Triathlon 101

Kids of Steel Triathlon (Swim, Bike, Run)

Please Note: Distances are MAXIMUM allowed for each age group. Ages are based on December 31 of the current year of competition.

Type

7 & Under Years
8-9 Years
10-11 Years
12-13 Years
14-15 Years
16-19 Years

Swim

50 m
100 m
200 m
300 m
500 m
750 m

Bike

1.5 km
5 km
5 km
10 km
10 km
20 km

Run

0.5 km
1 km
2 km
3 km
4 km
5 km

Triathlon (Swim, Bike, Run)

Type

Try-It
Sprint
Standard
Half Ironman
Ironman

Swim

375 m
750 m
1.5 km
2 km
3.8 km

Bike

10 km
20 km
40 km
90 km
180 km

Run

2.5 km
5 km
10 km
21 km
42 km
Please Note: These distances may vary for each event.

Winter Triathlon (Run, Bike, Ski)

Type
International
Sprint
Run / Snowshoe
5 km
2.5 km
Mountain Bike / Skate
10 km
5 km
Cross Country Ski
12 km
6 km

What is Mixed Relay?

The Mixed Relay format, also known as 4 x Mixed Relay, consists of teams of four, comprised of two men and two women. Races last between an hour and ninety minutes depending on the course layout and are very explosive and exciting to watch.

  • Format: Each athlete completes a mini triathlon before tagging their team mate. The mini triathlon format can vary, but is normally set at course distance of around 300 m swim, 7.5 km bike, and 1.5 km run.

  • History: The Mixed Relay format was introduced by the ITU (International Triathlon Union) in 2009 after merging the previously individual men's and women's mixed relay titles. The event was initiated with the aim of increasing the profile of the sport to get more triathletes, as well as, introducing the team discipline to the Olympic Programme. The Glasgow Commonwealth Games in 2014 was the first time the event featured as a major multi-sport games, where English quartet: Vicky HollandJonathan Brownlee, Jodie Stimpson, and Alistair Brownlee, took the gold medal. The ITU are submitting proposal plans to the IOC Commission for inclusion of the Mixed Relay in the Tokyo 2020 programme, with a decision currently set to be made by the IOC in July 2017.

  • Mixed Relay Opportunities: Mixed Relay racing opportunities have previously been quite rare across the mass participation market, however, more event organizers are beginning to host this exciting and fast moving format for all levels of triathlete.