Mixed Relay – What you need to know about triathlon’s latest Olympic discipline
Since the first Mixed Relay World Championships in 2009, triathlon’s exciting take on team sport has gone from strength to strength. The Glasgow Commonwealth Games in 2014 was the first time the event featured as a major multi-sport games and will be making its Olympic debut at the Tokyo 2020 Summer Olympic Games. Following the event in Nottingham last month, the Mixed Relay moved onto the World Championships in Hamburg at the weekend with Great Britain putting in a battling performance to finish 10th.
But what exactly is Mixed Relay? How does the sport work and how can you get involved?
Mixed Relay basics
Mixed Relay events take place over a short distance format with each competitor completing a mini triathlon before tagging their teammate.
Teams are made up of four competitors, two female athletes and two male athletes. They must race in the order of Female-Male-Female-Male.
Once the next teammate is tagged, Mixed Relay sees a dramatic sprint and dive start from the following teammate, making for truly gripping viewing.
How to get involved in Mixed Relay?
Mixed Relay events are on the rise and will no doubt see additional growth and interest after the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games. There are a number of British Triathlon permitted Mixed Relay events that are currently still accepting entries at present. So why not grab your friends, get involved and see what the Mixed Relay is all about!
Mixed Relay Events still accepting entries 2019 are as follows:
- Castle Howard Mixed Relay – Castle Triathlon Series (Closed road) 21/22 July - https://www.britishtriathlon.org/events/castle-howard-triathlon-2019_10569
- Cotswolds Individuals Team Relay Super Sprint Triathlon – LPS Events (Open road) 1 September - https://www.britishtriathlon.org/events/cotswolds-individual-team-relay-super-sprint-triathlon_10431
- M3 Triathlon Mixed Relay- Monifieth Triathlon Club (Open road) 13/14 July - https://www.triathlonscotland.org/event/m3-monikie-team-relay-triathlon-2019/
- Relay Wild Triathlon – Perth Triathlon Club (Open road) 11 August - https://www.triathlonscotland.org/event/relay-wild-triathlon-2019/
Find your next multisport event here: https://www.britishtriathlon.org/events
Watch the Elite Mixed Relay race from Hamburg here: https://www.triathlonlive.tv/