what is the distance of the short course tri

by Amparo Collier DDS 3 min read

Short Course Short course triathlons consist of the sprint and olympic distance. In the sprint, athletes cover a 750m swim, 20km bike, and 5km run. The Olympic distance is doubled, with athletes covering a 1500m swim, 40km bike, and 10km run.

As the name implies, sprint triathlons are the shortest category of races. Sprint triathlon distances include swimming 0.5 miles (750 meter/2,460 feet), cycling 12.4 miles (20 kilometers), and running 3.1 miles (5 kilometers).

Full Answer

What is the shortest distance in a triathlon?

Super Sprint Triathlon Distance. The shortest distance, which a lot of people start out with is called the super sprint or it might be called the try-a-tri. These races are really, really short, like really short. The super sprint only takes in between about 40 and 60 minutes.

How long should your triathlon efforts be?

All triathletes are endurance athletes, but races can range from sprint triathlons of about an hour to Ironman efforts for up to 17! Do you cope well with the sensation of lactic burn and prefer to have it over with quickly, or would you rather stretch your effort out over hours with less intensity?

Do I need special shoes for a short distance triathlon?

Even if you are taking part in a short distance triathlon it is highly recommended that you use clipless pedals and bike shoes. Further, if you want to be at the sharp end of the race you’ll want to consider tri-specific shoes, because you can save minutes on your overall time with swift transitions.

What is the best HR range for triathlon training?

Athletes who do well at ½ Ironman distances (the ‘middle distance’ of triathlon) maintain a HR range of 75 to 85% for 4 to 7 hours. Athletes who do well at full IM distances maintain a range of 65 to 75%HR which is similar to relatively comfortable training levels for shorter workouts, but holding that pace for 8 to 16+ hours!

How long is a short course triathlon?

Short course triathlons consist of the sprint and olympic distance. In the sprint, athletes cover a 750m swim, 20km bike, and 5km run. The Olympic distance is doubled, with athletes covering a 1500m swim, 40km bike, and 10km run. A short course triathlon is a great starting point for beginner triathletes.

What is a short distance triathlon?

Sprint. This is the most common starting point for triathletes. While it can vary course to course, generally a sprint triathlon includes a 750-meter (0.46-mile) swim, a 20K (12.4-mile) bike and a 5K (3.1-mile) run.

How far are triathlon distances?

On average, you will swim 1/2 mile (750 meters), bike for 12.4 miles (20K), and run for 3.1 miles (5K). Depending on your fitness level, course conditions, and the weather on race day, you can expect to complete these three legs in about 1.5 hours.

How long is a tri triathlon?

Triathlon Distances: Ironman, Olympic, Sprint, Super Sprint & Super LeagueRace TypeSwimRunWorld Triathlon/ITU long Course2km20kmOlympic1.5km10kmSprint750m5kmSuper Sprint400m2.5km4 more rows•Nov 17, 2021

How long is a triathlon?

Olympic Triathlon: Swim 0.93 miles (1.5km), Bike 24.8 miles (40km), Run 6.2 miles (10km) ITU Long Course Triathlon: Swim 1.86 miles (3km), Bike 49.6 miles (80km), Run 12.4 miles (20km)

How far is each leg of a triathlon?

World Triathlon sanctioned events The sport made its debut on the Olympic program at the Sydney Games in 2000 over the Olympic Distance (swim: 1,500 m [1,650 yd] – bike: 40 km [24.9 mi] – run: 10 km [6.2 mi]). A mixed relay event was introduced, using 4 Super Sprint distance legs, in the Tokyo Games in 2021.

What is a good triathlon time for a beginner?

Novice (First Time) Triathletes Finishing Times For a novice triathlete, who has some experience swimming, cycling and running it will take about 2:00 minutes per 100 meters for the swim, or 8 minutes total, about an hour for the bike (avg 12mph) and 30 minutes or so for the run.

How many laps is a triathlon swim?

Triathlons are categorized by distance. Sprint triathlons typically require a 750-meter swim, 20-kilometer bike ride and five-kilometer run. Olympic triathlons (including the NYC Triathlon) involve a 1.5-kilometer swim, 40-kilometer bike ride and 10-kilometer run.

How long does it take to swim 2.4 miles?

Endurance Build-Up 2.4 miles or 3,800 meters is a long time to be swimming. The average age-group swimmer takes roughly eighty minutes to swim this distance without stopping.

How fast do triathletes run?

Not only are transition times mere seconds, but the overall pace is often extremely fast, hovering just above a 5-minute mile run pace. High-caliber professionals will often finish Olympic triathlons in around 2 hours or less, with the men's record currently at just over 1 hour, 46 minutes.

How long does it take to swim 1.5 km?

I decent 1.5k is generally sub 30 mins. Serious swimmers will be looking at sub 20. Elites are like machines and can consitently swim it in less than 18 mins.

What is the Olympic triathlon distance?

Triathlon races are held over four distances: Sprint, Olympic, Double Olympic and Triple Olympic. The Olympic triathlon comprises a 1.5km swim, a 40km bike ride, and a 10km run. There are two competitions at the Olympic Games: men's and women's individual.

What is the distance of a sprint triathlon?

With a 750m swim (usually shorter if it’s a pool-based event), 20km bike and 5km run, sprint distance triathlons are more of an endurance event than the name suggests, requiring good strength, speed and pacing.

What is the longest distance triathlon?

The longest triathlon distance in ‘short course’ ITU racing, standard distance races are a serious effort requiring speed, strength and an excellent awareness of pacing to complete the race at an intensity that’s sustainable just long enough to get you to the finish line. Expect a hammering heart, sore legs and a massive feeling of elation at the end.

