Triathlon

The British Triathlon Federation is the National Governing Body for triathlon, the UK’s fastest growing sport. At elite level we are striving for Olympic success and currently boast the current world champion in Tim Don, current World Under 23 Champion in Will Clarke and current World Junior Champion, Alistair Brownlee. Looking towards 2012 and beyond, British Triathlon has identified emerging outstanding young talent from its youth programmes. Since becoming an Olympic sport in 2000, British Triathlon has seen large annual membership increases and now totals over 10,000 members throughout its Home Nation Associations. There are over 500 triathlon events conducted in Great Britain each year including the London Triathlon, the largest triathlon event in the World; and the BG Triathlon World Cup race in Salford, one of the leading international events.

 

What is Triathlon?

Triathlon is an exciting multi-discipline sport made up of a swim, then a bike ride and then a run. Competitors race against the clock which starts as they begin the swim and stops as the 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.

 

Where did Triathlon start?

Triathlon dates back to 1974 in Southern California where a group of friends started training together. There were swimmers, cyclists and runners and soon they began having races over two or all three of their sports and Triathlon was born! This great young sport was first included in the Olympics in Sydney 2000 where it proved a spectacular success.

In Britain, approximately 500 Triathlon races take place annually with 20,000 people taking part in 2005. It is possible to get involved in Triathlon from the age of 8 upwards. All you need to be able to do is swim, ride a bike and run!

 

What kit do I need?

Swim - Swimsuit and goggles
Bike - Any bike (in good working order), cycle helmet
Run - Trainers , t-shirt/vest; shorts

How Do I Get 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.