Keen to understand the different triathlon distances and average time for completing triathlons? Let us help you find the best triathlon event for you.
Learn the difference between an Olympic triathlon distance verses a sprint distance triathlon, discover how long middle-distance triathlon is in comparison to a long-distance triathlon and understand what 70.3 means in triathlon.
The great thing about triathlon is the variety of different distances that you can take part in. If you’re new, you can start with the shorter triathlon distances and build up. Or if you are looking for a real challenge you can dive straight in.
We will look at all the main triathlon distances as well as a few other options for you to consider. Giving you guidance on how far each triathlon distance is and roughly what you should expect, including estimated times for you to complete a triathlon.
What are triathlon distances?
The main triathlon distances are:
- Swim, Bike, Run – Introductory events
- Super Sprint Distance Triathlon
- Sprint Distance Triathlon
- Standard Distance Triathlon (also known as Olympic Distance)
- Middle Distance Triathlon
- Long Distance Triathlon
In this article we explore the triathlon events like any good athlete; working up the distances as we go. If you want to learn a little more about what triathlon is before you choose your triathlon distance take a look at this page.
Triathlon Distances
Swim Bike Run – Introductory Events
If you’re a beginner to triathlon or just starting out, our local Swim Bike Run activities and events are a perfect way to build confidence and skills.
Swim Bike Run offers introductory and progressive activities for all ages and abilities, such as cycling tips and learning to swim in open water. You’ll meet lots of other likeminded people who are also just starting out. Once you start to hone your skills you might like to take on a Swim Bike Run Mini. A bite-sized fun event with two or three of the elements of swim, bike, run. These are really short distances to get you used to combining activities.
Find a local Swim Bike Run near you here.
Super-Sprint Distance Triathlon
This event distance is the shortest triathlon distance you can do and is often aimed at beginners. However, some people just prefer to push themselves fast over shorter distances.
If you take part in a super-sprint distance triathlon you can expect to meet lots of other people just getting into triathlon.
- Swim – 400m (that’s 16 laps of a 25m pool)
- Bike – 10km (6.2 miles)
- Run – 2.5km (1.5 miles)
How long will a super-sprint triathlon take? Most competitors can expect to take between 45 minutes and 1 hour to complete the super-sprint triathlon. Top triathletes will be super speedy finishing in around 20 minutes!
Search for a super-sprint triathlon event near you here.
Sprint Distance Triathlon
Sprint distance triathlons are another great option for a first event or to test your sprint speed over a short distance. The swim distance is sometimes the same as the super-sprint but the bike and run are a bit longer.
Some athletes like to use the sprint triathlon distance as training for longer distances later in the season and a chance to hone their transitions. Sprint distance is also the distance that paratriathletes race over as opposed to a standard distance triathlon.
In a sprint triathlon, you can expect these distances:
- Swim - 400m in a pool, or 750m in open water (0.25-0.5 miles)
- Bike – 20km (12.4 miles)
- Run – 5km (3.1 miles)
How long will a sprint triathlon take? Most competitors can expect to take between 75 and 90 minutes to complete the sprint triathlon. Top triathletes will be finishing in less than 60 minutes!
Search for a sprint triathlon near you here.
Standard Distance Triathlon
Standard Distance Triathlon distance is also known as an Olympic triathlon or full distance triathlon. As the name suggests the distances in this event are the same distances used at the Olympics!
But you don’t need to be an Olympian to complete a standard distance triathlon. Get some help from our training section and this distance will be well within your reach.
In a standard distance triathlon, you can expect these distances:
- Swim – 1.5km (just under 1 mile)
- Bike – 40km (25 miles)
- Run – 10km (6.2 miles)
How long will a standard distance triathlon take? Most competitors can expect to take between 2.5 and 3 hours to complete this distance. Top triathletes will be finishing in under 2 hours!
Search for a standard triathlon event near you here.
Middle Distance Triathlon
A middle-distance triathlon is a bigger challenge to train for, but you can do it! This distance is usually a step up for those who have already completed a shorter distance, or those who prefer endurance events.
The middle-distance triathlon is sometimes referred to as a 70.3. The name 70.3 comes from the total distance in miles which is covered during the event. Popular brands that you may have heard of that run events over these distances are half IRONMAN/ IRONMAN 70.3 and Outlaw half.
In a middle-distance triathlon, you can expect these distances:
- Swim – 1.9km (1.2 miles)
- Bike – 90km (56 miles)
- Run – 21.1km (13.1 miles)
How long will a middle-distance triathlon take? Most competitors can expect to take between 6 and 8.5 hours to complete the middle distance triathlon. Top triathletes will be finishing in well under 4 hours!
Search for a middle-distance triathlon near you here.
Long Distance Triathlon
A long-distance triathlon is a real feat of endurance. You’ll want to spend quite a bit of time training and preparing for this distance.
There are several different event organisers that run triathlons over this distance which British Triathlon permit, including the popular and well-known brands IRONMAN and Outlaw.
In a long-distance triathlon, you can expect these distances:
- Swim – 3.8km (2.4 miles)
- Bike – 180km (112 miles)
- Run – 42.2km (26.2 miles - yes, that’s a full marathon at the end there!)
How long will a long-distance triathlon take? Most competitors can expect to take between 11 and 17 hours to complete the triathlon. Top triathletes will be finishing in around 8 hours!
Search for a long-distance triathlon near you here.
Other options
Don’t like swimming? Can’t stand cycling? Not a fan of running? So long as you like at least two of these disciplines we’ve still got race options for you!
How about trying a…
- Duathlon – In this event you will cycle, run, cycle.
- Aquathlon – In this event you will swim and run.
- Aquabike – In this event you will swim and cycle.
You can find more about these in our What is Triathlon section and discover an event near you in the event finder.
Top Tip: Not quite ready to take on an event alone. You can often compete in events as a relay team. So you can team up with friends and each take one section to do!
Race licences and membership options for triathlon events
When you take part in a triathlon event for any event above Swim Bike Run introductory activities you need a race licence to compete. There’s no test to get the licence though! It just ensures that you have a level of insurance protection for the duration of the race.
You can buy an individual race pass for our permitted events. Or alternative why not become a Core or Ultimate British Triathlon Member. These membership packages give you a race licence and extra levels of insurance protection for the whole year, allowing you to race in as many events as you like and be protected whilst you train too. Plus, they come with a host of other benefits and savings included. Explore all our membership packages here.
