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 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.

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 thier 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!

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

Getting Started

• Find your nearest Triathlon Club
• Contact the Regional Programme Manager, Michelle Scott who works in Cumbria to develop triathlon opportunities.
• Become a British Triathlon member by joining the association. You will get a free T-shirt, insurance, Triathlon magazines and much more!
• Triathlon England North West Regional Academy
• Go along to a local event and either watch or have a go. Check out the events calendar to check when there is an upcoming event happening locally.

Useful Websites

• www.northernpulse.co.uk
• British Triathlon is the national governing body for the sport of Triathlon in Great Britain. British Triathlon sanctions over 500 events every year, has over 400 affiliated clubs and over 9000 members.
• Triathlon England
• Be Challenged aim is to promote exciting and challenging endurance races in spectacular mountain locations. Forthcoming events programme includes an off road duathlon in Grizedale Forest, a trail running and road biking duathlon in beautiful Borrowdale and a Cyclo Sportive in conjunction with Keswick Mountain Festival that takes in the in the climbs of Honister, Newlands and Whinlatter!
• TriHard - a company run by active and enthusiastic triathletes, runners and cyclists, who regularly race locally, nationally and internationally.

Courses

Volunteer Pathways