Biathle - Swimming then Running
Biathle, also referred to as modern biathlon, is a sport that was derived from modern pentathlon. The sport originated with the intention to provide training opportunities for the run and swim portions of the modern pentathlon, which later became very popular and emerged as a sport in its own right.
Biathle races consist of swimming and running as part of a single race. It should not be confused with aquathlon, which also features running and swimming, and originated from triathlon. Biathlon races are over much smaller distances and are of higher speeds, compared to that of aquathlon races. Most races are conducted outdoors, but there is also an indoor variant that is used for training during the winter.
Most biathle races are of the swim and run format. There are a few races that feature a run, sum and run again format with continuous transitions. The most common distance for biathle race is a 300m swim segment followed by 5km run.
Biathle is currently not a part of the Olympic Games. The highest level of international competition for the sport is the annual Biathle World Championships which features races for both men and women. The championship races have about 500 athletes taking part from over 50 countries.
Similar Sports
- Aquathlon — a continuous race involving swimming followed by running. It is a similar format to Biathle, though over longer distances.
- Swimrun — involves multiple swim and run stages, with carrying of all equipment and no clothing changes.
- Aquabike — a shortened version of triathlon, with no running leg. Athletes swim followed by cycling.
- Triathlon — a continuous event involving swimming, cycling, and running.
- Duathlon — similar to triathlon, running first, then cycling, then running again
- Quadrathlon — consists of swimming, kayaking, cycling, and running.
- Biathlon — a combination of cross-country skiing and rifle shooting.
- Modern Pentathlon — comprises five events: fencing, 200m swim, show jumping, and combined pistol shooting and 3200m run.
- Triathle — a shortened version of the Modern Pentathlon, athletes compete in shooting, swimming and running events as a part of a single race.
Related Pages
- About Multi-Sports
- Complete list of sports
- The Encyclopedia of Sports
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