Introduction to Biathle (and Triathle)
Biathle is a continuous run-swim-run competition.
All competitors must be full members of the Pentathlon GB or their National Federation. Information about membership and how to join Pentathlon GB is available on the Pentathlon GB website
Competitions & Training.
A series of Biathle competitions are run each year locally in the North West area and elsewhere in Great Britain. In addition, an international Biathle World Tour series of events are run together with a European and World Championships. In Biathle, international events are generally open to all age groups.
Details of all the competitions and training opportunities can be found on on the 'Events Page' and on the Pentathlon GB website.
Age Categories.
The age categories are the same as those in all other aspects of Modern Pentathlon, with the exception that the Masters have four distinct sub groups. The distances appropriate to each age group are shown below. The Youth F age group is not recommended for open water events.
Age Group Category Run Swim Run
7/8 years F 200m 50m 200m
9/10 years E 400m 50m 400m
11/12 years D 400m 50m 400m
13/14 years C 800m 100m 800m
15/16 years B 1200m 200m 1200m
17/18 years A 1600m 200m 1600m
19 to 21 years Juniors 1600m 200m 1600m 22 years + Seniors 1600m 200m 1600m
40+, 50+ Masters A and B 1200m 100m 1200m
60+ Masters C 800m 100m 800m
70+ Masters D 400m 100m 400m
Order of Events
- The Biathle competition begins with a pack start, in which all competitors gather at the starting line. The firing of a start gun commences the race.
- In case of a false start, a second start will be given. In case of a second false start, the respective athlete's start number will be called and the athlete will be penalised with 10 seconds on the starting line.
- Jockeying for position during the first few meters of the race will be accepted however un-sportsmanlike conduct will not be tolerated and will result in disqualification.
- Competitors must stay inside the competition lane during the race. Competitors leaving the competition lane will be disqualified.
- Competitors run the first leg of the running portion of the race to the swimming area.
- The final 50 meters of the first running portion of the competition is a transition zone, in which the competitors remove their shoes (and socks, if worn) and place them in the pre-assigned boxes (designated with the respective athlete's start number), before diving into the water.
- Athletes are required to place all of their kit in the transition boxes and not to hand them to other persons or leave them on the ground or elsewhere other than in their assigned transition box. Should any item be left on the floor, disposed of on the floor or handed to any person, the competitor will be given a time penalty.
- Competitors are not allowed any outside assistance during the race.
- Competitors may enter the water and swim free style (in any fashion) and swim the required length.
- Upon completion of the swim, the competitors must locate their shoes in the pre-assigned boxes and put them back on before continuing the race. Athletes must wear their shoes during the running portions of the competition.
- The competitors complete the final leg of the run to the finish line. The first person to cross the finish line wins.
- For Biathle competitions, athletes should wear a swimsuit or tight-fitting one-piece or two-piece body suit that is capable of being worn for each segment of the competition. This will eliminate the loss of time in removing or changing clothing between the various legs of the competition. All athletes must wear their tops throughout the race.
- Athletes are not permitted to wear shoes during the swimming portion of the event.
- Athletes must wear shoes for the running sections of the event.
Triathle
Triathle involves shooting, swimming and running in a continuous shoot/swim/run format. The event begins with a pack start and there is a transition zone between the run and swim.
The swim may be in open water and Pentathlon GB first held a Triathle in 2016. The British Triathle Championship is now an annual fixture on the calendar.