About Triathlon

Often the best way to judge the success of a sport is by the status of its flagship events. In the case of triathlon, the growth of a variety of international events and the success of some of the long-standing ones have demonstrated how successful the sport has become.

Triathlon perhaps owes much to US television network ABC, whose coverage from the mid-1980s on of the Hawaii Ironman World Championships has probably inspired more people to take up the sport than any other media form. Their presentation of Ironman as an event that can change lives – and in which anyone who finishes is a superstar – has made triathlon evolve into a sport to which everyone aspires.

The popularity of this ultra-distance event has spawned various genres of triathlon racing, the most recognized format being the Olympic Distance of a 1500m swim, 40km cycle and 10km run (0.9 mile; 25 miles, 6.2 miles).

So successful is this format that triathlon made its Olympic about in Sydney, Australia, barely 12 years after it was first introduced. No other sport has ever gained Olympic recognition within this time frame.

Besides the Ironman and Olympic Distances, the success of Sprint Distance triathlons (usually half the length of an Olympic Distance event has made the sport accessible to millions and continued to help develop fresh, young talent for the longer distances.

There are hundreds of races of varying distances in-between, however, with each offering the triathlete a different a challenge. Probably the most exciting development in recent years has been growth of off-road, or Xterra, triathlon. Starting with a swim, followed by an off-road mountain bike course and finishing with a cross country run, this format poses fresh challenges and has revealed a new breed of Xterra specialists.

In the face of so many competing sports, triathlon has the potential to adapt better than most. With the best running shoes for women as well as offering such a variety of options, the world’s great races such as those featured in all the events continue to be triathlon’s lifeblood.   

Working out for a triathlon can be quite an exciting and fun adventure. Make sure you be a part of a group connected with triathletes, old as well as young, newbie along with expert or perhaps acquire helpful suggestions in choosing arch supports for flat feet and working out for a fantastic triathlon experience.