Section 3: Playing Area
3.1 Swim Course
- Distance: 1500 m (0.93 mi) for Olympic distance; 750 m for sprint; 300 m for mixed relay super-sprint.
- Venue: Open water — lake, river, ocean, or harbour. Purpose-built pools are not used for World Triathlon or Olympic events.
- Course layout: Marked by large coloured buoys at turning points. Typically a single- or double-loop rectangular or triangular course. Direction of turns clearly indicated.
- Water temperature measurement: Taken at 60 cm depth at the swim course centre, 1 hour before the scheduled start.
3.2 Bike Course
- Distance: 40 km (24.9 mi) for Olympic distance; 20 km for sprint; 7.4 km for mixed relay.
- Layout: Typically a multi-lap circuit on closed public roads. Laps are usually 5–10 km each, providing spectator access and logistical control.
- Road surface: Paved roads required. Technical Delegate inspects for potholes, grates, sharp turns, and unsafe camber.
- Mount and dismount lines: Painted lines at T1 exit and T2 entry. Athletes must be off the bike before crossing the dismount line and may only mount the bike after crossing the mount line.
3.3 Run Course
- Distance: 10 km (6.2 mi) for Olympic distance; 5 km for sprint; 2 km for mixed relay.
- Layout: Multi-lap circuit on paved surfaces. Aid stations every 2.5 km providing water, sponges, and electrolyte drinks.
- Finish line: Clearly marked with timing mat, camera, and finish tape. Athletes must complete the entire course on foot (running or walking).
3.4 Transition Areas
- Transition 1 (T1): Swim-to-bike. Located between the swim exit and the bike mount line. Individually numbered racks where athletes store their bike and equipment.
- Transition 2 (T2): Bike-to-run. Located between the bike dismount line and the run course start. Athletes rack their bike, remove helmet, change shoes.
- Transition rules: Athletes must use only their designated rack position. No assistance from coaches, team members, or spectators. Equipment must remain within the athlete's designated area. Timing mats record transition times.