Triathlon Distances: Complete Guide to Choosing Your Next Race

Triathlon is an endurance sport that combines three disciplines: swimming, cycling and running.

This sport, known for its variety in triathlon distance, has gained popularity since its inclusion in the 2000 Sydney Olympics thanks to the work of World triathlon

If you are thinking of starting out in the world of triathlon, it is essential that you know the different distances and choose the one that best suits your physical conditions and abilities.

Triathlon Modalities

There are various modalities of triathlon, each with its own characteristics and distances. Some of the most common are:

- Duathlon: Consists of running, cycling and running. There are usually different distances but the most common are the sprint and the Olympic.

- Aquathlon: This modality is becoming more and more fashionable and is perfect for swimmers and runners who don't like the bike. It consists of 1km of swimming and 5km of running.

- Aquabike: This is another new modality that is becoming more and more accepted among triathletes. It consists of swimming to later finish with the bicycle, omitting the running segment.

- Winter triathlon: It is a modality that is carried out only in the winter months. Coastal running, mountain biking and cross-country skiing to finish off the race.

-Triathlon and Duathlon Cross: These modalities are identical to the triathlon and the duathlon but it changes in that it competes with a mountain bike and the foot race is Trail Running

triathlon distances

The triathlon is characterized by its versatility in distances, adapting to all levels of physical condition and experience. Next, we present the most common distances in this sport:

- Supersprint: Ideal for debuting in this sport, it consists of 250 to 500 meters of swimming, 6 to 13 kilometers of cycling and 1,7 to 3,5 kilometers of running.

- Sprint: This distance is made up of 750 meters of swimming, 20 km of cycling and 5 km of running.

- Shorts: It is between the sprint and the standard or Olympic. Their distances are usually 900 meters of swimming, 40 kilometers of cycling and 10 kilometers of running.

- Olympic: The Olympic triathlon consists of 1,5 km of swimming, 40 km of cycling and 10 km of running.

- Half-Ironman / Ironman 70.3: Its distance is half that of the IRONMAN. 1.900 meters of swimming, 90 kilometers of cycling and 21 kilometers of running.

- HOMBRE DE HIERRO: Their distances are 3.800 meters of swimming, 180 kilometers of cycling and 42 kilometers of running.

- PTO Distance: This is the distance that is called PTO: 2 km of swimming, 80 km of cycling and 18 km of running.

- Ultra Triathlon: The “Ultra” triathlon distances include IRONMAN double, triple and quadruple events, up to one deca and even double deca.

- Super League Triathlon: The Super League Triathlon distance is a new, exciting and super short race format.

triathlon equipment

To participate in a triathlon, you will need a specific equipment that allows you to perform at your best in each discipline. Among the most important elements are:

- Trisuit or triathlon jumpsuit: This is a specialized suit that allows you to perform the three disciplines without having to change your clothes.

- Cycling and running shoes: It is important to have specific shoes for each discipline, since each one requires a different type of support and cushioning.

- Neoprene suit: This element is essential for open water competitions, as it helps maintain body temperature and improves buoyancy.

 Triathlon world records

In the world of triathlon, there are athletes who have achieved impressive times.

Kristian Blummenfelt holds the record in the IRONMAN distance with a time of 7 hours, 21 minutes and 12 seconds.

For women, the record was set by Daniela Ryf of Switzerland in 2018, with a time of 8 hours, 26 minutes and 18 seconds.

Triathlon is a sport that offers a great variety of distances to compete in and modalities, which allows anyone, regardless of their level of physical condition, to participate and enjoy this sport.

We encourage you to choose the distance that best suits your abilities and prepare for your next race. Remember, triathlon is not just a sport, it's a lifestyle.