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Triathlon

Legend has it that three US Marines were arguing in a bar in Hawaii about which of their particular sporting disciplines was the toughest; running, swimming or cycling. To decide on the outcome they devised an event that would encompass all of the three disciplines and after they would each decide on the toughest area. Little did they know that this was the birth of the world's most popular multi-sport discipline; the triathlon.

Whether this story is true or an embellishment of the real facts is unknown, but what is clear is that triathlons have become a global phenomena that attract millions of participants every year, and newer and tougher events appear on the sporting calendar regularly. The British Triathlon Association is the governing body, and they provide the latest news and event information for anyone interested in these events.

The basic triathlon has been morphed into a new category of sports events called Extreme Sports. These are for very motivated people only, and are challenging even for the world's fittest individuals. These triathlons - also born in Hawaii - include the XTerra and the hugely popular Ironman series. Somerset hosts what has been described as the most beautiful and the most challening Ironman 70.3 in the world. Every year in June up to 2,000 participants congregate at Wimbleball Lake on Exmoor to partake in the UK Ironman 70.3 Championship event. For the first time in 2007, the organisers, Tri UK with support from Active Exmoor, will be hosting the first Junior Duathlon for kids around Wimbleball.

For the more 'traditional' length triathlons, Somerset RC Tri host a series of events around the county during the summer months. These include Taunton Deane, Burnham-on-Sea and Minehead. A full event listing that includes triathlons and duathlons for children is available on their website. They cater for all abilities and novices are welcome. However places get booked up fast so reserve your place early and get training!