You want to swim, bike, run but which distance should you choose for your first triathlon?

It can be confusing with the many names for each triathlon distance, so here's a breakdown of race types and distances (and possible variations!) to help you make your decision.

Below are the typical race distances, noting that different event companies and races can adjust each of them slightly for the course and/or event logistics. It's always a good idea to check the event page carefully to confirm the distance before registering.

The Standard/Olympic (my first triathlon distance!)

• Swim: 1.5km

• Bike: 40km

• Run: 10km

The Sprint

• Swim: 750m

• Bike: 20km

• Run: 5km

The Super Sprint

• Swim: 400m

• Bike: 10km

• Run: 2.5km

The Half Ironman/70.3

• Swim: 1.9km

• Bike: 90km

• Run: 21.1km (half marathon)

The Ironman

• Swim: 3.8km

• Bike: 180km

• Run: 42.2km (marathon)

Things to consider

Here's some thoughts I had when registering for my first triathlon helped me make up my decision. It can be good to consider each individual discipline and the distance (and time) it could take you. If you are riding at about 25km/h, a 40km bike ride in the Olympic distance will take you ~1.6hours. Can you see yourself being ready to ride for that long come race day? Do you think you need to see if you enjoy riding at all before committing to a ride that length? Same idea with the swim and the run. Think about your previous history with the two: can you swim over a kilometer? Are you comfortable swimming longer distances in open water? Will training to run 10kms induce injury or niggles you have had previously?

Another consideration is the elevation of the course. A 40km bike ride with 200m elevation will feel a lot easier than a 40km bike ride with 700m elevation, that's for sure! Event pages usually have course maps which indicate the elevation. I'm no hater of hills, I'm just saying it's better to know BEFORE race day how challenging the bike and run course may be.

Prior to my first triahtlon, I was running a decent amount with a good level of fitness from that, so I focused more on the swim and bike distances when making my decision. At the point of registering, I had bought a bike and had been on a few easy ~1hr rides, with many months before race day. This meant I was confident that I had enough time to build up and be comfortable for an Olympic Distance.

Whatever you decide, it's important that you are comfortable and realistic with what you are doing. It's also good to know why you want to do it, as having a why helps boost motivation throughout the lead up to the race.

Finally, everyone has a range of different reasons to participate in their first triathlon race. If you want to tick the box and have fun, great! If you want to challenge yourself and see what your body is capable of, also great! If you need a push to get fit, great! The best thing about the triathlon community is everyone is very encouraging helpful.