What Is A Sprint Triathlon?

A Sprint Triathlon is an entry-level multi-event endurance sport involving swimming (750 metres), cycling (20km) and running (5km) all in succession. It is very popular amongst beginners. Whilst this article will cater to someone new, it's still very popular amongst experienced and professionals alike who love the shorter triathlon form and want to excel.

All photos: James Mitchell Photography

If you're new to endurance multisports, especially triathlons, you'll probably start out by participating in a shorter triathlon such as the Sprint Triathlon before potentially moving up into longer distances such as an Olympic triathlon, half ironman or even an intimidating to many full ironman, where beginners often envision triathletes exhausted and crawling across the finish line.

If you're looking for something challenging but not too difficult, then a sprint triathlon might be the perfect entry point for you into the Triathlon world. 

Firstly, you shouldn't underestimate sprint triathlons just because of their name or because they're one of the shorter distances; tackling this event as your first triathlon takes some serious commitment. No longer just reserved for the elite triathlete, they have been seen as a good test of endurance for all levels and abilities.

Regardless of your proficiency or fitness level, a sprint triathlon could be the ideal event for you. There are different distances, but most sprint triathlons tend to be shorter than other competitive events.

The best way to approach a spring triathlon is to break each event down separately and then train accordingly. This will allow you to maintain an anaerobic level of energy throughout the entire race, which should take around 60-90 minutes in total. Of course, a longer-distance triathlon requires greater endurance and a higher level of training. Fast transitions are also important to get a good time as there is less time to make it up on the individual sports. 

To do well in this triathlon, you need to complete each discipline as quickly as possible. As it starts with the swim, being able to get out of the water early and ahead of the pack is important. Therefore, a lot of time should be spent becoming as efficient and fast as possible in the water. Many triathletes consider the swim the trickiest part of any event. The key here is you want to do enough o the swim so you can preserve as much energy as possible for the bike and run whilst still going as fast as possible. You can do this by reducing drag and increasing propulsion. Too many triathletes who are time-starved would be worthwhile considering ZEN8 Swim Trainer, which could transform your swim time by focusing on technique and muscular endurance.

Sprint Triathlon Distances (Miles and KMs)

How long is a sprint triathlon? A typical sprint distance triathlon would include a 0.5-mile swim (750m), a 12.4 miles bike leg (20km) followed by a 3.1 miles run (5km).

 

Sprint Triathlon Expected Times

Of course, the word ‘sprint’ is a little misleading because an event of this type can take up to, or over, 2 hours to complete. But, if you are a professional athlete, it is more than possible to complete the course in less than an hour. When you compare that to other events, such as the Ironman, a sprint triathlon is a pretty fast race.

What Does a Sprint Triathlon Consist of?

In order to be successful at any sport, we need to understand its fundamentals. Here’s an overview of what you will go through when participating in a sprint triathlon.

Beforehand

You'll want to obviously have trained ahead of the race and be feeling confident you can complete the distances involved. Next, you will need to get all the necessary race kit needed for the event pending on what type of sprint triathlon it is. Indeed, this will vary if you are using an indoor pool vs open water, where a wetsuit may be mandatory. 

Training for the swim section of the event is made much easier with the ZEN8 Swim Trainer. This means you don’t have to travel to the nearest pool, and you can focus on the task ahead without being distracted. Not only build up your core strength, but the trainer will also help you to isolate specific muscles and help build strength to assist with propulsion through the water. 

The Swim (0.5 miles / 750 metres)

A sprint triathlon swim is short, consisting of 750 metres, but often considered the most nerve-wracking part of the race for new athletes. Typically, you will be lined up according to your estimated swim time, although the event organisers may ask if you've completed one before or indeed have an estimated finishing time. Depending on how the race is being organised, you may set off in a timed format, one by one or otherwise in a pack which can be quite hectic for those not conditioned to the explosive starts.

Transition 1 (also known as T1) 

After your swim, you’ll go straight to your staging area. You'll be getting changed from your swim gear into the next items of clothing suitable for the bike and run. 

