Well you've seem the sport on the television, you may have friends who have take part in a race, you may be looking for the next challenge having done a marathon. However you have become interested in taking part in a TRIATHLON it is nice to see you here.

It can be quite a nerve-racking experience. What do I where? What do I do? Will I be the last to finish? Will my bike be good enough? Loads of questions to be answered. I hope that on this web page I will be able to calm your worries.

Filled out your name and address so that it is readable.

Filled in your date of birth.- In triathlon sports the age groups are divided up in separate groups of 5 years. Your year of birth is important so that the results can report have you did against others in your age group. Your age is taken as from 31st December.  Children's events are also based on age at the end of the year.

Entered an estimated swim time. (not required for children's events)- this is important to ensure you swim with others of the same ability. No one wants to be put in a lane where other swimmers are trying to get past every length. All swim distance times are calculated from the 500metre distance (20 lengths of a standard community pool). If your taking part in a tri-a-tri event we will base your 200m swim time on the 500m estimate.

Read & Sign the entry form. - Entries cannot be processed until the entry has been signed and you don't want to loose your place place.

Equipment: 

To start training for a triathlon you do not need the most up to date equipment. If you've watched  triathlon events you may think you need a top road racing cycle, proper triathlon racing clothing kit etc. This is not the case.

To swim you will need: a swimming costume, swimming goggles and a towel.

To bike you will need: a road worthy bicycle that you are comfortable ridding. This can be a mountain bike or a road touring bike. It does not need to be one of modern design as long as it is in a safe condition. If you are in doubt about this, take it along to your local cycle shop to have it serviced. They will ensure the gearing, brakes, tyres etc. are all fine. Also importantly you will need a Cycle Helmet which must fit firmly to your head. You do not need to wear cycle shoes and clips wearing trainers is fine. Clothing need not be special, just socks (not obligatory), shorts and top that can be put on easily and quickly and don't forget gloves if you are doing an event early spring late summer. It can be chilly early mornings. Note: Children's events will be on grass surface

To run: you need trainers, these can be the ones you used for the cycle. Running top and shorts again could be what you wore on the bike section.

Other equipment: A drinking bottle, you need to replace the fluids lost. If you can get a bottle carrier fixed to your bike then you can take on drinks whilst cycling (don't forget to practice doing this before the race). Vaseline to lubricate those 'little areas' is a must. A pump for your bike tyres plus a spare inner tube just in case of a puncture would be advisable.

Training

Anybody who trains regularly should be able to enjoy taking part in a triathlon. It will seem to be very tough to put three events together all against the clock. But you can take it as easy or hard as you like. The important thing is to try and pace yourself all the way through, and remember to enjoy yourself. If you can train with others it is always helpful, there are now more triathlon clubs than ever and within them coaching which will help your preparation. To find out what clubs are available in your area then go to the Triathlon England website.

When training try to at least get two sessions of each discipline in a week. Starting with short distances at first and over a six week period build up toward the distances that you will be competing at. With a couple of weeks to go try putting two of the sections together with a short transition between them to get use to the changes. You will find the most interesting change will be from the bike to the run, try not to go at it to hard.

Different types of event:
To help your training or give a taste of other types of multi-sport events there are other combination events. In the Sussex and Kent area there are: Aquathlons (swim/run), Duathlons (run/bike/run), Triathlon (swim/bike/run). There are cycle time-trials (a cycle course to be under taken in the quickest time). All the sanctioned events are listed on the Triathlon England web site with some updates at the  sanctioned events around the country. Also events that I hear of or help organise will be listed on the Hedgehogtri website.

