Triathlon and duathlon are two sports which are incredibly similar in many respects, but are very different at the same time.
What is triathlon?
Triathlon is the better known sport, and consist of a swim, cycle and run in that order. There are super sprint, sprint, Olympic, middle and full distance events available with the full distance coming in at a mighty 3.8KM swim, 180KM ride and 42.2KM run.
There are several triathlons every week during event season at a variety or price points and distances. Most triathlons are held in open water, with a handful being held in pools. These are generally run in mid spring and late autumn when the lakes and oceans are too cold for mass participation events.
What is a duathlon?
Where a triathlon includes three different disciplines, duathlon only includes two, running and cycling. The race starts with a run, followed by a bike, and then a second (shorter) run.
Due to the omission of the open water swim, duathlon can be held all year round. Broadly speaking, duathlon is seen as more of a winter sport, while triathlon is a summer sport. Many triathletes will target duathlon in the off season when they cannot race triathlon.
Is duathlon easier than triathlon?
This is a contentious question. Many triathletes will say yes, but they’ve clearly never experienced the very unique level of suffering that you reach during the second run of a duathlon.
However, there is no denying that many duathletes only choose the sport because they can’t swim. Sometimes this is due to a medical issue such as a shoulder or neck injury which makes swimming difficult. But more often than not it’s because swimming is hard to learn, and they turn to duathlon as an easy way out. Where if they applied themselves, worked with a coach and were willing to eat some humble pie, they could become outstanding triathletes.
What are the pros of triathlon?
I’ve raced several duathlons over the years, but have never felt the same level of achievement at the finish line as I have at a triathlon. There’s something about the swim which turns it from a race into more of an adventure.
You also get to travel exciting places and enjoy beautiful parts of the world in the best of the summer. Triathlon is a much bigger support, so there is a thriving international community you can be part of, with many triathlon clubs to join.
Triathlon also comes with a certain kudos. Tell someone you do triathlons, and they’ll almost certainly know what that involves. Tell them that they do duathlon and they’ll ask what that means. Generally followed by the awkward “so it’s triathlon without the swimming?” question.
What are the pros of duathlon?
One of the biggest benefits of duathlon is the lower cost. Without having to worry about buying a wetsuit or pool fees, you can save a pretty penny. The entry fees also tend to be lower as organisers don’t have to worry about the expenses which come with holding an open water swim.
Due to its less technical nature it’s easier to get started in. 95% of the population knows how to ride a bike, and running is easy to pick up for most. We all used to do it as children after all.
If you are an experienced runner and/or cyclist, duathlon can work as a great gateway to multisport while you learn to swim.
Is triathlon or duathlon better?
Neither sport is superior to the other. From my own personal experience I would always choose a triathlon over a duathlon, but I am a good swimmer and have all the gear required for triathlon.
While there is nothing wrong with duathlon, and it is arguably harder on the body than triathlon, I would advise against athletes using it as a crutch to avoid learning to swim. Push your limits and step into the unknown, instead of playing it safe.
If you need some help stepping into the world of triathlon, check out my coaching packages here or my training plans here.