The Bike (12.4 miles / 20km)

Whether an indoor stationary bike, mountain bike, road bike, or you have a specific triathlon bike, having something you can use comfortably and are familiar with come race day is key.

Transition 2 (also known as T2)

Typically here, once you've returned your bike back to the staging area, you’ll put on a pair of running shoes (if you didn’t choose to cycle in them already) and set off on your run.

The Run (3.1 miles / 5km)

Depending on your race experience, the run is one area that should certainly not be overlooked. With such a short triathlon, many triathletes really go full out here to take home the win.

After The Race

You normally have post-race food and drinks provided by the organiser at the finish line. Before getting too complacent, remember to collect your bicycle and race kit from the transition staging area. This can be a very busy location at times so be very observant of who is still racing and may need to get past you quickly.

 

Sprint Triathlon Benefits

Apart from the glory of accomplishing something as challenging as a triathlon, there are many other benefits to participating in one. Sprint triathlons offer numerous health and fitness benefits for both athletes and non-athletes alike.

1. Cross-training helps prevent imbalances in your body and can prevent muscles from overworking in the same movements repetitively. Triathletes naturally incorporate cross-training due to training for three disciplines, resulting in a more efficient and effective total body workout.
2. A triathlon could be a very effective way of losing weight if that is a goal. It will certainly ensure you're getting the recommended weekly exercise hours in. All three activities, swimming, biking and running, burn calories, helping you to lose weight. If this is not the goal, it can at least help you maintain a positive weight due to all the energy expenditure a triathlon event and all the training would consume.
3. Regularly engaging in moderate-intensity physical activity has been shown to improve cardiovascular fitness and longevity.
4. Feel good factor - Imagine the immense pride you'll experience when you cross that finish line and all its accompanying bragging rights that come with finishing a triathlon.
5. Triathlons have become increasingly popular for both recreational athletes looking to stay fit and serious competitors wanting to get faster. According to industry research, there has been an approximately 50–60% increase in triathlete participation rates in the past decade.
6. Exercise can be a powerful destresser and help fight depression.

 

General Things To Keep In Mind

If you're thinking about entering a sprint distance triathlon, here are some things to keep in mind before signing up:

• Start slowly and build up your training gradually - Just because a sprint triathlon is one of the shorter distance triathlons doesn't mean anyone can do it without some training.
• Learn how to swim efficiently - You'll want to learn proper stroke techniques to save energy while swimming. One of the areas that most beginners struggle with is getting comfortable swimming and indeed dedicating enough time to it. Consider ZEN8 to allow you more free time.
• Block Training & Transitions - Practice transitioning between all three disciplines and consider doing block training so your body knows for example, how to run on tired legs after the cycle or how to quickly change from the swim to being on the bike in as quick a time as possible. Practice is key.
• Training Consistency - Repeated regular exercise improves aerobic endurance. Swimming, biking, running, and ideally doing strength training 2-3 days of the week for at least 12 weeks will put you in a good place. You must train consistently for maximum results. It is better to train frequently than fewer days but bigger volume sessions. To take things to the next level, consider adding ZEN8 Swim Trainer which could be used to build strength and allow you to form a great technique whilst saving time. Applying this 2-3 times per week in addition to the other training will yield better results and free up so much time.  
• Recovery - On a weekly basis, start by building in at least one rest/recovery day. Next, on a macro level, scale back training intensity week every 3-6 weeks. This may be by 10% every 4 weeks for example. This type of periodisation helps prevent injuries by reducing the stress placed on muscles during training sessions, allowing you to become stronger and improve quickly over time. 
• Motivation - Ways to motivate yourself include setting realistic goals, having positive expectations, and controlling factors outside your ability like consistent rest and recovery.

In Summary

In summary, a sprint triathlon is a wonderful introduction to experiencing a multi-event distance sport, testing you in several disciplines. It will test your endurance, speed, strength, and flexibility. You'll be hooked and enjoy the process that you’ll want to do another one!