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In This Section What is Triathlon? Where did Triathlon start? What kit do I need? How Do I Get Started? Volunteering in Triathlon Contact Further Links
What is Triathlon? British Triathlon is the national governing body for the sport of Triathlon in Great Britain. British Triathlon sanctions over 400 events every year, has over 300 affiliated clubs and over 7000 members.
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 (8 yrs) |
50m |
800m |
1500m |
600m |
Tristar 1 (9-10 yrs) |
150m |
2km |
4km |
1200m |
Tristar 2 (11-12 yrs) |
200m |
4km |
6km |
1800m |
Tristar 3 (13-14 yrs) |
300m |
6km |
8km |
2400m |
Youths (15-16 yrs) |
750m |
20km |
20km |
5000m |
| 17 and over (Standard Olympic Triathlon) |
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 your Regional Development Officer , 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).
South Yorkshire Triathlon Clubs Sheffield Triathlon Club Training - Ponds Forge Swimming Pool, Wednesday 8.30pm; Woodburn Track, Tues 6.30pm; Ecclesall Church Hall Fri 6.30pm; Sun 9.30am Contact - www.sheffieldtriclub.com
Adwick Triathletes, Doncaster Training - Adwick Leisure Centre - Mon 9-10pm Swim, Thurs 6.30pm Spinning; Doncaster Town Centre - Sun 9am Contact - www.adwicktri.com
Volunteering in Triathlon What is it that motivates the vast number of unsung heroes who ensure Triathlon is so well managed and events run so smoothly year after year? Naturally the enjoyment of being outdoors, mixing with like minded people and giving something back to the sport; its competitors, marshals and referees is high on the list.
From the estimated 70,000 volunteers required for the Olympics/Paralympics games to the 5 or 6 needed at a small community event; all are invaluable and in triathlon this is no different.
With sports amazing participation level and increasing numbers of events the volunteer community is vital to the continued success.
British Triathlon full time Volunteer Development Officer Sarah Williams recognises this and is working towards the volunteer strategy. The formalisation of the role and recognition given to volunteers is certainly helping the sports growth. Listed below are the roles in which you can volunteer in; event or club:
- Event Preparation / Take down - Registration Desk - Help Desk - Marshalling - Time Keeper - Referee - Coach - Volunteer Co-coordinator - Club Treasurer - Media Officer - Vice Chair - Club Secretary - Club Vice Chair - Talent Search Coordinator - Webmaster - Club Chairperson
The British Triathlon website has pages dedicated solely to volunteers. Here you can find out how to get involved in volunteering; with full descriptions of all the roles and keep you up to date with important issues concerning volunteers. You will also hear about new initiatives which may be of interest to you or your club. Should your event or club need volunteers or a referee you can send enquires to sarahwilliams@britishtriathlon.org
The best way to keep in touch is by registering as a British Triathlon volunteer. By doing so, you will receive information on all relevant volunteering opportunities including being the first to hear about events such as the Corus Elite Series, Corus Kids of Steel and National Championship Events. You will also receive bi-monthly newsletters containing news views and updates, as well as being in with a chance to win British Triathlon merchandise. Upon registering, you are not obliged to do anything, nor are you committing yourself to anything. It is our way if keeping you informed of what is happening and what events you could get involved in. We want to be able to support you in the work that you do and by registering with us we hope that we can begin to do this.
For more information on Volunteering in Triathlon, including the Volunteering in Triathlon DVD please go to our website or e mail Sarah Williams
Contact Morgan Williams, British Triathlon Regional Development Manager Yorkshire & Humberside Yorkshire & Humberside Triathlon South Yorkshire Sport English Institute of Sport Sheffield Coleridge Road Sheffield S9 5DA
Tel: 0114 2235679 Fax: 0114 2235676 Mob: 07739 526560 Email: Morgan Williams
Further Links British Triathlon British Triathlon - Yorkshire and Humber
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