Triathlon Etiquette: A Guide for Beginners
Jul 11, 2023
If you’re new to triathlon, you’ll want to get clued up before you take on your first race. This process should include learning about what to wear, how to behave and general triathlon etiquette. In this guide, we will cover the basics of triathlon etiquette so you can ensure you don’t disrupt the event or irritate any of your fellow competitors.
Read the information about the event
Often people sign up for triathlons months in advance; this means by the time they get to race day, they’ve forgotten a lot of the information they were given at the beginning when they signed up. The first thing you should do in the days running up to the event is to find all of this information and read it through carefully. It should tell you everything you need to know about the event and any rules in place. You need to make sure you stick to these rules to avoid being disqualified. Even if you’ve participated in triathlons before, it's still a good idea to read the rules for the event you’re doing. Each triathlon might have different rules and guidelines.
Find out the drafting rules
In most triathlons, drafting is only allowed in the swimming and running portions of the event. You are not allowed to draft during the cycling element of the race. Drafting is when you get behind another competitor and take advantage of this position. When swimming, you will feel less drag when you’re slightly behind another competitor; when running, you can feel less wind resistance; and when you’re cycling, drafting reduces your drag. Most triathlons ban drafting during cycling, and you must stay a certain distance away from the bike in front until you want to overtake. This distance varies depending on the event, always make sure you know the distance and can recognise it when you’re cycling.
Follow instructions from officials
The officials are there to ensure the race runs smoothly and all participants understand what’s needed of them. When the officials are talking, you should actively listen and take in the information. They may be communicating important changes to the race conditions or safety information that you need to know before you participate. Never ignore the officials or go against the information they’ve given, as this could be dangerous.
Don’t litter
Triathlons can be hard work, and it's important to take triathlon fuelling seriously. This might mean consuming snacks or energy gels before and throughout the event. Poor etiquette is to throw your rubbish on the ground and leave a mess. This is bad for the environment and can cause issues for competitors behind you. Always put your rubbish back into your pocket or hand it to someone that can dispose of it for you in a bin. Race volunteers are not there to pick up after you, but many will be happy to dispose of rubbish for you if you can’t do it yourself.
Be aware of others
It's essential to be aware of other people that are competing or volunteering. Always give them enough room and be careful when overtaking in any event. You want to avoid running, swimming or biking into other competitors as this could cause injuries to you and the other participant. Keeping focused on your goal is vital for a good performance, but it's also important to be aware of your surroundings at all times. Take note of your position and move accordingly to ensure you keep everyone safe.
Arrive on time
Triathlon events often have lots of participants; if people arrive late, it slows down the race and makes things more challenging for the officials. Always arrive on time and make sure you leave on time. There might be more traffic for large events, so take this into consideration before setting off. It's always better to be slightly early rather than slightly late to any form of event.
In conclusion, triathlon etiquette is crucial for beginners to ensure a smooth and enjoyable race experience. From familiarising yourself with event rules to respecting fellow competitors and volunteers, practising good sportsmanship and arriving on time, following these guidelines will help you navigate your first triathlon with confidence and consideration.