How Long Is a Triathlon?

There are many types of triathlons, each with their own standards for distance. The two major triathlon organizations (the International Triathlon Union and the World Triathlon Corporation) have established the official standards by which triathlons are measured. Though there is a degree of uniformity, triathlons may still differ in length.

Types

The most common types of triathlons are the Olympic Triathlon, the Sprint Triathlon, and the Ironman Triathlon. Each vary in distance.

Olympic

The Olympic Triathlon begins with a 1.5 kilometer (.93 mile) swim, followed by 40 kilometers (24.8 miles) of bicycling and concludes with a 10 kilometer (6.2 mile) run.

Sprint

The Sprint Triathlon begins with a 750 meter (.47 mile) swim, followed by 20 kilometers (12.4 miles) of bicycling and concludes with a 5 kilometer (3.1 mile) run. Swimming distances may vary.

Ironman

A full Ironman Triathlon begins with a 3.8 kilometer (2.4 mile) swim, followed by 180 kilometers (112 miles) of bicycling and concludes with a 42.2 kilometer (26.2 mile) run, the marathon standard.

Variations

Shorter triathlons exist for youth athletes and novices. Additionally, double- and triple-Olympic distance triathlons are also common.

Resources

• International Triathlon Union
• World Triathlon Corporation

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