What is triathlon for children?
New to the sport?
What is triathlon for the TriStar age-group?
- Swim - Triathlon always starts with a swim. The swim can be any stroke apart from backstroke.
- Bike - The next step is to get on your bike. Any type of bike will do - just check it is roadworthy.
- Run - Finally, it's time for a bit of running!
There are also other multi-sport events and combinations for you to try. The two most common are aquathlons, which involve a swim followed by a run and duathlons which is run-bike-run.
Age-Groups
Triathlon really is a sport for all ages. Athletes can begin their journey at the age of 8 in the TriStar Start category and continue competing until they are over 80 years old, if they wish!
| Code | Category | Age |
|---|---|---|
| TSS | TriStars Start | 8 |
| TS1 | TriStars 1 | 9-10 |
| TS2 | TriStars 2 | 11-12 |
| TS3 | TriStars 3 | 13-14 |
Children’s race distances and age requirements
| Triathlon | Pool Swim | Open Water Swim | Cycle (Grass) | Cycle (Tarmac) | Run |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tristars Start (Age 8) | 50m | 100m | 800m | 1500m | 600m |
| TriStars 1 (Ages 9-10) | 150m | 200m | 2km | 4km | 1200m |
| TriStars 2 (Ages 11-12) | 200m | 300m | 4km | 6km | 1800m |
| TriStars 3 (Ages 13-14) | 300m | 500m | 6km | 8km | 2400m |
| Duathlon | Run 1 | Cycle (Grass) | Cycle (Tarmac) | Run 2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| TriStars Start (Age 8) | 400m | 800m | 1500m | 200m |
| TriStars 1 (Ages 9-10) | 1200m | 2km | 4km | 400m |
| TriStars 2 (Ages 11-12) | 1600m | 4km | 6km | 600m |
| TriStars 3 (Ages 13-14) | 2km | 6km | 8km | 800m |
| Aquathlon | Pool Swim | Open Water Swim | Run |
|---|---|---|---|
| TriStars Start (Age 8) | 50m | 100m | 600m |
| TriStars 1 (Ages 9-10) | 150m | 200m | 1500m |
| TriStars 2 (Ages 11-12) | 250m | 300m | 2km |
| TriStars 3 (Ages 13-14) | 400m | 500m | 3km |
Join a club
If you need some help with training or coaching, you might want to contact your local triathlon club to find out more and get involved. Joining a club is great way to meet new friends and progress your training in a safe environment. You can search for British Triathlon affiliated clubs here.
Take part in events
There are children’s triathlon events taking place right across the country. We are sure to have an event to suit you. Find out what is available and enter an event here. Alternatively you can find events as part of the regional junior series.
Contact your region
If you have questions about activities for children in your local area, contact your region or Home Nation.
Skills School
Triathlon England, Triathlon Scotland and Welsh Triathlon offer Skills School, a programme designed to develop young triathletes within a fun and creative environment. Skills School is open to all and you can attend Skills School sessions for a chance to learn new skills, have fun and meet other athletes.
Find out more here.
Triathlon Trust Activities
The Triathlon Trust use the sport of triathlon to inspire children to lead a more active and healthy lifestyle. The trust work across the UK to bring a fun, free and inclusive experience of sport to children aged 8-14, who might otherwise not have the opportunity. The events are non-competitive and use a combination of swimming, biking, running, rowing, scooting and jumping to get kids active, both indoors and outdoors. Events include:
- In-school training sessions and events
- Multi-school triathlon festivals
- Static triathlon activities at high-profile events
Find out more here.
Regular Participants
If you are participating regularly, you might already be involved in your local club. There are also other opportunities.
Talent Pathway
The national Talent Pathway helps prepare promising triathletes for success at the highest levels, providing a gateway onto the British Triathlon Performance Pathway.
Triathlon England, Triathlon Scotland and Welsh Triathlon each offer Talent Academies. The academies are led by a Head Coach who works with national staff to deliver a programme of support to the best youth and junior triathletes in their region. There are specific selection criteria to be selected for the academies. Find out more here.
Triathlon England, Triathlon Scotland and Welsh Triathlon offer Skills School. Skills School is open for all and creates an additional pathway step and improve the link between Triathlon Clubs and the Talent Pathway. Skills School is focused around learning new skills, having fun and meeting other athletes. Find out more here.
