How to Measure a Triathlon

Triathlons can be virtually any event that contains a swim, a bicycle ride and a run. Most vary in distance and in order of activity. Here's how to choose one that's right for you.

Things You'll Need

  • Aerobic/fitness Shoes
  • Cleated Bicycle Shoes
  • Padded Bicycle Shorts
  • Running Shoes
  • Swimming Trunks
  • Triathlon Clothing
  • Bicycle Helmets
  • Biking Shoes
  • Sports Drinks
  • Children's Bicycles
  • Sports drinks
Show More

Instructions

    • 1

      Know that a sprint distance triathlon is a 0.75-kilometer (K) swim (about 0.45 miles), a 22K bike ride (13.2 miles) and a 5K run (3.1 miles).

    • 2

      Consider the sprint distance if you're a beginner, have a limited training schedule, or specialize in short races where endurance doesn't come into play.

    • 3

      Understand that an Olympic triathlon employs the distance used at the Olympic Games: a 1.5K swim (about 0.9 miles), a 40K bike ride (24 miles) and a 10K run (6.2 miles).

    • 4

      Consider the Olympic distance if you're willing to push your endurance past the 2- to 3-hour mark, or if you're new to the sport and are up for the challenge.

    • 5

      Keep in mind that you'll need about 10 to 15 hours of training each week to master the Olympic distance.

    • 6

      Know that a half-Ironman event is a 1.2-mile swim (about 1.9K), a 56-mile bike ride (89.6K) and a 13.1-mile run (21K).

    • 7

      Note that half-Ironman events are for more serious triathletes with at least one year of racing experience in either the sprint or Olympic distance events.

    • 8

      Understand that athletes should commit 15 to 20 hours of training each week for half-Ironmans, which are often used as qualifiers for Ironman distance events.

    • 9

      Know that an Ironman event is a 2.4-mile swim (about 3.8K), a 112-mile bike ride (179.2K) and a 26.2-mile run (42K or a marathon).

    • 10

      Keep in mind that Ironman training requires about 20 to 30 hours each week; ideally, participants should have several half-Ironman distance events under their belts.