Triathlon Distances

4 Common Triathlon Distances

Do you want to do a triathlon? There are a variety of distances to suit your goals.

We recommend starting with a shorter distance first, even if your ultimate goal is a longer race.

Taking this approach, allows you to gain valuable race and training experience. This is important, because the longer the race, the more exponentially costly mistakes become. Most importantly, you will have a significantly better race experience when you finally decide to "go long."

In triathlon there are 4 main distances. Sometimes they are modified by the race director, but generally speaking here is what you can expect. 

Sprint Triathlon
Swim .5 mi, Bike 12 mi, Run 3.1 mi 
(“Sprint” distances vary the most)

Olympic Triathlon
Swim .9 mi, Bike 24.8 mi, Run 6.2 mi
(Swim 1.5k, Bike 40k, Run 10k)

Half
Swim 1.2 mi, Bike 56 mi, Run 13.1 mi
(aka “Half-iron, Half Ironman® or 70.3®)

Full
Swim 2.4 mi, Bike 112 mi, Run 26.2 mi
(aka Ironman®, Iron-distance or 140.6)

PRO Tip: Although it is commonly confused, IRONMAN® is NOT synonymous with the word triathlon. Triathlon is the actual sport and triathlons generally offer 4 common distances as shown above. 

While IRONMAN® is the name / brand of a company that produces triathlons, it is commonly used to describe the iron-distance (140.6 mile) version of a triathlon. Avoid calling ALL distance triathlons, an IRONMAN® to avoid confusion and to demonstrate your competency. 

The word IRONMAN® has slowly become the "BAND-AID®" (adhesive bandage) for triathlon.

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Incorrect:
You: "I did an ironman this weekend"
Friend: "Wow! That's amazing. What was the distance?"
You: "It was a .5 mile swim, 12.5 mile bike and a 3.1 mile run."
Friend: "Impressive. I don't think I could ever do that."

Correct:
You: "I did an sprint triathlon this weekend"
Friend: "Wow! That's amazing. What was the distance?"
You: "It was a .5 mile swim, 12.5 mile bike and a 3.1 mile run."
Friend: "Impressive. I don't think I could ever do that."