Triathlon- everything you need to know

This is the sport that’s sweeping across Britain with each of the three Home Nations ( England, Scotland and Wales) seeing unrivalled participation in its relatively short history. What began as an egotistical competition from it’s origins in Hawaii has now developed into a multisport with varying distances, locations and levels of competition.

It truly is a sport for all. British Triathlon staff and volunteers are the worldwide pioneers in terms of getting the sport recognised with participation and competition for both genders, the disabled, children, under represented groups, ethnic minorities and age groups. Triathlon, or ‘Tri’ as it is often abbreviated, became an Olympic sport at the Sydney Olympic Games in 2000. It was this advancement and recognition of the sport at the Olympic distance (1500m swim, 40km bike, 10km run) that created the opportunity for development of the sport and the appropriate funding to allow elite athletes and talented youths to train.

“Success breads success”. British Triathlon are right up there when it comes to achievement, with three men in the top ten at the World Championships held in Hamburg earlier this year with an additional fourth place finishes at under U23 level for male and female and gold and silver respectively for junior female and male. But this is only the tip of success, as the GB Age Group (amateur) team finished second in the medal table with 41 medals. As well as this Olympic distance triathlon success, there have also been medal winning performances at the World and European Long Distance Championships, World Ironman, World XTERRA and World and European Duathlon Championships.

WHY TRI ?

With the opportunity to train as part of a club, enjoy the outdoors and challenge oneself against the clock and fellow age groupers, it’s no wonder that triathlon is getting bigger. Add to this the opportunity to race against elite athletes on the same courses and being given the opportunity to don a GB vest as an Age Grouper competitor, there is little wonder why it’s popularity is soaring. In recognition of the increased participation, there are now over 600 events every year with varying distances and options (run and swim only, bike and run only or swim, bike and run). These aquathlon, duathlon and triathlon events are great for gauging strength, and more importantly, preference of both distance and type of disciplines preferred. For the more courageous, the option of the Ironman or Half Ironman are there to test the body and soul, a gruelling 2.4 mile swim, 112 mile bike and 26.2 mile (yes that’s right a Marathon to finish) awaits those competing at the Ironman distance.

GETTING STARTED

The easiest way to get involved is to join a local triathlon club; details can be found on the British Triathlon Federation website ( www.britishtriathlon.org) where all the latest information on the sport including membership, coaching, volunteering and training can be found. If you simply want to give it a go there are options available as well as the opportunity of simply registering and competing in an event in 2008. There is also the option of fund raising, participating as a relay team, or helping out at one of the many children’s events to be staged in 2008. The Corus Kids of Steel triathlons will be taking place around Britain giving youngsters the opportunity to participate in short distance events. For more information visit www.corustriathlon.com. Triathlon festivals are also becoming more popular with the Rother Valley Triathlon Weekend taking place over the weekend of 31 May/ 1 June 2008, with varying distances, children’s events and a disabled triathlete race along with other entertainment.

To get involved visit www.britishtriathlon.org

Alternatively you view your regional website at www.triathlonenglandast.org or contact your Regional Development Manager at ceriwinter@britishtriathlon.org