RaceLystr

Welcome to Multisport: Your Introduction to Triathlon, Duathlon, and Beyond

If you’ve ever watched a triathlon and thought, “I could never do that,” think again. Multisport racing is far more accessible than most people realize. Whether your strength is swimming, biking, or running—or even just two of the three—there’s a starting point for everyone. Triathlon, duathlon, aquabike, and aquathlon all fall under the multisport umbrella, offering endless combinations to test your endurance, focus, and grit.

Understanding the Multisport Family

Triathlon is the most recognized multisport event, combining swimming, cycling, and running—completed in that order, with transitions in between each leg. But not every race involves all three disciplines.

Duathlon substitutes the swim for an additional run, creating a run–bike–run format. It’s an ideal choice for athletes who prefer dry land or live in cooler climates where open-water swims are limited.

Aquabike offers a swim–bike format, allowing participants to race hard without the run. It’s popular among athletes recovering from injury or those who want to focus on swim and bike performance.

Aquathlon combines a swim–run sequence—usually a shorter format that’s great for beginners or as a training race.

Each type of event has its own rhythm and strategy. Some athletes love the fast transitions of duathlon; others thrive in the sustained pacing of triathlon. The key is finding what excites you and fits your current strengths and lifestyle.

Breaking Down Race Distances

One of the best parts about multisport is its scalability. You don’t have to start with an Ironman—few ever do. Races come in a range of distances suitable for every fitness level:

• Super Sprint: Usually around a 400m swim, 10km bike, and 2.5km run. Perfect for first-timers.
• Sprint Distance: 750m swim, 20km bike, 5km run. The most common entry-level race for new triathletes.
• Olympic (Standard): 1.5km swim, 40km bike, 10km run. Often used for national or international competitions.
• Half Iron (70.3): 1.2-mile swim, 56-mile bike, 13.1-mile run. A major endurance challenge that attracts experienced athletes.
• Full Iron Distance: 2.4-mile swim, 112-mile bike, 26.2-mile run. The ultimate test of endurance and mental toughness.

Duathlons, aquabikes, and aquathlons follow similar scaling, meaning you can gradually increase distance and complexity as your confidence grows.

Preparation Is Everything

Training for a multisport event isn’t just about fitness—it’s about adaptability. You’re teaching your body to switch gears quickly and efficiently between disciplines. Each segment taxes different muscle groups and energy systems, which is why structured training is essential.

• Consistency beats intensity. You don’t need to train like a pro, but you do need to show up regularly.
• Brick workouts—combining two disciplines back-to-back, like bike-to-run—prepare you for race-day transitions.
• Gear and setup matter. A properly fitted bike, comfortable wetsuit, and organized transition layout can shave minutes off your time.
• Nutrition and hydration are the “fourth discipline.” Practice fueling during long sessions to understand what your body tolerates.

Preparation also means mental readiness. Expect obstacles: rough water, wind on the bike, tired legs on the run. Multisport racing builds resilience—one discipline at a time.

Your Starting Line

The beauty of multisport is that it welcomes everyone. You don’t need to be fast—you just need to be willing. From local sprint races to national duathlon series, each finish line tells a story of courage, consistency, and self-belief.

As you begin, remember: every elite triathlete once stood exactly where you are now—curious, nervous, and ready to take the first step. Sign up for a beginner-friendly race, join a local club, or attend a transition clinic to learn the basics. The community is supportive, the learning curve exciting, and the rewards life-changing.

Whether you choose triathlon, duathlon, or any other multisport path, you’re not just training your body—you’re training your mindset to thrive under challenge. The journey starts with one decision: to tRI!