þríþraut

þríþraut is the Icelandic term for triathlon, a multi-sport endurance event in which athletes complete three consecutive disciplines—swimming, cycling, and running—usually with a transition stage between each segment. The name combines elements meaning three and a trial or competition.

In a typical þríþraut competition, athletes start with a swim, then move to cycling, and finish with a run. Formats and distances vary widely, ranging from sprint distances to longer Olympic or half- and full-distance events. Equipment and pacing strategies are adapted to the sequence, with transitions (the time spent changing equipment) serving as a key aspect of race strategy. Wetsuits may be used in colder water, and many athletes train across all three disciplines to maintain balance and efficiency.

The modern triathlon originated in the United States in the 1970s and grew into an international sport administered by World Triathlon (formerly the International Triathlon Union). National triathlon programs and clubs organize events within countries, including Iceland, where local clubs and regional races contribute to the sport’s development. World Triathlon governs international competition, sets rules, and oversees world championships and the World Triathlon Series, while national bodies coordinate domestic calendars and age-group divisions.

Participation in þríþraut emphasizes cross-training, discipline-specific technique, and endurance. It attracts athletes of all ages and abilities, with events offering various entry points, from beginner sprints to long-distance challenges, and promoting athletic development, community involvement, and personal achievement.