Congratulations on signing up for your first Always Aim High triathlon! Are you nervous? If so, you know what, it’s no bad thing, but trust me, you have nothing to worry about! Always Aim High events are super fun, have a relaxed vibe and the people running the events have been there and done it. No stress, just enjoyment.
So, what is a triathlon?
Triathlon: Swim, bike, run. It’s as simple as that. However for the uninitiated, you may be looking from the outside in with countless questions on where to start, what to wear, what do I need to take, when do I arrive…In this article we’ll aim to give you some advice on the basics!
How long is a triathlon?
Before we get stuck in, we need to first get an understanding of what different distances there are to compete in. As a beginner, you’re better off starting with shorter distances (although we all know that one person who signed up for an Ironman on a bet having never swum before!) As with any outdoor sporting event, we recommend some training in preparation for the big day; you’ll have a much better overall experience, not to mention you’ll be much safer for doing so.
Sprint distance: 750m Swim, 20km ride, 5km run
Olympic or classic distance: 1,500m swim, 40km ride, 10km run
Middle distance: between 2,500m-3,800m swim, 80km-120k ride , 20km -30km run
Long (Iron) distance: 3,800m swim, 180km ride, 42km run
Before the event essential planning
Get your bike race-ready
Your bike is your most important piece of equipment, so make sure it’s in top condition. A full service can help prevent mechanical issues from ruining your race. Summer is a busy time for bike mechanics, so if you haven’t do so yet, get it booked in!
Know what you’ll wear
Choosing the right outfit can make transitions smoother. Most triathletes opt for a tri-suit, but comfortable shorts and a vest are also an option. Your wetsuit will go over this. If you have a race belt, you can put it on after the swim; if using safety pins, secure your number to your clothing beforehand.
Do a dress rehearsal
Test your gear before race day. Try your new goggles in the pool to check for leaks. Practice swimming in your wetsuit and race outfit to get used to the feel. If possible, swim outdoors to experience open water conditions. Also, experiment with running in your trainers without socks to see if it’s comfortable, or decide if you’ll need to put some on in transition.
Plan your race logistics
Check event details early. If your race is more than an hour away or starts very early, consider booking accommodation nearby. Staying close can help you avoid road closures and provide an opportunity to cycle to the event, which is a great warm-up. If you drive, plan your route carefully—road closures may affect your journey.
Read the event handbook
Every triathlon has different rules and logistics, so go through the race guide carefully. Some events require registration the day before, so note the deadlines. If spectators need tickets, pre-order them to keep race day stress-free for your support crew.
Familiarise yourself with the course
Many race organisers now provide online briefings with course overviews—take advantage of these. Ensure you know how many laps are required for each discipline and double-check this before the race. If you arrive the day before, consider visiting the venue to visualise the course or do a safe route recce.
Event day Kit list
Before heading to the event, ensure you have all your gear ready. Having a well-packed bag will make all the difference on race day. Here’s your essentials of what you’ll need on race day:
Super Important:
- A rucksack for your kit
- Tri-suit or shorts and a tri-top
- Wetsuit, cap, goggles
- Race belt or safety pins
- Helmet and bike
- Bike maintenance kit (pump, spare tube, CO2, chain lubricant, Allen keys)
- Cycling shoes or trainers
- Bottles and race fuel (gels, bars, fruit)
- Running shoes
- Warm clothes for after the race
- Suncream
Not so important:
- Sunglasses, hair ties, hat or visor
- Spare goggles and cap
- Towel for drying feet
- Talcum powder for shoes
- Socks and elastic laces
- Spare trainers for warm-up
- Bike computer
- Pre-race snacks
- Warm-up aids (Therabands, skipping rope)
Race Day topTips: Stay Calm and Focused
The big day is here! Follow these tips to stay on track:
- Arrive early. Registration and racking your bike always take longer than expected.
- Eat breakfast 2-3 hours before your race, sticking to familiar foods.
- Bring your ID, QR codes, and British Triathlon membership number for registration.
- Apply race stickers to your bike and helmet before entering transition.
- Fasten your helmet before entering transition (this is a common rule!).
- Walk through transition to memorise where you’ve racked your bike.
- Secure your timing chip on your left ankle.
- Stick to your fuelling strategy, don’t try anything new on race day.
- Apply suncream, even if the weather seems overcast.
Enjoy it!
Triathlon is as much about the journey as the finish line. Whether you’re racing to compete or simply aiming to complete your first event, soak in the experience and have fun. Treat fellow competitors with kindness and respect, and get stuck in there!