How long is Ironman 70.3?

With a 1.9km swim, 90km bike and 21.1km half marathon run, Ironman 70.3, named for its total distance in miles, is one of the most exciting, challenging and rewarding triathlon race formats out there.

When was the Ironman triathlon?

The iconic Ironman triathlon distance has been an aspirational draw for athletes since its first edition in Hawaii in 1978 . With 3.8km of open-water swimming, a 180km bike leg and a full marathon to finish, it’s an incredible challenge for even the fittest athletes.

Is Ironman 70.3 a half Ironman?

As well as official Ironman 70.3 events, which offer qualifications to the age-group Ironman 70.3 World Championships each year, there are a wide range of grassroots half-iron man distance triathlon races to test yourself against.

What is the shortest distance in triathlon?

WHAT’S THE SUPERSPRINT TRIATHLON DISTANCE. 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!

How far is the Olympic triathlon?

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.

Is a brick session a triathlon?

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.

How long is a triathlon?

Here's a breakdown of the four most common triathlon distances available: Sprint Triathlon— 750 meter (0.465 mile) swim / 20 kilometer (12.5 mi) bike / 5 km (3.1 mi) run.

When was the first triathlon?

The first time (on record, anyway) that a competition featuring the triathlon events of swim-run-bike was held—back in 1920, in France—it featured a 3-kilometer run, a 12-kilometer bike and a swim across the Marne.

When was the Ironman created?

It wasn't until 1977 that the modern Ironman—a 140.6-mile slog around the entire Hawaiian island of Oahu—was created to settle a debate about whether runners, swimmers or cyclists were the fittest athletes.

What disciplines are included in a triathlon?

A triathlon race is made up of three disciplines: swimming, cycling and running. It's an endurance sport, with a wide range of distance options to choose from.

What is triathlon leg?

Triathlons are comprised of a swim, bike and run leg . There are also Aquathlons (swim and run) and Duathlons (run, bike, run). But let's focus on the three sport option.

What is the swim leg in triathlon?

The swim leg, which can be in a pool or in open water, is often the most daunting aspect of a triathlon for cyclists. Having the right equipment will definitely make you feel more confident.

Should I wear clipless pedals for a triathlon?

Even if you are taking part in a short distance triathlon it is highly recommended that you use clipless pedals and bike shoes. Further, if you want to be at the sharp end of the race you’ll want to consider tri-specific shoes, because you can save minutes on your overall time with swift transitions.

Is triathlon an endurance event?

However, all triathlon races are endurance events. Athletes will focus on improving their ability to hold a fairly high intensity for an extended period of time.

Can you race a triathlon on a road bike?

You can race a triathlon on an entry level road bike, wearing trainers - or you can spend a fortune on the best triathlon bike, wetsuit and tri-suit money can buy. Here's a look at the key components... With each product is a ‘Buy Now’ or ‘Best Deal’ link.

Is drafting legal for triathlons?

With Age Group races (eg more competitive events) now permitting drafting there is an even greater similarity as the bike leg looks much like a criterium race. Some triathlon events are now draft legal and the bike leg is a lot like a crit race, but most are non-drafting. Image: Danny Nicholson, Flickr Commons.

How long is a sprint triathlon?

As the name implies, sprint triathlons are the shortest category of races. Sprint triathlon distances include swimming 0.5 miles (750 meter/2,460 feet), cycling 12.4 miles (20 kilometers), and running 3.1 miles (5 kilometers). The length of a sprint tri is a perfect entry-level distance, especially for beginners or experienced athletes looking to practice and shakeout their gear.

How long does it take to complete a triathlon?

Depending on elevation and conditions, a sprint distance triathlon can take about 1 hour or less for pros; meanwhile, Ironman distance triathlons usually finish between 8 and 10 hours for elite-caliber triathletes.

How long is a super sprint?

Super sprints usually consist of swimming 0.3 miles (500 meters/1,640 feet), cycling 6.2 miles (10 kilometers), and running 1.6 miles (2.5 kilometers).

Do you need a tri bike for a triathlon?

But also consider the bike and run make up a vast majority of the mileage in a sprint distance triathlon. Although a tri bike is not necessary, fast cyclists and runners will often regain tremendous ground, even with a mediocre swim.

Is triathlon anaerobic or anaerobic?

In other words, athletes can often maintain an anaerobic or higher level of energy output over the course of a 60-90 minute race. Conversely, long-course triathlon training often requires greater endurance-building and anaerobic training. That being low-intensity, high volume training . While building endurance is important for both sprint ...

How high is June Lake Triathlon?

The June Lake Triathlon takes place at over 7,600ft above sea level, providing plenty of alpine beauty and majestic views in the process. What it also delivers is the taxing test of racing at high altitude, an added dimension to the tough course on offer.

Where is the Auburn Triathlon?

Auburn, California. While not as famous as its half iron sibling, the Auburn International Triathlon in California has plenty to offer multisporters. It commences with a swim in Folsom Lake at Rattlesnake Bar State Park before a hilly bike route on quiet roads and a run course boasting canyon views at every turn.

When did the Himalayan Rush Triathlon start?

The Himalayan Rush Triathlon began life in 2012 and has since scooped awards and plaudits aplenty with its unparalleled Himalayan mountain backdrop. The race begins with a fresh water swim before tough and hilly off-road bike and run legs on the trails near Pokhara, and all at 650m above sea level. 1.

Where is the Xterra World Championships?

XTERRA WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS. Maui, Hawaii. And our clear winner is the Xterra World Championships, where 800 of the world’s best dirt-lovers have to bike and run over the mountains of Maui to complete the trail triathlon’s greatest challenge.

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