A triathlon is an endurance event in which athletes swim, bike and run for specific distances. Events are timed; the person with the lowest time wins. The event distances change based on the type of triathlon. Sprint- and Olympic-distance triathlons are shorter-distance events than half-Ironman and Ironman triathlons. All triathlons start with the swim event, transition to the bike event and finish with the run.
Sprint Triathlon
Sprint triathlons are short-distance triathlons that consist of a 0.5-mile swim, a 12.4-mile bike ride and a 3.1-mile run. This type of triathlon is popular among beginning triathletes because of the shorter distances. Beginners will spend 3 to 5 days per week preparing for a sprint triathlon; training programs focus on improving form in swimming, biking and running.
Olympic Triathlon
An Olympic triathlon comprises a 0.93-mile swim, a 24.85-mile bike ride and a 6.2-mile run. This type of triathlon is performed at various events around the world, most notably at the Summer Olympic Games. Athletes must have good endurance and strength to participate in an Olympic triathlon. Training programs for Olympic-distance triathlons last between 12 and 16 weeks. The training focuses on improving exercise form and reducing overall race time.
Half-Ironman Triathlon
A half-Ironman is a long-distance triathlon that consists of a 1.2-mile swim, a 56-mile bike ride and a 13.1-mile run; these events are half the distances of those in an Ironman triathlon. This type of triathlon is for advanced triathletes with above-average stamina and muscle endurance. The training is very intense and requires months of preparation. Half-Ironman athletes will train multiple times per day, practicing each triathlon event. Triathletes like to perform a half-Ironman as a preparation to race in a full Ironman triathlon.
Ironman Triathlon
The Ironman triathlon is known as one of the most difficult endurance events in the world, comprising a 2.4-mile swim, a 112-mile bike ride and a 26.2-mile run. Ironman triathlons began on February 18, 1978, when John and Judy Collins created the racecourse on the island of Oahu in Hawaii. The Ironman triathlon is for advanced-level athletes who have experience in swimming, biking and running. Athletes train for up to 1 year to prepare for the Ironman-distance triathlon. Their training is broken down into preseason and competitive-season phases.
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