Aquathlons

An aquathlon is a multisport race combining swimming and running - it's essentially a triathlon without the cycling. The event is over either two stages, one swim and one run, or three - a run, swim, then another run. Most aquathlon events are the two stage swim-run format, using triathlon standard distances.

The simple format makes aquathlons ideal for both beginners and for seasoned amateurs to train and mix up their events as it doesn't require any expensive kit or months of preparation. You can choose pool or open water, your favourite running surface, and your ideal distances.

FIND AN AQUATHLON

How far can you go?
The distances vary but are usually at the shorter end of the spectrum, comparable to a sprint triathlon. The British Triathlon guidelines are as follows:
Sprint: 500m swim/2.5km run (minimum age 15)
Standard: 1km swim/5km run (minimum age 17)
Long distance: 2km swim/10km run (minimum age 19)
Find your aquathlon

Major event or charity aquathlons
At the biggest mass-participation aquathlons you can guarantee a place by doing it for charity. Look for the 'Major Event' or charity logos.
Major aquathlons

Preparation
Build up gradually to the distance required and have at least one ‘dummy’ run to help your pacing on the big day. Try and practice running straight after swimming too - and get into a clear routine for the transition.

BEFORE THE SWIM

Pool or open water?
Choose from either, more likely to be open water (shown in the listings by the icon to the left) for the longer distance events. If it’s pool-based then you don’t need to worry about wetsuits, also making the transition easier.

What to wear
Pick from trunks/swim shorts/costume plus goggles and cap (from event organiser) in the pool. For open water, wetsuit use determined by British Triathlon guidelines - compulsory for swims of up to 1.5km once the water dips below 14° (15° for 2km+).
Wetsuit rules

Getting up to speed
"Open water swimming is different to the pool so you need to try out certain skills before venturing out." World record endurance swimmer Dr Julie Bradshaw MBE.
How to swim in open water

Transition
Presuming it’s a two-leg event, you just need to focus on going from the swim to the run. Take off your cap and goggles and make sure your race number is visible on your front. If wearing a wetsuit, use the link below for tips on removal.
Wetsuit tips and tricks

BEFORE THE RUN

Check out the terrain
When using our listings, look at the surface used for the run – everything from tarmac to trail (shown by the icon to the left) – and choose the appropriate footwear.
Find your aquathlon

Wet feet
Going straight from the swim, your running shoes could get wet from the outset, making it vital to use lots of talc to wick away the moisture and prevent chafing and blisters. If your run is 5km or less then going sockless is worth considering.

Kit choices
A tri suit (though the padded shorts are unnecessary with no cycling) saves on time – but shorts over trunks and running vest (plus pinned number or band) on your torso is the simple option and shouldn’t cost too many seconds.

Optional extras
A running watch can help with pacing while sunglasses will protect your eyes and a cap’s a good idea if it’s hot.

Nutrition
Given the distances of the sprint and standard events, in-race fuelling shouldn’t be essential. However make sure you’ve gone with a tried and tested meal beforehand and keep hydrated.

ALTERNATIVES

SwimRun
As the title suggests, there’s an obvious parallel but the key difference is they feature multiple legs of each discipline. They’re almost always in open water and on trails too. And there are no transitions. Search for SwimRun in our events listings.
SwimRun events

Duathlons
If it’s really the swim aspect which is putting you off then the bike/run format is the answer.
Find a duathlon

Triathlons
Ready to combine all three disciplines and want to pick from a wider range of distances? Then check out these options.
Novice Standard Long distance