Training FAQ > General Triathlon > Why is the "Olympic/Triathlon distance" triathlon 1.5k/40k/10k?
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As the sport evolved the largest emerging series used these distances. The origin is not exactly clear but a 1500m swim is the standard "long" swim race, the 40k timetrial is a cycling standard, and 10k is the most popular road racing venue. The international triathlon governing bodies needed a distance to promote for the Olympics and picked the "most popular" format.
Last updated on May 3, 2007 by David Ardley