What is triathlon?
A three discipline endurance event that combines in this order - swimming cycling and running.

How long is a race?
They vary in distances form sprint races to ultra distances:

• Sprint distance
  750m S - 20k Bike - 5k Run
• Olympic distance
  1500M S - 40K B 10k R
• Middle distance or Half Ironman
  1900m S -90K B -21.1K R
• Ironman
  3800m S 180K B - 42.2 K R
• Ultra distance
  anything longer than ironman (which there is!)

Where does the swim take place?
The swims are usually in lakes, rivers or the sea this always applies to any race longer than a sprint, sprint distance races usually take place in swimming pools.

Do I need a wetsuit to swim in?
For an open water race yes you will, these can be bought from all good triathlon shops or you can hire them for a specific race, you don't need a wetsuit to swim in pool race and won't be allowed to wear one anyway. Some open water races if the water temperature is high enought will let you swim without wetsuits.

Can I race on a mountain bike?
Yes you can especially if it is a novice race or a sprint race. You cannot race an Ironman branded event or any race orgiansed but the WTC (half and full ironman race orgiansers) with a mountain bike. Before entering its always worth checking with the orgiansers to see if its ok.

What difference will a triathlon/road bike make?
You will go considerably faster on this bike as it designed for racing on the road.

Do I need a cycle helmet?
Yes you do no race will let you compete with out one.

What is drafting?
Drafting is riding the bike in a competitors slipstream to save energy, this is banned in amatuer triathlon although the pro's are allowed to do it!

Do I get changed when going from one disapline to the next?
Yes you can if you want but it'll be wasting time, triathletes race is special triathlon clothing which you wear under your wetsuit and is designed for riding a bike and running in, it dries out very quick from the swim as well.

Is triathlon expensive?
Yes some of the race entries are especially compared to other sports and the equipment isn't cheap (bikes, wetsuits) but once you have outlayed money on your purchases everything will last you at least 5yrs.

What is the British Triathlon Association and do I need to join?
The BTA is a body of people that looks after the running of the sport, they sanction events for saftey and distances organise GB teams (pro and amatuer), promote the sport to the rest of the population deal with enquires. No you don't need to join but if you enter a BTA santioned race and are not a member you will be asked to pay a surcharge.