Stepping into the world of triathlon can feel like staring at a buffet table without knowing where to start. Do you begin small, or go all in on one of the big brand names you have seen on TV? The good news is there is no wrong answer. The sport is full of options for beginners and the key is finding the race that matches both your goals and your lifestyle.
Understanding The Distances
Triathlon is not one size fits all. The shortest format, the super sprint, keeps things approachable with a 400m swim, a 10km bike, and a 2.5km run. A sprint doubles those numbers and is one of the most popular formats for newcomers.
Next comes the Olympic distance, also known as the standard distance, with a 1.5km swim, 40km bike, and 10km run. Racing a qualifying event at either the sprint or Olympic distance can also open the door to representing your country at the World Triathlon Championships.
Progressing in distance, there’s the relatively new T100 format, launched as part of the T100 Triathlon World Tour in 2024. These events include shorter races as well as their signature 100km race, made up of a 2km swim, 80km bike, and 18km run.
Slightly longer is the format Ironman calls the 70.3, and Challenge Family refers to as the “middle distance.” This race includes a 1.9km swim, 90km bike, and 21.1km run.
At the longest end of the sport (excluding ultras) is the full-distance: a 3.8km swim, 180km bike, and 42.2km run. This is the iconic format raced at the Ironman World Championship in Kona, Hawai’i, widely considered the “soul of the sport” and the birthplace of triathlon.
Choosing Your Race Experience: Understanding the Major Brands
Once you’ve identified the distance that excites you (and fits with your schedule and life commitments), the next step is choosing your event (or events!). Each race series brings its own vibe, values, and unique atmosphere to the sport.
If you’re looking to test the waters with something fast, fun, and beginner-friendly, Supertri offers easy-entry events across various distances, from super sprint to Olympic. They even provide free first-timer training plans and supports. Supertri races take place alongside their pro events, creating a high-energy, world-class spectating experience that can both motivate and inspire your own triathlon journey.
Challenge Family is known for its “athlete first” philosophy. Their events emphasize enjoyment, community, and the overall experience – not just performance. Their flagship race, Challenge Roth, is legendary and represents the heart of what Challenge Family stands for.
A newer name on the scene, T100, has quickly made an impact with events in iconic cities like Vancouver, San Francisco, Dubai, and Australia’s Gold Coast. In addition to their signature 100km distance, T100 weekends often include shorter triathlon formats or single-sport races (like the 5km music run in Dubai), all designed to be inclusive and electric. With pros and age-groupers sharing the same stage, the energy is unmistakable, and even first-timers will feel like part of something big.
And then there’s Ironman, arguably the most recognized name in the sport. The brand’s rich history, global scale, and the magnetic pull of its World Championship in Kona make it a long-term dream for many. It’s a distance and a brand steeped in tradition, grit, and achievement.
Of course, not every race is part of a big-name brand. Local and grassroots events, often organized by clubs or community groups, can offer a welcoming, low-pressure environment for your first race. These smaller events are usually more affordable, logistically simpler, and packed with community spirit. Many seasoned triathletes got their start at a local race and never forgot the experience.
When I first entered the sport, I chose a full Ironman – Ironman Canada in Penticton – as my first race. It was intimidating, no doubt, but it was what my heart called me to. Sometimes, it’s not about what makes the most sense on paper, it’s about what resonates deeply. And that, too, is a powerful way to choose your first race.
Putting It Together
There’s no single “right” way to begin your triathlon journey. Whether you start with a local sprint or jump straight into a full-distance Ironman like I did, the best first race is the one that aligns with your goals, your life, and your why. Pick a distance and event that excites you, and then commit! The start line may feel daunting, but crossing the finish line will change you.
There’s a kind of magic in triathlon, and my wish is for you to experience it, just like I did.
Mel Sauve is an Ironman triathlete and a regular contributor to Triathlon Magazine. She also leads the magazine’s on-the-ground photography at major events, including the Ironman World Championship in Kona.
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