History
Triathlon began in San Diego, when a running club added swimming and cycling to their run race. Triathlon started in Britain in 1982, quickly establishing events throughout the country. Annually, there are over 400 events in Britain, ranging in finishing time from 20 minutes to over 10 hours. There are British Championships over various distances and a series of junior events nationwide. Britain has produced eleven World Champions, and sent a team to compete at the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games.

Facilities and Equipment Required
Triathlons can have their swim sections in swimming pools or in open-water (sea, lakes, rivers etc). There are increasing numbers of events with off-road sections of the cycle and run, but road cycling remains the norm.

All that is required is a swimsuit, a bike (triathletes can use all types of bikes with mountain bikes being particularly popular with newcomers, but road bikes being faster), a cycle helmet and a top to cover the torso during the cycle and run sections of competitions. For events with an open-water swim, wetsuits are advised, and are compulsory when the temperature dips below 14°C. You must be over 14 to compete on the open road and must have parental consent if under 16.

Benefits of Participating
Triathlons are a race so best times are important, but it is the element of competition amongst all three sections that motivates participants. You compete against yourself and against those around you, but at the finish line there is always a good atmosphere with many race stories to be told.

Variations
Apart from differing distances, some events permit drafting (taking pace from other athletes) during the cycling section. This is especially true at Elite level where it is common to see groups of athletes finishing the cycle and starting the run together rather than racing individually. Some events are for teams where the team swims, bikes and runs together en-masse.