1. Four Events in One
A quadrathlon is a competitive event with four parts. Some quadrathlons simply add an event to a standard triathlon, so instead of swim-bike-run they feature paddle-swim-bike-run. Others, like the annual Mt. Taylor Quadrathlon in New Mexico, features a 13-mile bike race followed by an 1800 foot climb by bike, followed by a 5-mile run, a 1200-foot climb over 2 miles on cross-country skis, and another 1-mile climb with snow shoes. At this point, the quadrathlon is only half over, because you have to reverse the four events and then race 22 miles.
2. Swim-Kayak-Bike-Run
There is an international governing body--the World Quadrathlon Association--for quadrathlons and the British Quadrathlon Society, which has been in existence for more than 20 years and primarily focuses on swimming-kayaking-biking-running. However, the World Quadrathlon Association focuses more on Great Britain and Europe, where the sport is more popular. This group holds an annual World Cup event.
3. What's Your Choice for a Fourth Event?
Because quadrathlons have not caught on in the United States like they have in Europe, many of the details are still being worked out. In a column on "Beginner Triathlete," Meg Lentz asked readers to vote on a fourth sport that they would like to see as part of a quadrathlon. She notes that the fourth sport would have to be an activity with forward momentum. Some of the choices for the fourth sport in this tongue-in-cheek article were a 50-foot rock climb before the bike segment, a 400-meter rope skip at the finish line, a 1-mile wind-surf before the run, or a 10k in-line skate at the end of a triathlon.
4. The World's Most Famous Quadrathlon
The Artemis Great Kindrochit Quadrathlon is an annual event in the Scottish Highlands. It features a 1.5k swim, followed by a 24k run, a 54k bike and an 11k kayak ride. The event raises money for Mercy Corps, an international development charity. This is one of the world's most famous quadrathlons.
5. Quadrathlons Might Catch On Soon
Events like triathlons and, to a smaller extent, quadrathlons are becoming popular as alternatives to marathons and other high-distance races because they promote cross training--being fit by engaging in a number of different sports. Because the athlete is not focusing on one event and one set of muscles, workouts can be more enjoyable and there is less chance of injury.
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