A triathlon, as defined by Merriam-Webster dictionary, is an endurance event that consists of three consecutive phases. In a traditional sense, these phases are usually swimming, biking, and running. However, triathlons have expanded to become combinations of these events and have diversified to include other events as well. Triathlons, at time of publication, offer a wide variety of race distances and events to accommodate a greater population of endurance athletes.
Triathlons
The traditional swim, bike, run combination is the most popular variation of the triathlons and is available in a variety of distances to suit different competitor levels. Triathlons can range anywhere from 50 to 3,000 participants. Super Sprint and Sprint triathlons are ideal for the beginner competitor because they require little training. The sprint is 750m swim, 20K bike, and 5K run, while the super sprint is half that distance. The standard Olympic distance is 1.5K swim, 40K bike, and 10K run. For the endurance enthusiast, the Half-Ironman is 1.2 mile swim, 90K bike, and 13.1 mile run, and the Ironman is a 2.4 mile swim, 180K bike, and 26.2 mile run.
Duathlons
If you are not a strong swimmer, duathlons -- a combination of running, biking, and running again -- are an option. The distances of duathlons range from 2 mile run, 10 mile bike and 2 mile run to 10K run, 60K bike and 10K run. The longest version, known as the Powerman Duathlon is similar to the Ironman in an endurance sense and is a world competition series each year. Duathlon events are usually combined with triathlons but occasionally they are held as separate events. Competition is generally few, with a range of 50 to 200 competitors on average, according to the USA triathlon site
Aquathon
Aquathons- a series of running, swimming, and running- are similar to duathlons in their small setting. Generally, the racing environment is more compact because the biking portion is eliminated. One appeal to aquathons, according to USA triathlon, is the less expensive equipment needs. Most racing distances of aquathons are relatively short, so less training is needed than for other events. Aquathons are typically used by competitive triathletes to improve their transition times in preparation for larger races.
Off-road
For the adventure seeker, off-road triathlons offer a natural variety to the traditional triathlon. Race distances are usually 1/2 mile swim, 8 to 12 mile bike, and 3 mile run. The swim portion is completed in open water and the bike and run are held on trails. Mountain bikes and trail shoes are generally the only equipment needed. USA Triathlon predicts an expansion in the amount of off-road triathlon events held as a result of the growing interest in mountain biking and trail running.
Winter Triathlon
Less commonly knownwinter triathlons have been held since 1997, typically in the Rocky Mountain region. Hard-packed ski trails cater for the events. The running portion, which is between 5K to 9K, requires either normal running shoes or 1/8 inch screwed spikes. The biking section, 10K to 15K, is usually completed using a mountain bike with wide tires for traction on the snow. Skiing is the last leg, 8K to 12K, and is completed on ski trails. USA Triathlon is encouraging the promotion of winter triathlons in hopes to make it an Olympic event in the future.
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