As part of our series of Frequently Asked Questions proud to share our Triathlon distances FAQs. Below are a series of questions and answers to help you understand the various triathlon race distances.
Super Sprint Triathlon Distance FAQs
Questions: What are the Super Sprint Triathlon Distances?
Answers: This is the entry level to triathlon with the swim generally conducted in a pool so avoiding the added uncertainty of an open water event.
Distances for super sprint triathlon are:
- 400m swim
- 10km bike
- 2.5km run
Question: How long does it take to complete a Super Sprint Triathlon?
Answer: Finishing times vary with experience but you should be thinking of completing it in under an hour.
Question: How long does it take to train for a Super Sprint Triathlon?
Answer: Training for a Super Sprint depends on your base level of fitness but most active people should be able to get themselves into suitable shape in under 1 – 3 months.
Sprint Triathlon Distance FAQs
Questions: What are the Sprint Triathlon Distances?
Answers: This type of triathlon race is the first real opportunity for triathletes to try an open water event.
Distances for Sprint Triathlon are:
- 750m swim
- 20km bike
- 5km run
Question: How long does it take to complete a Sprint Triathlon?
Answer: For your first attempt you should certainly be aiming for under 2 hours. Finishing times vary with experience and ability but the key element tends to be your performance on the bike.
Question: How long does it take to train for a Sprint Triathlon?
Answer: Training for a Sprint triathlon varies and will depend on which discipline is your strength but you should be able to complete comfortably with 3 months of training.
Olympic Triathlon Distance FAQs
Questions: What are the Olympic Triathlon Distances?
Answers: An Olympic Triathlon is a sensibly named distance which refers to the same distances as competed every 4 years at the Olympics. Having seen both of the Brownlee Brothers making this look easy it is your chance to feel like an Olympian.
Distances for Olympic Triathlon are:
- 1500m swim
- 40km bike
- 10km run
Question: How long does it take to complete a Olympic Triathlon?
Answer: You could be talking about 3 hours or more of serious exertion so not something to attempt unless you are in good physical condition. As ever and with all of these please conduct a physician before embarking on any new fitness regime.
Question: How long does it take to train for a Olympic Triathlon?
Answer: Training for an Olympic triathlon is something you can achieve on your own but you would be advised to join a local triathlon club. From a standing start of no fitness you should allow around 6 months of structured training to participate.
Middle Distance Triathlon Distance FAQs
Questions: What are the Middle Distance Triathlon Distances?
Answers: Middle Distance triathlon has many names. Sometimes labelled as half-iron distance triathlon it is certainly a serious challenge to any athlete. It is in reality being underplayed with the label “Middle Distance”. The distances jump up substantially with a total of 70.3 miles (113km) in total.
Distances for middle distance Triathlon are:
- 1.2 miles swim
- 56 miles bike
- 13.1 miles run (half marathon)
Question: How long does it take to complete a Middle Distance Triathlon?
Answer: Time to complete a middle distance triathlon can vary depending on the type course. With such a variety of swims (sea, river or lake) & the difficulty of the bike & run course it varies substantially. A middle distance triathlon could easily take over 6 hours of intense exercise to complete.
Question: How long does it take to train for a Middle Distance Triathlon?
Answer: Training for a middle distance triathlon needs a structured training plan. This coupled with and an understanding family and job! You should consider a training plan of 6 to 9 months to complete a middle distance triathlon.
Ironman Triathlon Distance FAQs
Questions: What are the Ironman Distance Triathlon Distances?
Answers: Ironman Distance triathlon is the Daddy of triathlons. It that refers to the brand “Ironman” but includes all long distance triathlons whether they are official Ironman events or not.
The distance of each discipline is more than enough to worry anyone attempting just one discipline.
Distances for Ironman Triathlon are:
- 2.4 miles (3.86km) swim
- 112 miles (180.25km) bike
- 26.2 miles (42.2km) run
Question: How long does it take to complete an Ironman Distance Triathlon?
Answer: An Ironman is completed in a single day, no breaks and time for recovery. Most races have a cut off time of 17 hours with individual cut off times after each discipline. This means you could well get to the end of the bike after 12 hours of exercise to be told your race was over and not allowed to attempt the marathon. In terms of targets it is less about time and more about finishing the race.
There is currently an ambition team trying to smash the male and female Ironman records with times of under 7 hours for the men and 8 hours for the women. If successful would be an incredible performance.
Question: How long does it take to train for an Ironman Distance Triathlon?
Answer: Training for a Ironman distance triathlon needs accepting that training time for something of this scale would be in terms of a full 12 months worth of planning and effort.
