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New to Tri?

GET INSPIRED . . .

PATHWAYS TO GET INVOLVED

One of the best ways to get involved is to find a Triathlon Club – read why?
Find a Triathlon Club near you.
Parents if you’re looking to get your kids involved, our TRYstars Program is just the thing.
Each of our State Triathlon Associations has a dedicated pathway program, no matter where you are on your triathlon journey.

Paratriathlon – how to get involved.
Volunteer – one of the most rewarding experiences. Triathlon is largely dependent on a volunteer workforce. See how to become one.

Yes You Can!

The first recorded triathlon was in California on September 24, 1974. It was organised by the San Diego Track and Field Club at Mission Bay and was created as an alternative to the rigors of athletic training on the track. Since this, Triathlon has developed into one of the fastest growing sports in the world, and one that can be enjoyed by all ages and abilities.

Triathlon is an activity that combines swimming, cycling, and running in one event. The Olympic, or “standard” distance in triathlon is a 1500 metre swim, 40 kilometre bike, and 10 kilometre run.

There are many variations of a Triathlon or multisport event that can be done as an individual or as part of a team. The table below gives a good overview of the various types of events and distances:

Types of Triathlons

Type	Name	Distance
Triathlon	Enticer / Novice	Swim – less than 750m Ride – less than 20km Run – less than 5km
	Sprint	Swim – 750m Ride – 20km Run – 5km
	Olympic or Classic	Swim – 1500m Ride – 40km Run – 10km
	Long Course / Half Iron Distance	Swim – between 2500 and 3800m Ride – between 80km and 120km Run – between 20km and 30km
	Iron Distance	Swim – 3800m Ride – 180km Run – 42km
Duathlon	Enticer / Novice	Run – less than 5km Ride – less than 30km Run – less than 5km
	Sprint Distance	Run – 5km Ride – 30km Run – 5km
	Standard Distance	Run – 10km Ride – 40km Run – 5km
	Long Course	Run – 10km Ride – 60km Run – 10km
Cross-Tri	Sprint Distance	Swim – 400m MTB Ride – 15km Trail Run – 3.3km
	Standard Distance	Swim – over 1km MTB Ride – 20-30km Trail Run – 6-10km
Aquathlon	Various Distances	Swim - run or Swim - run - swim
Aquabike	Various Distances	Swim - from 1000-4000m Bike - from 100-200km

Triathlons are organised through independent event organisers, state triathlon associations and clubs. They are run at local, state, national and international levels. Triathlon events in Australia range from enticer or novice events right through to ITU World Championship races.

One reason why Triathlon is so appealing to all is because of its unique “age group” concept that is built into the very fabric of the sport. All Triathlon events are traditionally divided into 5-year age categories, so you will take part in the same race as your friends, your colleagues and your family regardless of their age and ability.

4-week training program to get you started from NTA Coach Keiran Barry >>

THE TRIATHLON PATHWAY - A LIFELONG PARTICIPATION SPORT

A goal of Triathlon Australia is to create welcoming entry points for people of all ages and abilities, providing lifelong participation in the sport of triathlon.

Whether your goal is to complete your first Sprint or Olympic distance triathlon, participate in state or national championships, or to gain selection for the age group world championship team, triathlon is a sport which provides the pathways between participation and high performance in a way which enables all individuals to achieve whatever level they aspire to.

Some of the best ways to get involved in the sport can be to:

Enter a short distance enticer /novice race. Such events are usually delivered as low-competitive, fun for all events.
Enter as a member of a two or three-person team. This can be a great way to try out the sport with your friends, and get to know the three disciplines of a triathlon.
Join a triathlon club. Triathlon clubs are a great way to meet other triathletes and coaches, get involved in a regular training programme, or sign up for a skills development course. Clubs will often keep their members updated on local or state races and events, and provide a great social aspect to the sport.
Go along as a supporter for your family or friend, and get to know the sport as a spectator – we guarantee you will leave wanting to have a go yourself!

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