Triathlon

Summer

HISTORY OF THE SPORT

Triathlon is an endurance sport comprised of swimming, cycling, and running performed in a continuous format. Transitions are the ‘change-over’ periods between activities and are often referred to as triathlon’s ‘fourth sport’. The first triathlons were contested in San Diego, California in the late 1970’s as a unique method of cross training for a local running club. Records of similar events can also be found in Europe. However, it was Canada that grew the first provincial, national, and international governing bodies for the sport. The first triathlons in Canada were hosted in BC, Ontario, and Manitoba in 1974. The International Triathlon Union (ITU) was formed in 1989 and is still based in North Vancouver, British Columbia. Over the past two decades, Canada hosted the World Triathlon Championships four times, and annual World Cup races from Newfoundland to British Columbia.

Triathlon maintains a philosophy of “sport for all” and provides participation opportunities for over 50,000 Canadians every year of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities. Inclusion and mutual respect are foundations of the sport and the accepted rule at the finish line is to “turn around and congratulate the next participant to the line”. Race distances range from Try-a-Tri events to Ultra Distance challenges. There is growing paratriathlon participation and opportunities for youth of all ages (Under 7 to 19).

Although triathlon is the most recognized “multisport”, there are three other sport combinations included under the auspices of triathlon organizations.

Aquathlon run-swim-run (or more commonly just swim-run)

Duathlon run-bike-run

Winter Triathlon XC Ski-mountain bike-run (on snow / ice)

Distances vary from race to race. Below are several pertinent standard distances:

Name	Swim Distance	Bike Distance	Run Distance
Olympic Distance*	1.5km	40km	10km
Sprint Distance** (CG Individual Event)	750m	20km	5km
Try-a-Tri (CG Relay Event)	300m	7km	2km
Kids of Steel® (KOS)***	Distances are substantially shorter than adult races. The Triathlon Canada Youth Development Rules stipulate maximum distances for athletes in two-year increments (ages 7&U, 8-9, 10-11, 12-13, 14-15)