Question 1

What are the standard triathlon distances?

Accepted Answer

The main distances are Sprint (750m swim, 20K bike, 5K run), Olympic (1.5K swim, 40K bike, 10K run), Half-Ironman/70.3 (1.2mi swim, 56mi bike, 13.1mi run), and full Ironman (2.4mi swim, 112mi bike, 26.2mi run). Browse all distances on RACE.

Question 2

What do I need for my first triathlon?

Accepted Answer

At minimum you need a swimsuit, goggles, a road or tri bike, helmet, running shoes, and a race belt for your number. Many beginners start with a sprint triathlon, which can be completed in 1-2 hours.

Question 3

What is the difference between sprint and Olympic triathlon?

Accepted Answer

A sprint triathlon is roughly half the distance of an Olympic triathlon. Sprints typically take 1-1.5 hours while Olympic distance races take 2-3.5 hours. Sprints are ideal for beginners.

Question 4

How do I qualify for the IRONMAN World Championship?

Accepted Answer

Athletes qualify by earning a slot at an IRONMAN-branded qualifying race. Each full IRONMAN event allocates slots to age group winners. The World Championship is held annually in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii.

Question 5

What are the biggest triathlons in the US?

Accepted Answer

The SuperTri Chicago Triathlon is the largest single triathlon event with 8,000+ athletes. IRONMAN events in Texas, Florida, Lake Placid, and Arizona draw thousands. Escape From Alcatraz is a bucket-list race. Find them all on RACE.

Triathlons in Massachusetts

Mattapoisett Lions Triathlon

Cohasset Kids Triathlon

Mattapoisett Lions Triathlon

2026 Gloucester Sprint Triathlon

42nd Annual Greenfield Triathlon

Greenfield Triathlon

The Sharon Triathlon

2026 Boston Triathlon

4th Annual Kingsbury Club Summer Youth Triathlon

Kingsbury Club Youth Triathlon

2026 Hyannis 2 Triathlon

Call To Honor Triathlon

Hyannis 2 Triathlon

Title 9 Women's Triathlon

Hopkinton Women's Triathlon

Hyannis 2 Triathlon

Dover Sherborn Boosters Triathlon

Josh Billings Triathlon

Buzzards Bay Triathlon

Buzzard's Bay Sprint Triathlon & Du

The Great River Challenge, Off-road Triathlon

Triathlons in Nearby States

Frequently asked questions