Triathlon for Juniors

Welcome juniors and parents!  This section is just for you!  It aims to answer all your questions about the sport of triathlon, and to introduce you to a GREAT sport!

Here you can find out about all the fun to be had by taking part in triathlons.  You'll soon see why so many Canberra youngsters love doing triathlons, and how you can join in!

Find out More!!

• What is a triathlon?
  
• Who can do a triathlon?
  
• What do I need?
  
• How is a triathlon run?
  
• How do I try it out?
  
• What happens on race day?
  
• What training options do I have?
  
• How can I progress in the sport?
  

Further information on preparing for your first race can be found on the Getting Started page.  There's even a page for Mums and Dads to read to help you get started.  Ask them to read Tips For Parents!

What is a triathlon?

Triathlon is a sport made up of three sports - swimming, cycling and running.  Most triathlons start with a swim, then a bike ride, and finish with a run.

3 SPORTS in ONE = 3 TIMES the FUN!

Triathlon is one of the world's fastest growing sports.  Over 1 million people around the world do triathlon, and in Australia alone there are over 100,000 people who take part!  Heaps of juniors like you are giving it a go and then taking it up as their regular sport.  Here's some of the reasons why!

• Triathlon is for everyone
• Triathlon keeps you fit and healthy
• There are lots of junior triathlons in Canberra
• It's great to meet new friends outside of school
• There are lots of prizes to be won
• You can participate in triathlon all year round
• Canberra has lots of support for juniors
• We send our own ACT Junior team to the Schools National Championships each year
• IT'S HEAPS OF FUN!!!

Who can do a triathlon?

The best thing about triathlon is that ANYONE can do it!  It doesn't matter how old or fit you are, or what you look like.  If you can swim a short distance, ride around the block, and run around at school, then triathlon is for you!

Do I need special equipment?

No, you've probably got all you need at home!  All you'll need is:

• a bike that is safe to ride;
• a bike helmet (there should be a sticker inside it saying that it meets the Australian standards);
• a pair of running shoes;
• swimmers;
• a towel;
• goggles if you like to swim with them;
• a sun hat, as the sun damages triathletes' skin, even in winter; and
• a big happy smile!

Is a mountain bike ok?

Yes, even a BMX is ok!  Any bike except a motorbike is great for triathlon!  In fact there are even off-road triathlons just for kids with mountain bikes!