Triathlons are competitive sporting events that involve the individuals participating in three different areas ñ swimming, running, and bicycling. The distances for each section of the race may vary. The events are fast paced and the participants transition from one even to the next very quickly. It is important for participants in a triathlon to be proficient in each of the areas and to use the energy they have wisely. Otherwise they will have difficulty finishing the race.
Triathlons take place in various locations all over the world. The first one was held in France in 1920. They weren’t very popular though until the mid 1970’s when a group of people in California were training together. Some of them were runners, some swimmers, and others where bicyclists. The hosted the first Triathlon in the United States in 1974. 46 people came to participate in the event.
The length of each portion of the triathlon depends on the ages and the skill levels of the individuals. There are triathlons for everyone from children to the elderly. There are standard lengths for the Olympics and other annual events but other than that the event sponsors can determine the length of each leg of the triathlon.
In most instances participants have to register in advance for a triathlon. They will be educated in the rules of the event, the course, and the length of each leg of the triathlon. This gives the participants time to train for the event and to ask any questions they may have.
There are triathlons that take place all over the world. You can choose the type of terrain you enjoy. They range from the desert, the mountains, and even in the jungles. There are triathlons that take place all year long including the winter. It is important to train for the event in the type of environment it will take place in. This way your body can adjust.
There are triathlons held on regional and National levels. Most of the time the participates have to accumulate enough points from their regional events in order to qualify for a limited number of spots available for the regional event. There are even triathlons that are part of the Olympic Games.