When was the first triathlon ever

Another event was held in in Marseilles with the order of events bike-run-swim. Triathlon races vary in distance. A transition area is set up where the athletes change gear for different segments of the race. This is where the switches from swimming to cycling and cycling to running occur. Originally three separate events, they were rolled into one to become the Hawaii Ironman Triathlon. The first Iron Man Triathlon event was held in , attracting 15 total athletes.

By , the level of interest in the Hawaii Ironman Triathlon had skyrocketed. Not long after its emergence, Tri Fed representatives met with the U. Olympic Committee in regards to the integration of a triathlon race in the Olympic Games.

It was determined that Tri Fed needed to satisfy specific regulations mandated by the U. Olympic Committee, which were fulfilled over the next few years. In , with the intention of still establishing itself as an Olympic sport, Tri Fed moved to its current home in Colorado Springs, Colorado — the same location where the headquarters for the U. Olympic Committee was located.

Some of the competitors— many of whom showed up with beach cruisers and three speeds—were still racing well after dark. Spectators brought their cars closer to the water with the headlights on so that people could see where they were going as they swam.

And a genius idea it was. The event caught buzz and triathlons started popping up throughout San Diego in the late 70s, but with the now ubiquitous swim-bike-run format. Some participants took longer than the organizers expected, and it began to get dark as they finished their swims. Shanahan said they pulled up a few cars and turned on the headlights so the athletes could see. Most participants weren't skilled swimmers, so Johnstone recruited his year-old son to float on his surfboard and act as lifeguard.

His wife, Betty Johnstone, now 75, was also there that day. Here, the story takes a sad turn. Jack Johnstone, now 79, has Alzheimer's and is in assisted living.

Betty Johnstone sees him every day but said he doesn't always remember starting the first triathlon. He thought it would be a one-time fun event. Instead, the idea spread. More races popped up and their popularity grew. The triathlon became an Olympic sport in Last year, 2. In , Bill Phillips won the first triathlon in