Triathlon has a reputation for expensive kit and serious athletes. The reality at most UK sprint races is local clubs, first-timers on hybrid bikes and a lot of cheering. Here's how to get to your first start line.
Pick a distance
Super sprint: 400m swim, 10km bike, 2.5km run. Sprint: 750m (or 400m pool), 20km, 5km. Standard/Olympic: 1.5km, 40km, 10km. Middle: 1.9km, 90km, 21.1km. Full: 3.8km, 180km, 42.2km. Start with a sprint.
Pool or open water?
Pool triathlons are the gentlest introduction — you swim lengths in lanes, seeded by your predicted time, then run out to your bike. Open water swims feel very different: cold, no walls, other swimmers around you. Try a few open water sessions at a lake or lido before race day.
Kit you actually need
Goggles, a road-worthy bike, a helmet that meets safety standards, trainers and something to wear for all three — a tri suit is easiest but not required. For open water you'll usually need a wetsuit, which you can hire for the season.
Transition tips
Lay your kit out on a small towel in the order you'll use it. Elastic laces save time. Helmet on and fastened before you touch your bike, and don't ride until you're past the mount line.
Licences
If you aren't a British Triathlon member you'll pay a small day licence on top of the entry fee — it covers your insurance.
Find a race on our UK triathlon calendar, filtered by region and month.
