What is a Triathlon?

According to USA Triathlon, “the reasons people want to get involved in triathlon or multisport vary. For some it is a chance to challenge themselves physically or spiritually. For others it is the opportunity for healthy competition on race day. And countless others are choosing multisport to enhance their quality of life by partaking in a healthy pastime.” Regardless of your reason, ACHIEVE Kids Tri and USA Triathlon are a great resources to encourage you on that journey.

In essence, triathlon is a competition of Swim, Bike and Run. Triathlons vary in distances and range from ACHIEVE Kids Tri Mini Triathlon to the full Ironman.

Swim: 100 meters (4 laps)
Bike: 5 kilometers (3.1 miles)
Run: 1.5 kilometers (Just under 1 mile)

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Sprint Distance

Swim: 750m (approximately ½ mile)
Bike: 20km, (12.5 miles)
Run: 5km (3.1 mile

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Olympic Distance

Swim: 1.5km (Just under a mile)
Bike:40km (24.9 miles)
Run:10km (6.2 miles)

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Half-Ironman Distance

Swim:1.9km (Just over a mile)
Bike:90km (56 miles)
Run:21.1km (Half-marathon, or 13.1 miles)

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Ironman Distance

Swim:4km (2.4 miles)
Bike: 180km (112 miles)
Run:42.2 (otherwise known as a marathon or 26.2 miles)