Sprint triathlons

The name "sprint" triathlon can be confusing on first glance at the distances involved: 750m swim, 20K bike ride and a 5K run. It's only when you remember that traithlon is an endurance sport that it all starts to make sense.

An average competitor will finish a sprint triathlon in between 1hr 15min and 1hr 45min. Usually, people will have a preferred discipline, perhaps making up time on the cycle before slowing down on the run or vice versa. It's only after entering a few events that you start to learn your strengths and weaknesses.

Sprint triathlons are incredibly popular and many people will enter them to see how fast they can go. For some, sprints are a stepping stone on the way to an Olympic distance or more, but the sprint distance is recognised as an event in its own right.

You can find sprint distance triathlons all across the UK, from locally organised events to major editions, like the London Triathlon. Once you've completed one, many people will get the bug and started touring around to find more!

FAQs

How far is a sprint triathlon?

Sprint triathlon distances include a 750m swim, 20K bike ride and 5K run.

How hard is a sprint triathlon?

It depends how keen you are on racing! You can definitely take on a sprint distance as your first triathlon but we'd recommend slowing down and just enjoying the experience, getting used to the transitions.

What kit do you need for a sprint triathlon?

Don't be fooled by competitors rocking up with four-figure rides - while they're fun to use, they're by no means necessary to take part in a sprint triathlon. Check with your race organiser whether you need a wetsuit or not, then just aim for a bike that fits your height and kit that's comfy.