One of the simplest and most accessible forms of multisport, aquathlon consists of three legs, with a swim sandwiched between two run segments. The official distances for the annual ITU Aquathlon World Championships are a 2.5km run, 1km swim, and 2.5km run. This can change if the water temperature is lower than 22 degrees, in which case the race becomes a 1km swim followed by a 5km run.
Aquathlon is an excellent way for novice athletes to enter the world of multisport, and for experienced triathletes to add something different to their race routines.
There are a wealth of aquathlons organised throughout the year of varying distances and forms. During the colder months, pool-based aquathlons are often held using the swim-run formula. During the summer, evening and weekend aquathlon race series are held by many triathlon clubs. Junior and youth aquathlons are also held (although with shorter swim and run distances dependent on age) in both pools and open water.