The premier race in triathlon is the Ironman Triathlon World Championship, held in Hawaii each year. Known simply as the Ironman, the race distance covers 140.2 miles, consisting of a 2.4-mile swim, 112-mile bike ride, ending in a 26.2-mile marathon. However, it soon became apparent to race promoters that not every athlete was ready to, or wanted to, compete at the premier Ironman distance.
Sprint Distance Triathlon
The sprint distance triathlon is the entry-level race for those new to the sport. Although distances vary from race to race, a sprint consists of the 500 yards or less swim leg, followed by a 12 to 15 mile bike leg, concluding with a 3.1-mile run. Mini sprint triathlons are shorter, and are recreational rather than races. Although the sprint is aimed at new triathletes, many experienced triathletes use this distance as an early season test of their fitness.
Olympic Distance Triathlon
The Olympic distance triathlon is the distance used in the Olympic Games, first appearing at the Sydney games in 2000. Although athletes new to triathlon often use this distance as their introduction to the sport, the Olympic distance triathlon is best suited for athletes with previous triathlon experience or who have an above-average level of fitness. The race distance covered in most Olympic triathlons is a 0.9-mile swim in a lake or ocean, followed by a 25-mile bike ride, and 6.2-mile run. Experienced triathletes often use this distance as part of training for long distance or long course triathlon distances.
International Distance Triathlon
The international distance triathlon is often the same distance as that of the Olympic distance triathlon. However, if a race promoter wishes to alter the distance of any or all legs of the triathlon, it will be an International rather than an Olympic triathlon.
Half Ironman Triathlon
The half Ironman distance triathlon begins with a 1.2-mile swim in an open body of water, followed by a 56-mile bike ride, ending with a 13.1-mile run. The half Ironman race distance is half that of its big brother, the Ironman or full distance triathlon that covers 140.6-miles. Although a few new triathletes use this distance as their initiation to the sport, most athletes work up to this distance, paying their dues training and racing in the sprint and Olympic distances.
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