About Youth Triathlons
Triathlons were started in 1974 in California by runners, bikers and swimmers debating which sport was the hardest. Triathlons have grown over the years, and now athletes compete in triathlons all over the world! In fact, triathlon is the fastest growing sport in America! The races have different distances, from "Sprints" to "Olympic" to "70.3" to "Ironman."
Most children know how to swim, ride a bike and run. Triathlons put all three events together to make one fun-filled sport. The United States of America Triathlon (USAT) youth triathlons are set up into two groups, juniors and seniors, based on age. Juniors, ages 6-10 years old, swim 100 yards, bike 3 miles and run 1/2 mile. Seniors, ages 11-14 years old, swim 200 yards, bike 6 miles and run 1mile.
Triathlon is a wonderful sport to instill an active and healthy lifestyle, as well as good character.