Triathlon
British Triathlon is the national governing body for the sport of Triathlon in Great Britain. British Triathlon sanctions over 500 events every year, has over 400 affiliated clubs and over 9000 members.
What is Triathlon?
Triathlon is an exciting multi-discipline sport made up of a swim, then a bike ride and then a run. Competitors race against the clock which starts as they begin the swim and stops as the cross the finish line after the run. Race distances vary depending on age and preference. Maximum distances are set for children but adults can choose to race over a number of distances.
Some examples of maximum race distances are as follows (Junior Triathletes are called Tristars):
Category |
Swim |
Cycle
(Grass) |
Cycle
(Tarmac) |
Run |
Tristar Start
(8yrs) |
50m |
800m |
1500m |
600m |
Tristar 1
(9-10yrs) |
150m |
2km |
4km |
1200m |
Tristar 2
(11-12yrs) |
200m |
4km |
6km |
1800m |
Tristar 3
(13-14yrs) |
300m |
6km |
8km |
2400m |
Youths
(15-16yrs) |
750m |
20km |
20km |
5000m |
Standard Olympic Triathlon
(17yrs +) |
1500m |
n/a |
40km |
10km |
Ironman Triathlon |
3.8km |
n/a |
180km |
42km |
Where did Triathlon start?
Triathlon dates back to 1974 in Southern California where a group of friends started training together. There were swimmers, cyclists and runners and soon they began having races over two or all three of their sports and Triathlon was born! This great young sport was first included in the Olympics in Sydney 2000 where it proved a spectacular success.
In Britain, approximately 500 Triathlon races take place annually with 20,000 people taking part in 2005. It is possible to get involved in Triathlon from the age of 8 upwards. All you need to be able to do is swim, ride a bike and run!
What kit do I need?
Swim - Swimsuit & goggles
Bike – Any bike (in good working order), cycle helmet
Run - Trainers , t-shirt/vest & shorts
How Do I Get Started?
If you are interested in getting started in Triathlon this is what you can do
- Find your nearest Triathlon Club by looking on the British Triathlon website www.britishtriathlon.org or by looking on the Yorkshire and Humberside regional website www.yorksandhumbertri.org.uk and see the clubs list. Contact the club and start going to their sessions.
- Contact the Regional Development Manager for the Yorkshire & Humberside region, Morgan Williams
- Become a British Triathlon Tristar by joining the association. You will get a free T-shirt, insurance, Triathlon magazines and much more!
- Go along to a local event and either watch or have a go (you will be given full instructions in the race information pack).
British Triathlon are developing a new schools project which has been accepted into the voting stages of the Norwich Union 'Join our Team' scheme called Tristar-Start
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Driffield Triathlon – Sunday 11 May 2008
Driffield Triathlon is a pool based Sprint Distance Triathlon, ideally suited to both the complete novice and the experienced Sprint Distance specialist Triathlete. Based at the Driffield Sports Centre the event comprises a 400m Swim, 20km Cycle and 5 km Run. This is a superbly well organised event using a safe scenic route in the Yorkshire Wolds.
For more information or online entry please check out the Freebird Events Website. www.freebirdevents.co.uk
Name: Freebird Events
Website: www.freebirdevents.co.uk
E mail: admin@freebirdevents.co.uk
Tel: 07954 217 995
Allerthorpe Sprint Triathlon – Sunday 22 June 2008
Allerthorpe Sprint Triathlon is an open water swim Sprint Distance Triathlon, ideally suited to both the first time open water Triathlete and the experienced sprint distance specialists. Based at the beautiful Allerthorpe Lakeland Park near Pocklington, the event comprises a 750m Swim, 20km Cycle and 5km Run.
York Junior Triathlon – Saturday 28 June 2008
York Junior Triathlon is a pool based Triathlon for 8 -16 year olds. Based within the grounds of Archbishop Holgate School, York, this fantastic race has separate categories for all age groups. Very safe, very well organised, very well attended and great fun for all.
Disablity Triathlon
British Triathlon are delighted to announce that they will be hosting a training camp specifically for disabled triathletes. The principle aim of the weekend training camp is to provide a high quality environment for disabled athletes of all triathlon classifications to train with high quality coaches. For more information click on the link below:
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Useful Contacts...
Morgan Williams
Regional Development Manager
Yorkshire & Humberside
Triathlon England
English Institute of Sport
Coleridge Road
Sheffield
S9 5DA
Tel: 0114 2235679
Fax: 0114 2235676
Mob: 07739 526560
E-mail: morganwilliams@britishtriathlon.org
Website: www.yorksandhumbertri.org.uk
National
website: www.britishtriathlon.org
Launch/Trials for the Yorkshire and Humber Triathlon Academy. Contact Morgan Williams to book a place.