km run. The sprint category is twice as long in the bicycling and running portions with 750m swim, 20km bike ride, and 5km run. The sprint is the most common category of triathlon distance in the United States.

For the Olympics the standard racing distances are 1.5km swimming, 40 km bicycling, and 10k running. This is considered to be the standard course for international competitions as well. The half triathlon comes with standard race distances of 1.9 km of swimming, 90 km bike riding, and 21.09 km of running. A whole triathlon that is completed by expert competitors has a standard race distance of 3.8 km swimming, 180km bicycle riding, and 42.195 km running. This is also known as the iron man competition.

Standard race distances make it much easier for individuals to know which types of events they should consider participating in. As their skills improve they can move up to the next level of competition. It takes a great deal of discipline, motivation, and hard work to train for a triathlon of any distance.