Many triathletes (including me) started their journey with an Aquathlon. The simple format of Swim+Run, is much simpler than a Triathlon, yet still combines two sports in an exciting event. The experience you gain from them is invaluable for triathlons and they are also great early season events for triathletes, when perhaps the water is too cold or when road conditions are not good for cycle racing.
Pool based aquathlons are better as first events but there are also many Open Water events. Distances vary but the ITU (International Triathlon Union) standard is 2.5 km run/1000m swim/2.5 km or 1000m swim/5km run. Pool events often shorten the swim to 600m. A novice or Go Tri event maybe 300m swim followed by 2.5km run. You can search for aquathlon events on the British Triathlon website.
What to Wear for an Aquathlon
You can either wear a Tri-suit (if you own one) or a swimsuit + T-Shirt/running top. You can swim in a Tri-suit and the transition is quicker as it can be tricky trying to put on a top when wet. Tri-suits start around £60.
You will need trainers to run in of course. Check the terrain of the event, but most will be on roads and paths, so trail shoes should not be required.
You will need goggles and a swim hat if you wear one. In the transition area (the side of the pool where you get changed into running gear) you will need a towel to stand on, and depending what you need to put on a second towel to dry yourself. Some competitors like to wear socks but most run without either using talcum powder or vaseline/body glide inside their shoes to stop rubs. You can use elastic laces if you like for a speedier transition. If you wear a tri-suit you will need a race belt to hold your number. If you don’t you can pin it to your T-shirt with safety pins (normally supplier by the organiser).
What to Expect on Event Day
When you register you will be given a race number and usually have that number written on your arm or leg. You will be told where the transition area is an will be able to set out your towel and running clothes there.
In a pool event you will be asked to count your lengths, but will often get a 2 length warning with a float waived in the water, but it is best not to rely on that.
On completing the swim walk (with some pace!) to your transition area, stand on the towel and put on your race belt or T-Shirt. Then put your shoes on, walk out of the pool and GO!
Do not set off too fast on the run, just settle into it before you crank it up to full speed. Enjoy!
