What are the different triathlon distances?
We explain the 5 recognised triathlon distances you can race, from the shortest, the supersprint, to the full distance Ironman
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There are five recognised triathlon distances in the sport of triathlon. These are;
- Supersprint triathlon distance
- Sprint triathlon distance
- Olympic triathlon distance
- Half-Ironman triathlon distance
- Full Ironman triathlon distance
Which triathlon distance should you race?
The good news about triathlon is whichever distance you decide on, you’ll still be taking on a decent challenge, and whether you come first or last the sense of accomplishment will stay with you foreverThere are also many varied races out there, but with just six hours a week to train you can comfortably complete a triathlon. See our guide to the different triathlon distances and times below.
- Can anyone take part in triathlons? What if I’m not very fit?
- How fit do you have to be to do a triathlon?
- What’s a good triathlon time?
- What if I finish last in a triathlon?
WHAT’S THE SUPERSPRINT TRIATHLON DISTANCE
Supersprint triathlon swim distance: 400m
Supersprint triathlon bike distance: 10km
Supersprint triathlon run distance: 2.5km
The supersprint is the shortest triathlon distance and a great entry point to triathlon, giving you the chance to experience the three disciplines together without having to put in hours of training. Finish one and you’ll be a triathlete!
What’s a good time for this triathlon distance? Anything under 1hr and you’re flying. Plenty of beginners just aim to have fun at this triathlon distance, and aim to complete rather than compete, so enjoy!
WHAT’S THE SPRINT TRIATHLON DISTANCE?
Sprint triathlon swim distance: 750m
Sprint triathlon bike distance: 20km
Sprint triathlon run distance: 5km
Often the shortest triathlon distance option at many events, but still a decent race to get under your belt. This triathlon distance gives you the chance to really experience triathlon, so you’ll need to incorporate tri-specific skills such as brick sessions into your training.
What’s a good time for this triathlon distance? Come in under 90mins and you should feel chuffed.
WHAT’S THE OLYMPIC TRIATHLON DISTANCE?
Olympic triathlon swim distance: 1.5km
Olympic triathlon bike distance: 40km
Olympic triathlon run distance: 10km
Triathlon made its Olympic debut at the Sydney Games in 2000, and this distance is now accepted as the ‘standard’ distance for ITU racing.
What’s a good time for a standard triathlon distance? Under 3hrs is a really solid time. At the elite level, Alistair Brownlee famously triumphed at the London Olympics with a time of 1:46:25 at this distance.
HALF-IRONMAN TRIATHLON DISTANCE
Half-Ironman swim distance: 1.9km
Half Ironman bike distance: 90km
Half-Ironman run distance: 21.1km
You might also hear the half-Ironman distance referred to as ‘middle distance triathlon’ or a ‘70.3’. The half-Ironman distance triathlon is a gruelling step-up from Olympic distance triathlon and a decent challenge that more triathletes are taking on.
What’s a good time for this triathlon distance? Race times are very individual and the course can play a big part. But, for the 35-39 group, a good men’s time is approx 6hrs, 7hrs for women.
- 8 Essential Ironman 70.3 Training Sessions
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IRONMAN/FULL DISTANCE TRIATHLON DISTANCE
Ironman swim distance: 3.8km
Ironman bike distance: 180km
Ironman run distance: 42.2km
Complete one of these and you’d be justified in spending the rest of the year sat in the pub, telling anyone who’ll listen about your chafing.
- Ironman triathlon: how long does it take to train for one if you’re starting from scratch?
- Iron-distance triathlons: the 11 toughest?
- Ironman-distance triathlons: the 10 best European Irons for beginners
What’s a good time for this triathlon distance? Just completing the distance within the 17hr cut-off is a massive accomplishment! But anything around the 13hr mark for men (30-35) is a solid time; 14hrs for women. Getting under the 11hr mark deserves serious respect!
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