In North America, it seems when people hear the word triathlon they automatically think of the iron-distance (swim 2.4-miles, bike 112-miles and run 26.2-miles). This generally scares or intimidates people into thinking they can not, either, do a triathlon or they need to join some sort of secret society. Let’s put this myth to rest. The sport of triathlon offers multiple distances, which can accommodate multiple personal challenges. The shortest distance triathlons are usually referred to as the super sprint or sprint distance. There is an international, Olympic, half-iron (70.3-miles), iron (140.6-miles) and ultras.
The super sprints, sprint (750 m swim, 20 km bike, 5 km run) and international are not set distances. They tent to be measured or set by race directors and the land area they have to work with.
Triathlon distances such as Olympic, half-iron and iron are set measured distances. An Olympic distance course consistd of a 1.5k swim, 40k bike and 10k run. The half-iron distance is made up of a 1.9k swim, 90k ride and 21.1k run. Where as the iron-distance is made up of a 3.8k swim, 180k ride, and a marathon: 42.2k run
Triathlon offers a variety of distances that will challenge those who dare to accept the challenge. It is the fastest growing sport in the US and triathlon offers it’s participants a healthy lifestyle.
Here are a few Race directors that offer a variety of triathlon distances:
Tri California: www.tricalifornia.com
Rev3: www.rev3tri.com
Challenge: www.challenge-family.com
TriStar: www.star-events.cc
Lifetime Fitness: www.racetothetoyotacup.com
TriRock Series: www.trirock.competitor.com
Well said!
ReplyDeleteI find it odd when people say they are doing a "full distance", then I ask then what that means and they say, "You know, an Ironman" like all other distances don't really count or matter.
A few years ago we reached a tipping point where doing an all-day extreme endurance event with pee running down your legs, became a "normal" thing to do!!
There are all kinds of other triathlon events - short, long different distances etc. . that are out there.
People need to get out of the Ironman box a bit more!
Steve Fleck