The set-up of any event will be dependent upon many things, the size of facilities, size of field, location etc. But in the main the event is run in the same fashion and under the  BTF racing rules

The swim can be in a swimming pool or open water. I will only comment on the pool scenario, as this is the most common for a novice. The pool will be divided up into lanes and there will be a number of competitors assigned to swim at the roughly the same time and will be of the same swimming ability (given that all estimated swim times submitted on the entry form are correct). You will need to swim in the lane in a clock-wise or anti-clockwise direction for safety reasons. For the reason you will not be allowed to swim backstroke as you would not be able to see in front of you.
Children's events: the swim is done in 'waves' with each child having one side of a lane to swim up & down in, dependant on entry numbers.
When you complete the swim you will make your way to the transition area. This is where you would have racked your bike and laid out all your kit you will need for the event.

Before you touch your bike you must ensure that you fasten your cycle helmet on your head. You must lead your bike on foot to the point outside transition where you mount (there is usually a marshal here).

Whilst navigating the bike course you must follow the rules of the Highway Code, stop at traffic lights (if there is any on the course)  and bear in mind other road users- they will not get out of your way, they won't acknowledge the fact your racing. It is always best to ensure you know the bike course- try to drive around it before you get to the event. It is against the rules to try and 'Draft' behind another competitor. You must keep at least 10metres from the person in front unless you are overtaking. Follow the signed route, at the end dismount at sign point and lead your bike back to your rack point.
Children's events: Usually a lapped course, parent can keep count of laps but must stay in the spectator area and must not wander on to the course. The 'drafting' rule does not apply.

Do not try to take your cycle helmet off until you have racked your bike. Change for your run and exit through the correct gateway to the next course.

The run could be over any type of terrain and could be a 'lapping' course or a 'there & back' type. You are allowed to run along with other competitors if you wish.

Race instructions & race numbers
These are important to your race. The instructions will be available on-line between 3-7 days before the event and explain the courses, location of the venue, car parking, changing, everything you need to know. The race numbers may be sent to you or you may need to collect them when you arrive at registration. You will probably need to have a race number written on your leg and arm so that marshals can tell who you are whilst in the swim section.
Remember that your number must be visible at all times on the bike and run courses. You will get two numbers one to be worn on your back (for the cycle section) and your front (for the run section).
Children's events: One race number to be worn on the FRONT of the top. to be put on before the cycle section.

Day Membership 2009
All persons completing has to be a member of the British Triathlon Association. This is included in the entry fee for the event. Those producing a current BT race licence will receive £1 refund on the day at registration.

Race rules
There are a few racing rules to remember some mentioned above, others can be found at this web site run by the BTF. The rules are there to help improve safety. A race referee from the BTF will usually be present as will a motor cycle 'Referee' around the bike course. Any infringement of the rules could result in a time penalty or at worst disqualification.

As a triathlon is not an event placing one competitor against another the time keeping and results are, to some, what it's all about. Your start time will be at the commencement of the swim. There are no time allowances for transition between the sections and the finish time will taken when crossing the finish line at the end of the run. There will not be any intermediate times, overall times only.
No one will be able to tell, during the event, how well or badly you have performed, as results cannot be compiled until the last person has crossed the finish line. As everybody started at different times only the timekeeper will have some idea and that is all. So don't worry about being a novice, enjoy it!
Children's Event: Overall time for the event only, start & finish times recorded only.

To keep the entry fees as low as possible triathlons tend to use volunteers, friends & family. I would ask all competitors to consider the point that; If every competitor marshalled at least once in an event per year, it would cover every event so far available. So if you enjoy your first event consider your next event but also if you can spare some time please help out.

This is the governing body for the sport they are connectable by:

Post: 

• PO Box 25, Loughborough, Leics, LE11 3WX
• In Person: Sir John Beckwith Building, Loughborough University, Loughborough, LE11 3TU

The telephone number is:   01509 226161

Email: information@britishtriathlon.org

Website: www.britishtriathlon.org

Your Next event
I hope that you will find the events you enter to be fun and rewarding. It is a wonderful feeling when you cross the finishing line having completed your very first triathlon. 

In Sussex there is a wealth of events of different types and abilities for both the novice and the more experienced. There is always more tricks & techniques to learn & training partners to meet. I hope you continue to support and enjoy the sport in the future and I hope the above has been useful.

Paul Hedger

Hedgehogtri