Why is the triathlon in a specific order?

Many people do know the order of the triathlon; swim, bike, run. But a lot of them question why the order is the way it is. In this article I will explain the reasons and logic behind it. 

The order of a triathlon is based on two major things: ensuring safety and smooth transitions. Each organization wants to keep the athletes, but also spectators and volunteers safe. Transition wise, taking off a wetsuit is relatively easy; putting it on is a complete mastery. You need to start with a swim.

Above mentioned are the most important ones, but there are more reasons for having this particular sequence. Let’s see what those are.

Reasons for the triathlon sequence

Swim safety

The swim course of triathlons happens in open water. Some courses in the sea, encountering waves, others in a river without any sight in the water. Totally different from the swimming pool with lanes where you would train.

Swimming in open water poses a threat to an exhausted athlete. If the swimming course was the last one, it would increase the chance of cramping, collapsing with exhaustion in the water, and worst case drowning. You definitely want to start with the swim course.

Learn when and how to train for the swim element as a beginner, to make sure you will swim efficiently.

Bike safety 

There are several elements that come into play when thinking why cycling is in the midst of the three elements.

When an event would start with the bike, you would have all the athletes packed from the beginning. Everyone wants to find their rhythm and pace, but that is almost impossible if e.g. 1000 triathletes start at the same time. 

On top of that comes the drafting element. In most triathlons (except e.g. some sprint triathlons) you can’t slipstream on the bike. That means don’t get within 5 meters of another rider unless you’re overtaking. After the swim the athletes are spread out over the course. If you would start with the bike course, that will definitely make things chaotic and judges cannot properly judge whether you are drafting or overtaking. 

Besides the dangers that come with starting by bike, finishing by bike would increase the possibility of accidents as well. An athlete will get more and more fatigued during the race. Getting on your bike in such a condition, combined with the immense speed and needed agility, an accident can happen in the blink of an eye.

There are two different bikes that your can use during a triathlon. Read all about the difference between a road bike and triathlon bike, and make up your mind.

Run safety

From a safety point of view, the running part in itself could be positioned anywhere. There is little danger in starting with a run or putting on your shoes after the first section is completed. The reason why running is positioned last is therefore determined in the required sequence of both swimming and cycling.

There are different type of runs for your training sessions that you can use to become a better runner. And to ensure this last part of the triathlon can be completed well. Read about the interval run and the long run.

Smooth transitions

If you want to have a competitive finish time, the transitions between swimming, cycling and running are key to maintaining a good time. 

Putting on a wetsuit is quite a hassle for most people. The wetsuit is stiff and tightly folded around your body, it is difficult to get a grip on, any crack could lead to the suit not being watertight anymore, which influences your buoyancy dramatically. 

The logic of swimming first is that you can take time to put on the wetsuit before the start of the race. Putting it on after a run or bike would be a competition on its own. Putting off the wetsuit is quicker. It allows for a smoother transition to the bike stage. 

From a transition point of view you could switch the order of running and cycling. Practicing these transitions in your training schedule is essental. Read about 5 simple steps to structure your training.

Easy logistics for athletes

As a triathlete you need to prepare three bags; two for the transition zones and one for the finish line. It makes life easy when these bags do not contain too much materials. Therefore it is not desirable to fold and put your wetsuit in such a bag. Instead you’re more comfortable when that’s out of the way and to start with a swim.

Easy logistics for spectators

The chances of seeing your friend, family member, or any of the other athletes closeby is during the run stage. Quite often you can cheer more than once to the athlete as the run course needs to be done twice or multiple times in a row. When putting this at the end you can even scream till the finish line. Making it ideal for spectators. 

Even though the swim stage can be very chaotic for athletes, for spectators it is easier to see who’s leading and lagging due to the compactness. Having people jumping in the water after a bike or run would make things far more complicated to follow. 

Easy logistics for the organization 

When you opt to do the cycling part at the end, this means that the organization needs to (partially) block numerous roads for a long time. The field of athletes will be stretched, which forces volunteers to stay for traffic control. 

Inhabitants of the villages where the athletes pass by will disturbed by those blocked roads as well. Not an ideal situation.

Besides, when starting by bike the organization needs to facilitate that hundreds or thousands of athletes have the space to do so. That would require various logistic challenges.

What is triathlon?

Triathlon is an endurance sport. You perform multiple sports in a row, which by themselves are an endurance test already. It is made for people who don’t shy away from a challenge. There are several stories about the origin of the triathlon. 

The most well known narrative is about a bet, made in a bar in Hawaii, which led to the Ironman. That still is the most important contest of the year. 

The Ironman, also known as the classic or full marathon, consists of a 3.8 K swim, a 180 K bike, followed by a 42.2 K run. 

Since the year 2000, the triathlon has been an Olympic sport, with adjusted distances. That event has a 1.5 K swim, a 40 K bike course and a 10 K run.

Ever wondered what would be harder, a triathlon or a marathon? Check it out.