Triathlon

Triathlon is an exciting multi-discipline sport made up of a swim, then a bike ride and then a run.

See Also:: Cycling, Running, Swimming

An Overview of Triathlon

Competitors race against the clock which starts as they begin the swim and stops as they cross the finish line after the run. Race distances vary depending on age and preference. Maximum distances are set for children but adults can choose to race over a number of distances.

The kit you need for swimming, swimsuit and goggles. For riding, any bike in good working order and cycle helmet. For running, trainers, t-shirt/vest and shorts.

Triathlon is a great way to get active and, by taking on the three elements of swimming, cycling and running you can keep it fun and varied too.

Benefits

Triathlon offers an all-over body work out that will tone the legs through cycling and running, and the arms and upper body through swimming. Depending on your weight and how hard you work in training, swimming and cycling eat up around 600-700 calories an hour, and running even more, perhaps as many as 900.

Involvement

For people of all ages and abilities wanting to take part, there are approximately 750 triathlon clubs in the United Kingdom with many of them offering taster sessions for people interested in taking up the sport. Information on how you can join can be found on the websites of the British Triathlon Federation, Triathlon England.