Triathlon Distances


Sprint to Ironman

A triathlon does not have to be a superhuman effort. There are four standard distances:

Sprint: swim 750m (0.47 miles), bike 20km (12.43 miles), run 5km (3.11 miles)

Olympic: swim 1500m (0.93 miles), bike 40km (24.85 miles), run 10km (6.21 miles)

Middle: (same as Half Ironman, or Ironman 70.3): swim 1.2 miles (1.93km), bike 56 miles (90.12 km), run half marathon 13,1 miles (21.08 km)

Full Ironman: swim 2.4 miles (3.86km), bike 112 miles (180.25 km), run marathon 26.22 miles (42.2 km)


Sprint triathlon is an endurance event

Let start with the sprint distance. Don’t get fooled by the name, it is a significant achievement to complete a sprint triathlon and it will take a lot more than an hour of hard effort, maybe up to two.

When you can handle the sprint, consider an olympic distance race and so on. If you start at a longer distance, I doubt you will enjoy it.


What shape are you in?

Can you swim 0.5 miles (750m) comfortably, in any pace?

Can you ride a bike for 12 miles (20km) in any speed?

Can you run/speed walk 3 miles (5km) continuously?

If you say yes to all three, and you train regularly from now on and is healthy, I think you can sign up for a sprint triathlon and be ready in less than 6 months.


Get clearance from your doctor

Triathlons are not trivial, it is a serious challenge to your body, and a medical doctor must clear you for the training. I am not in perfect health, and I am not injury free. Still I am a successful triathlete, but there are limitations. Get medical clearance.



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