Triathlon gained its enormous popularity due in part to the television coverage of the sport's biggest event -- the Ironman World Championship -- held every year in Hawaii. Triathlon looked appealing to enough single sport athletes -- swimmers, cyclists and runners -- willing to learn an additional sport or two missing from their repertoire. The result has been an explosion of the sport's appeal into the mainstream of sports culture. The sprint triathlon is a portal into triathlon for newbie competitors, and the basic distances are a 750-meter swim, 20K bike ride and 5K run.
Swim Leg
The swim is the first event contested in a triathlon. An athlete cannot win a triathlon during the swim but certainly can lose it. Bring your swimsuit or wetsuit, or both depending on the expected water temperature. Bring goggles with correct lens tinting: clear lens tint for overcast and mirror for sunny conditions. Remember your swim cap -- neoprene if the race is in the winter. Finally, pack body glide for your wetsuit, earplugs, anti-fog solution and last but not least -- a towel.
Cycling Leg
The cycling leg of a sprint triathlon requires the most preparation, because a mechanical issue will ruin your race. Perform a safety check of your rig the night before the race, making sure all bolts and fasteners are tight, then load your bike into your vehicle. According to USA Triathlon, you should account for and pack your helmet, race uniform, bike shoes, socks, gloves and riding glasses. Also bring a tire pump, tubes, tire-changing kit and repair tools, and don't forget your water bottles.
Run Leg
The run leg of a triathlon requires less gear than the other. Beginner Triathlete suggests packing your running shoes, hat, fuel belt, sports drink and watch. You may also wish to bring items for after the run, such as a towel, sweat suit and extra shoes.
Conclusions
There are basic items to compete in a triathlon -- a swimsuit, bike, and running shoes. Additional items vary from athlete to athlete depending on individual needs and preferences. Sunscreen, heart rate monitor, identification, money, camera and food are a partial list of additional items you may need. As you gain experience competing, your list will become refined, and perhaps shorter to include only race essentials. Perhaps it will expand to include even a tent and chairs for your cheering section's comfort.
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